stomach pain loose motion - #17436
I am dealing with this really annoying issue and I’m not sure what to make of it. For like the past week, I been having stomach pain and loose motion, almost every day, which honestly makes it super hard to focus on work and just enjoy life! It all started after I tried some new food at a restaurant that was "supposedly" really popular. At first, I thought it was just a mild thing, but the stomach pain got worse, and then the loose motion started. I don’t even wanna leave the house at this point because I feel like I gotta run to the bathroom all the time. I’ve tried over-the-counter meds, but they only help a little. I had a couple of friends tell me it could be a food intolerance or maybe even something more serious but I don't wanna freak out unnecessarily. Anyone else deal with this kinda problem? What do you guys think might be causing the stomach pain and loose motion? Should I just keep relaxing and waiting it out, or is there something more I should do, like find a doctor for tests? I’m worried it could be something bad, and it’s driving me kinda crazy! Any advice or insights would be super appreciated!!!
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Doctors' responses
Stomach pain and loose motions persisting for a week can be unsettling, especially when it hinders daily activities. Given that these symptoms started after trying new food at a restaurant, it might initially suggest foodborne illness, like bacterial gastroenteritis, which can often arise from contaminated food or water. Common culprits include bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. However, these issues typically resolve within a few days. Since it’s lasting longer in your case, it’s important to consider other possibilities like a food intolerance, which can develop suddenly, or an infection that requires medical attention. Another possibility includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even inflammatory bowel disease, though these typically come with other symptoms like blood in stool, fever or unintentional weight loss, which would necessitate a physician review. Over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, but their limited effectiveness in this situation suggests it’s worth seeking further assessment. Visiting a healthcare provider can give you more clarity through a thorough examination, and possibly tests such as stool samples, to pinpoint an infection or other underlying cause. It’s crucial to stay hydrated—use rehydration solutions if necessary—to combat dehydration risks associated with diarrhea. Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach further, like dairy or caffeine, and focus on a bland diet. If symptoms escalate—such as severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, vomiting, or a high fever—this would warrant immediate medical care. Addressing this now with professional guidance can help alleviate discomfort and determine the best course of action tailored to your condition.
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