Family Experiencing Diarrhea Symptoms for Six Weeks: Potential Causes?
I’m really grateful that my primary care physician could accommodate me for an appointment today. For the last month and a half, my partner, our child, and I have been dealing with irregular bouts of diarrhea, averaging about two to four times a week. This all seemed to start following a meal at a Mongolian barbecue on May 29th, where my partner ordered shrimp and fish. Shortly after that meal, all of us began experiencing diarrhea. In addition to the diarrhea, we’ve also been suffering from stomach cramps, nausea, a diminished appetite, dehydration, fatigue, headaches, and persistent drowsiness. What types of tests should I request to eliminate the possibility of parasitic infections? Is there anything else that could explain why our entire family is affected? We have not traveled recently, nor have there been any changes to our diet in the last three months. We reside in Idaho and are baffled by this situation; I’m quite fed up with it. Has anyone else encountered something similar? What was the cause? A bit about us: I am a 25-year-old female, weigh 110 lbs, and stand 5'3" tall. I take Aviane birth control, Lexapro, and Spironolactone, and I neither smoke nor drink. My partner, a 31-year-old male, is about 170 lbs and 5'6" tall; he is not on any medication and also refrains from smoking and drinking. Our child, a 5-year-old girl, weighs around 35 lbs and takes no medications either.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 4:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad to hear that you've secured an appointment with your primary care physician. It sounds like you and your family are dealing with a challenging situation, and I'm here to help clarify potential causes and guide you on next steps.
Main Points:
Your family is experiencing persistent diarrhea with associated symptoms that started about six weeks ago, following a meal. Common causes may include foodborne infections, parasites, or gastrointestinal disorders, and it’s essential to explore these options.
Explanation:
Diarrhea that lasts longer than a couple of weeks can be caused by various factors, including:
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Foodborne Illness: The meal at the Mongolian barbecue could have been contaminated, especially if seafood was involved. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and can persist if the infection hasn’t cleared.
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Parasitic Infections: These can occur through contaminated food or water. Symptoms often include diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue.
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Viral or Bacterial Infections: These may not necessarily correlate with food but can spread easily among family members.
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Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could also be considered, especially if your symptoms do not improve.
Next Steps:
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Testing for Parasites: Request a stool test to check for parasites and other pathogens. This can help identify if something like Giardia or other parasitic infections is the cause.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure that everyone stays well-hydrated, especially since you mentioned experiencing dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks can be beneficial. Eating bland foods (like rice, bananas, toast) might help settle your stomach while you recover.
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Symptom Diary: Keep a log of your family’s symptoms (including frequency and severity), any diet changes, and any additional symptoms, as this could provide helpful information for your healthcare provider.
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Avoid Faced Foods: If anyone in the family continues to feel unwell, avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood or potentially contaminated foods until you receive more guidance from your physician.
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Discuss Family Health: When you meet with your primary care physician, discuss the health of all family members, especially your child, and any other concerns you may have. This will help ensure all relevant tests are ordered.
Feel free to follow up with any specific questions or issues, and I wish you and your family a swift recovery.
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