Five Days of Diarrhea Following Foodborne Illness
Hello! I’m a 23-year-old female who unfortunately experienced a bout of food poisoning after eating some leftover sushi on Tuesday night (I admit that wasn’t the best choice). By Wednesday morning, I woke up feeling very nauseous and unexpectedly had diarrhea; it hit me out of nowhere. The diarrhea persisted throughout the day and was very watery, but surprisingly, I didn't endure the usual intense stomach discomfort associated with food poisoning—just some mild cramping. The main issues were severe nausea and uncomfortable bloating. I made sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and electrolytes, adhering to the BRAT diet. On Thursday, I awoke with a mild fever (about 38.5 degrees Celsius), body aches, and chills, still grappling with nausea and similar symptoms. I continued to hydrate and stick to the BRAT diet. Unlike the previous day, I did not experience diarrhea, likely because I had already emptied my system. By Friday morning, I felt marginally better but continued to battle nausea, body aches, and mild chills. I also had an unpleasant acidic taste in my mouth, which could be attributed to my limited intake of simple carbohydrates or possibly acid reflux—or perhaps a combination of both. The diarrhea remained watery. On Saturday, though the fever seemed to have subsided, I noticed strange gurgling noises from my stomach and persistent bloating (my abdomen felt distended), along with more bouts of diarrhea. Now it’s Sunday. After breakfast, I had two more episodes of diarrhea, maintaining the same watery consistency as seen since Friday, likely due to my low fiber consumption. My stomach continues to gurgle, and pressing firmly on the upper middle of my abdomen (just above the belly button) causes discomfort, which I believe is where my stomach is located. Given that I consumed sushi right before feeling unwell, I surmise it is at the root of my foodborne illness. I have only taken meclizine for nausea and acetaminophen for fever and headaches, as I've read it's generally better to allow the body to expel the toxins naturally in cases of food poisoning. However, with my diarrhea showing no signs of abating, I’m left wondering if this might indicate a more serious issue requiring antibiotics. I would typically visit a doctor, but I'm currently traveling in Asia without insurance, making it less than ideal. Since Wednesday, I’ve been resting in bed, but I’m growing weary of being confined at home for fear of another sudden diarrhea episode. Does anyone have recommendations on whether I should seek medical attention? I understand that a doctor might require a stool test, but I’m uncertain how that would work, whether it's financially worthwhile, or if I should just wait it out. I appreciate any insights!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 12:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a tough situation after your foodborne illness, and your symptoms should be monitored closely. Persistent diarrhea, especially after food poisoning, can sometimes lead to dehydration and may indicate other underlying issues. I’ll address your concerns and provide clear, actionable steps.
Main Points
- Persistent diarrhea following foodborne illness can indicate dehydration and potential complications.
- Symptoms such as severe nausea, abdominal discomfort, and prolonged diarrhea should be taken seriously.
Explanation
Foodborne illnesses, particularly from sushi, can lead to symptoms like those you’re experiencing, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. While it’s common for symptoms to improve in a few days, persistent diarrhea, especially with other symptoms like fever and bloating, warrants careful consideration.
Your continued symptoms may suggest a few things:
- Dehydration: Prolonged diarrhea can cause significant fluid loss. Maintaining hydration is crucial.
- Infection: Sometimes, foodborne illnesses can cause bacterial infections that may require medical treatment.
- Irritation or sensitivity: Your digestive system might still be recovering from the stress, causing ongoing discomfort.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids, including water and electrolyte solutions. Look for oral rehydration salts (ORS) if available.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you experience:
- Significant abdominal pain
- Fever higher than 38.5°C that persists
- Symptoms lasting more than a week
- Signs of dehydration (like dark urine, dizziness, or extreme thirst)
It may be necessary to seek medical attention.
-
Diet Adjustments:
- While the BRAT diet is a good start, consider gradually reintroducing low-fiber foods that are easy to digest, such as plain rice, boiled potatoes (without skin), and bananas. Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods until your symptoms resolve.
- If you suspect acid reflux is contributing to your discomfort, eating smaller, more frequent meals may help.
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Physical Rest: Give your body time to recover. Rest can significantly aid in the healing process.
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Self-Care for Symptoms: For nausea, ginger tea or peppermint tea might provide relief. If cramps worsen, applying a warm compress to your abdomen can soothe discomfort.
If your symptoms do not improve or you feel significantly worse, consider visiting a healthcare provider even in your current situation. There might be clinics available that offer care at lower costs.
Take care of yourself, and please let me know if you need more information or support!
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