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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Loose Stools In An Elderly Person?

I am 70 years old and about 6 weeks ago stopped taking a calcium supplement. Gradually all of my gut symptoms have cleared up...constipation, acute episodes of swelling mainly. Now when I eat I get a quick gut response and often very runny stools. I'm trying to decide if I am still recovering from the calcium effect and to wait it out or if there are foods that are able to trigger this. I weigh 125 lbs and feel terrific, other than for this.
thank you.
Tue, 9 Feb 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query loose stools in elderly person seems to be due to acute gastroenteritis which is a type of viral infection. It could be due to electrolyte imbalance in body. Need not to worry. I would suggest you to take proper rest. You should have plenty of fluids to rehydrate. You should take diet rich in multivitamins. You should do tepid sponging as well. Avoid intake of outside hot and spicy food substances. Visit gastroenterologist once and get it examined. You should get blood tests done to find out underlying cause of your condition whether bacterial or viral and start treatment accordingly. You should diet rich in fibres and proton pump inhibitors. Your symptoms will resolve in 3-5 days.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Loose Stools In An Elderly Person?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query loose stools in elderly person seems to be due to acute gastroenteritis which is a type of viral infection. It could be due to electrolyte imbalance in body. Need not to worry. I would suggest you to take proper rest. You should have plenty of fluids to rehydrate. You should take diet rich in multivitamins. You should do tepid sponging as well. Avoid intake of outside hot and spicy food substances. Visit gastroenterologist once and get it examined. You should get blood tests done to find out underlying cause of your condition whether bacterial or viral and start treatment accordingly. You should diet rich in fibres and proton pump inhibitors. Your symptoms will resolve in 3-5 days. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari