loose motion for 3 days - #14173
I am struggling with something really frustrating. I’ve had loose motion for 3 days now, and it’s just not letting up. At first, I thought maybe it was just something I ate, you know? I went out for some street food, which now I’m regretting for sure! The first day, I felt kinda off, but then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had like five bathroom trips that day. The next day was even worse; loose motion for 3 days straight, and now I feel totally drained and weak. My stomach’s cramping, and I can’t eat anything without it feeling like a disaster waiting to happen. I tried drinking electrolyte solutions, but nothing seems to help much. I don't have a fever or anything, but I’m worried because how long can this go on? I mean, should I be concerned about dehydration? Should I just ride it out or is loose motion for 3 days a sign that I need more serious help? What kinds of tests or treatments should I be looking for? Just feeling kinda lost right now. Appreciate any advice!
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Doctors’ responses
With loose motion persisting for 3 days, especially after consuming street food, it sounds like you might be dealing with an acute case of gastroenteritis, possibly triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Given that you’re feeling drained and weak, dehydration is definitely a concern, and it’s good you’ve been trying electrolyte solutions – keep that up. Over short periods, dehydration from diarrhea can become serious, so it’s key to maintain fluid intake with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are more effective than plain water. Ensuring that you also replenish electrolytes is crucial. You mentioned lacking a fever, which may suggest that a viral cause is more likely; however, bacterial infections shouldn’t be dismissed without further examination, especially after consuming potentially contaminated food. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s wise to consult healthcare provider. They may suggest a stool test to determine the specific cause and guide treatment. Antibiotics aren’t routinely needed unless a bacterial cause is identified, so over-the-counter remedies for symptomatic relief like loperamide can be used cautiously but it’s best not to use them if there’s blood in the stool or high fever, as this might worsen certain conditions. Eating bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, toast, and applesauce can help stabilize your gut. If you experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, persistent vomiting, dehydration signs (like decreased urination or dizziness), or if your condition does not improve within a couple more days, you should seek medical attention promptly. This way, they can assess whether a prescription medication or additional support might be necessary for recovery.
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