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Digestive Health
Question #14109
45 days ago
74

loose motion watery - #14109

Ishaan

I am having some major issues lately, been dealing with loose motion watery and it's driving me crazy. It started about a week ago after I tried some street food, which probably wasn’t the best idea! At first, I thought it was just something I ate and it’d pass. But no, here I am, constantly running to the bathroom, and it’s always loose motion watery. I’ve tried to stay hydrated and even took some over-the-counter meds to try and calm it down, but nothing seems to work. My stomach just feels like it's in knots all the time. It’s like every time I think I’m getting better, I have another episode. Has anyone else experienced loose motion watery like this before? I’m getting really worried that it might be something more serious. I’ve noticed some cramping too, which isn’t fun! I can’t avoid food forever, right? I mean, should I be eating light foods, or will that make it worse? How long does loose motion watery usually last, and when is it bad enough to see a doctor? I can’t keep going on like this, just waiting for it to stop! What should I do?

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Doctors’ responses

Sounds like you’ve been going through quite a troubling ordeal with persistent loose, watery stools especially since it started after trying the street food. This is typically suggestive of gastroenteritis, often caused by infectious microbes like bacteria or viruses. The first thing you should focus on is staying hydrated, as dehydration can occur quickly with ongoing diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks can be more effective than plain water in replenishing lost fluids and salts. Eating light indeed makes sense here. Foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) are easier on your stomach and may help firm up your stools. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fats as they can further irritate your gut.

Since over-the-counter medications haven’t been effective, consider avoiding anti-diarrheal drugs like loperamide unless directed by a healthcare provider, as they can sometimes slow down the elimination of the infection. Since your symptoms have persisted for about a week with no improvement and include cramping, it’s advisable to see a doctor. They may need to run tests, particularly if there’s blood in your stools, fever, or signs of severe dehydration like dizziness or decreased urination, to rule out bacterial infections or other underlying conditions that might need antibiotics or specific treatment. Remember, while loose stools can sometimes be just a transient response to something you ate, persistent or severe symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. It’s best to err on the side of caution and get medical attention to ensure proper care and relief from your symptoms.

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