excessive loose motion - #16315
I am really worried about this excessive loose motion I’ve been having for the past few days. It started after I tried this new restaurant with some spicy food, and now I can’t seem to get my stomach to settle down. I’ve gone to the bathroom like a dozen times every day, and sometimes it’s just like water! I thought it might be a 24-hour bug, but now I don’t know. I’m feeling weak and super fatigued, like I can barely get off the couch. I even had to skip work, which is a big deal for me. I tried drinking more water but that just makes everything worse. My doctor just said to stay hydrated and take probiotics, but I want to know if this excessive loose motion could be something serious! I mean, could it be food poisoning or something? My friends said it could be a viral infection, but isn't that usually more immediate? Feels like I’ve had this excessive loose motion forever! Should I get tested for anything specific or just wait it out? Any thoughts or experiences with this?
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Doctors’ responses
Excessive loose motions that last several days can understandably be concerning, especially when they sap your energy and disrupt daily life. It’s important first to consider that your symptoms could be linked to the spicy meal you had, with possibilities like food poisoning, particularly if it started soon after that meal. Common causes include viral gastroenteritis or bacterial infections. These typically resolve within a week, but dehydration is a critical issue with prolonged diarrhea, leading to fatigue and weakness. Continue to focus on hydration, but opt for oral rehydration solutions rather than plain water, as they replace lost electrolytes, which can only worsen diarrhea. If the dehydration signs persist, feel light-headed, or have significant abdominal pain or fever, you should see a doctor. As for testing, a stool test can identify specific infections, which can sometimes guide appropriate treatment. It’s not unusual for viral infections to hit suddenly, yet bacterial causes might take longer to manifest. Observe for red flag signs like blood in stools or lasting significant symptoms, as these might warrant further investigation or more immediate attention. Probiotics are generally safe and helpful but shouldn’t be the sole strategy if symptoms persist without improvement. If you find no relief soon or symptoms worsen, consult your healthcare provider for further examination.
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