Ongoing Diarrhea for Two Weeks Without Relief
I am a 19-year-old male, standing at 184 cm, a smoker, and generally without any previous health issues. For the last 12 days, I have been struggling with diarrhea that shows no sign of improvement. While my stools are not entirely liquid, they are certainly not firm either. In an effort to manage the situation, I have limited my food intake to only toasted bread and plain white rice, along with drinking Aquarius. Despite incorporating probiotics into my routine, I have not observed any positive changes. I do not have any fever, nor have I experienced vomiting or intense abdominal cramps; only minor discomfort occasionally. I can't pinpoint any unusual meals leading up to this condition, aside from consuming pizza and similar foods. When should I become genuinely alarmed about this? Should I consider modifying my diet further or explore other remedies?
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 8:00:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with persistent diarrhea for the past 12 days, which can be challenging and concerning. While there are a variety of potential causes, it’s important to prioritize steps that may help alleviate your symptoms and guide your next actions.
Explanation:
Diarrhea lasting more than a week can be due to several factors, including infections (viral or bacterial), dietary changes, or other gastrointestinal issues. Given that you are young and generally healthy, the absence of fever, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramps is reassuring, but ongoing diarrhea can still lead to dehydration or other complications if not addressed.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Given your diarrhea, ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (like what you're drinking) are beneficial. Consider water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to maintain hydration.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes, such as the frequency of diarrhea or any new symptoms (like blood in stools, severe pain, or high fever). This will be helpful if you need to seek further evaluation.
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Diet Adjustment: While bland foods like toast and rice are gentle on the stomach, gradually reintroduce other bland foods such as bananas, applesauce, or cooked vegetables to see if they are tolerated. Avoid dairy, fatty foods, or overly spicy items until you improve.
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Probiotics: Continue taking probiotics, as they can support gut health, but be patient, as relief may take time.
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Lifestyle Consideration: Since you mentioned smoking, consider reducing or quitting smoking, as it can affect digestive health.
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Timeline for Concern: If your symptoms persist beyond 14 days, worsen, or you notice any concerning signs (dehydration symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urine), it would be wise to seek medical attention.
Keep an eye on your symptoms, and focus first on hydration and diet changes. If you don’t see improvement soon, consider reaching out for more help.
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