Ongoing Diarrhea for Nearly a Week
I am a 20-year-old male weighing 85 kg (about 187 lbs). Last week, I neglected to take my pollen medication, which caused me to feel unwell for nearly three days. Shortly after that, I started experiencing diarrhea, and it has now persisted for almost a week without any indication of improvement. Should I seek medical attention or wait it out?
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 6:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent diarrhea for nearly a week, especially after feeling unwell for a few days, can indicate an underlying issue that may need attention. While many cases clear up on their own, it's important to monitor your symptoms closely to ensure they don't worsen.
Explanation: Diarrhea can result from various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, medications, or underlying digestive conditions. Since your symptoms started after feeling unwell, it may be related to an infection or a sensitivity after your initial illness.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Prioritize staying hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or broths. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks as they can worsen dehydration.
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Diet: During this time, focus on a bland diet. Consider foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) as they are easier on the stomach.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you might develop, such as fever, blood in stool, or severe abdominal pain. These could indicate a need for more urgent care.
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Timing for Further Action: If your diarrhea persists beyond a week, or if you experience any alarming symptoms mentioned above, it would be advisable to consider medical attention.
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Rest: Allow your body to recover by getting plenty of rest. Stress can affect digestion, so try to relax as much as possible.
If things don’t improve in a couple of days, or if you have significant worsening, seeking further medical guidance will be important. Take care and prioritize your hydration and diet in the meantime.
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