stomach loose motion - #14336
I am dealing with this annoying problem of stomach loose motion that just won't go away! It started about a week ago after I tried this new street food I've never had before. At first, I thought it was just something my stomach could handle, but boy was I wrong!! One moment I was fine, and the next, I was running to the bathroom every hour, it felt like. I’ve been drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, and I even got some elektrolyte drinks. I went to a clinic and the doc suggested maybe it’s stomach loose motion from food poisoning, but he just told me to wait it out. I’m feeling weak, and I can't eat much because every time I do, the stomach loose motion kicks in again. I remember last year I had a similar issue but it was resolved with some antibiotics, but now I’m hesitant to take anything without knowing the real cause. Is this normal? Like, how long should this stomach loose motion last? Any home remedies or foods I can try to ease things up? I just want to feel normal again; it’s so frustrating.
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Doctors’ responses
Stomach issues like the ones you’re describing can sure be a drag, especially when they persist. Since you’ve been dealing with loose motion for about a week, it’s likely that the initial bout might have been due to something like food poisoning, as your doctor suggested. This kind of issue generally starts settling within a few days, but the fact that it’s lasting longer might indicate that there’s something else going on like a persistent bacterial or viral infection, or maybe even some irritation to your digestive system from food you ate. In some cases, gastroenteritis or a mild bacterial infection can be at play. Given that you are hydrated and using electrolytes is a good move; continuing that could really help your body maintain its balance while you’re dealing with these symptoms. Since antibiotics helped you previously, it’s tempting to go down that route, but it’s worth bearing in mind that early or inappropriate antibiotic use can sometimes lead to other issues, like antibiotic resistance or unwanted side effects.
In terms of your diet, sticking to bland and easy-to-digest foods could make a difference. Think along the lines of the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - they’re gentle on your stomach. Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and raw fruits and vegetables for now since they might irritate your stomach further. Also, things like plain boiled potatoes, clear broths, or crackers can be soothing. If your symptoms don’t show signs of improvement over the next couple of days, or if you notice blood in your stools, trembling, dehydration despite drinking fluids, or a significant worsening of your general well-being, seeking further medical evaluation would be prudent. Sometimes, persistent symptoms require stool tests or other diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause, so timely medical advice is key. If it turns out to be a bacterial infection, after all, the appropriate antibiotics might be more narrowly targeted once the pathogen is identified. Watch for warning signs, and I hope you feel better soon.
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