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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Diarrhea And Brown Colored Stool?

My 88 yo father has had runny diarreah in the middle of the night for 2 days. The stool material is a caramel brown color, consistency of melted chocolate. Upon looking at the underpad there is a coral magenta pink shading where the liquid material spread. He is normally incontinent. He has never soiled the bed with BM before. He was at a SNF for 21 days before this and bowel movements were normal, solid, well formed and large. Any ideas what may be causing this. Other than this he is fine, good appetite, alert.
Fri, 13 Feb 2015
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response

Hello
Thank you for writing to us on Health care Magic.
Based on your history the response to your question is as follows.
1. Increased motility could be the cause of diarrhea.
2. Alteration in bacterial flora commonly causes this.
3. Need to maintain adequate hydration with plenty of water along with oral rehydration salts.
4. Probiotics and yogurt to improve gut bacteria will be helpful. No antibiotics necessary for now. Normal diet should be continued. If necessary, extra carbohydrates can be taken to avoid weakness.
Hope this is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.
Thank you
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What Causes Diarrhea And Brown Colored Stool?

Hello Thank you for writing to us on Health care Magic. Based on your history the response to your question is as follows. 1. Increased motility could be the cause of diarrhea. 2. Alteration in bacterial flora commonly causes this. 3. Need to maintain adequate hydration with plenty of water along with oral rehydration salts. 4. Probiotics and yogurt to improve gut bacteria will be helpful. No antibiotics necessary for now. Normal diet should be continued. If necessary, extra carbohydrates can be taken to avoid weakness. Hope this is helpful to you. Do write back to me for further questions. Thank you