Experiencing Bloody Diarrhoea Following a Fever
Hello everyone, I’m a 35-year-old male with a history of anxiety, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and subclinical hypothyroidism. My current medications include sertraline and levothyroxine. Last Thursday, after returning from the gym, I started to feel widespread aches similar to flu symptoms. Upon waking on Friday, this discomfort persisted, and by the afternoon, I began experiencing diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps; these cramps typically occur just before a bowel movement. Despite still feeling unwell on Saturday morning, I had to travel that day. To manage the situation, I took Imodium, which proved effective in preventing any unfortunate incidents during my seven-hour trip. However, during the journey, I experienced significant chills, leading me to suspect I might have had a fever. This morning (Sunday), I found myself awake at 2:30 AM, once again needing the toilet, and the diarrhoea continued. When I visited the bathroom at around 7:30 AM, I was alarmed to notice blood in my stool, particularly distressing since I had hardly eaten anything since Thursday—just a clear liquid. Fortunately, the body aches and headache I was enduring have significantly diminished, and I haven't needed to take any more paracetamol. I still find myself having bowel movements every couple of hours, with blood noted each time. Earlier, I managed to eat a banana and a slice of toast. Although I struggle with health anxiety, I must admit I have remained surprisingly collected during this episode. Is it possible that this is merely a typical stomach virus? Currently, I am away from home but still within the UK, and I can reach out to NHS 111 if needed. By the way, I recently finished a course of antibiotics to treat an infected hangnail about a month ago—might this be relevant? Thanks for your input! 🙏
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 6:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea following a fever, and it’s great that you’re reaching out for guidance. While it could potentially be due to a viral infection or another gastrointestinal issue, the presence of blood in your stool raises the need for caution. Here are the main points to consider:
Main Points
- You may have a viral or bacterial infection causing your symptoms.
- The presence of blood in your stool requires careful attention.
- It’s essential to stay hydrated and monitor your symptoms closely.
Explanation
Given your recent history of flu-like symptoms and diarrhea, it’s possible that you could be facing a gastrointestinal infection, possibly exacerbated by your recent antibiotic use, which can disrupt the normal gut flora and lead to conditions like antibiotic-associated colitis. However, the presence of blood in your stool, especially when it follows fever, can indicate potentially more serious issues, like a bacterial infection or an inflammatory condition.
Next Steps
-
Stay Hydrated: Focus on drinking clear fluids, like water, broth, or rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on how often you are having bowel movements and any changes in your symptoms. Note any new symptoms such as worsening pain, further blood in your stool, or persistent fever.
-
Seek Medical Advice: Contact NHS 111 as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms further. It is important to get personalized advice from a healthcare professional who can take a full history and suggest any necessary investigations or treatments.
-
Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to bland foods initially (like bananas, toast, or rice) until your symptoms settle. Avoid fatty, sugary, or spicy foods that could irritate your digestive tract.
-
Keep Your Doctor Informed: When you contact NHS 111 or your doctor, mention your recent antibiotic use and any other health conditions (like SIBO and thyroid issues) as they may influence your care.
You’re handling this situation with remarkable calmness despite your health anxiety, which is commendable. Please take this situation seriously, and I encourage you to reach out for medical advice soon. Stay safe!
Related Questions
Digestive Wellness Challenges
I've been facing difficulties with my lower gastrointestinal health. In the autumn of 2019, I fell ill. This episode was marked by profound fatigue, ultimately resulting in a loss of 100 pounds. Although I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), no further assessments were conducted, and my symptoms do not align with typical IBS characteristics. There were periods when I felt improved, but my health fluctuated. In June of 2022, I underwent gallbladder surgery, which I hoped would alleviate some of my issues. Fast forward to May 2024, when I experienced a troubling development: my anal canal could no longer facilitate bowel movements. Currently, my stools are excessively soft. Recently, I consulted a specialist who prescribed dietary fiber and laxatives. However, given my weakened muscular capacity and the state of my stools, the laxatives have resulted in severe diarrhea. The specialist mentioned concerns about my pelvic floor, but my physical therapist suggested the problem likely has a neurological origin. What steps should I consider taking next?
Should I Take Antibiotics for Dysuria Without an Infection?
I’m a 25-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 68 kilograms. I occasionally consume alcohol, don’t smoke, and I’m from Australia. My daily supplements include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and fish oil. Today, I visited my physician to discuss my troubling symptoms—specifically, a painful and burning sensation each time I urinate, which has persisted for several days. After conducting a urinalysis, my doctor informed me that my test results showed no evidence of infection, as there was no blood or cloudy appearance in the urine. Nonetheless, he prescribed me antibiotics, specifically Trimethoprim at a dosage of 300 mg once a day for a week. I’m left wondering if taking these antibiotics is necessary since I have heard that using antibiotics in the absence of an infection can be quite detrimental to one’s health. Additionally, I realized I neglected to mention to my doctor that I am also dealing with dysorgasmia, which has added to my concerns.
Seeking Solutions for Persistent Mouth and Stomach Issues
Greetings everyone, For several years now, I’ve been struggling with a troubling issue, and despite numerous consultations with physicians, I have yet to find a resolution. The situation has become extremely exasperating. I encounter two primary concerns: firstly, a white, slimy substance accumulates in my mouth, which becomes sore, and secondly, I face ongoing halitosis. This slime generally appears each morning upon waking; at times it makes my lips feel glued together and hampers my ability to speak clearly. When I attempt to scrape my tongue, the accumulation seems never-ending, and I cease because of discomfort, not because the slime has subsided. One doctor previously identified the presence of Candida during testing, yet other evaluations returned negative results, indicating inconsistency. Despite this, I believe something is amiss, as such excessive slime cannot be typical. Interestingly, we used to employ a cleaning lady who experienced similar troubles prior to my own onset. Could this connection be significant? I live with several individuals, and one person among them also has these issues, although the others do not. This individual began showing symptoms after the cleaning lady's work started. Is it mere chance? Furthermore, in the early stages of my ordeal, I was diagnosed with periodontitis. My dentist performed a deep cleaning as treatment, and I’m now in the maintenance phase, receiving cleanings every six months. At my latest visit, my dentist remarked that my gums appear to be in good condition. Concerning the Candida, I was given Ampho-Moronal suspension multiple times throughout the years, but it didn’t yield any improvements. During a gastroscopy, doctors detected Helicobacter pylori along with a stomach ulcer. I adhered strictly to the antibiotic regimen prescribed, and subsequent breath tests returned negative for H. pylori. Interestingly, while taking the antibiotics, my bad breath improved significantly or completely vanished, but it returned swiftly after completing the course. Another doctor then recommended a fourteen-day course of fluconazole, yet the white slime persisted. I’ve been diligently managing my halitosis with an extremely rigorous oral hygiene regimen. The only product that consistently provides relief is a cosmetic mouthwash; if I forgo it, my bad breath resurfaces shortly after brushing, accompanied by soreness in my mouth. However, I’m not convinced that this approach offers a true solution; it feels more like a temporary masking of the problem. I’ve also observed that right after chewing gum—when my breath is fresh—the unpleasant smell resurfaces quickly once I discard the gum, and my mouth becomes tender until I brush my teeth again. I suspect the slime issue may have emerged after using Chlorhexamed mouthwash for my periodontitis, but I cannot be certain due to the passage of time. The last specialist I consulted was a well-respected ENT, who indicated that the issue likely originates from the stomach region. Regardless of the various treatments I’ve embarked upon, these issues remain persistent, severely detracting from my quality of life. I am at a loss about what steps to take next. I have seen countless doctors repeatedly, waiting up to two months for appointments with the hope that they might provide a remedy, only to find that either they don’t take my concerns seriously or confess their inability to help. Any insights or suggestions from anyone who might offer guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Concerns Over Prolonged Digestive Issues and Anxiety
Greetings, For the past seven months, I’ve been navigating a troubling health situation marked by persistent diarrhea and other concerning symptoms. My history includes multiple blood tests, particularly as I suffer from chronic migraines. Recently, a stool sample analysis indicated no abnormalities. I'm scheduled for coeliac testing this Tuesday and have been instructed to submit another sample. In preparation for this, I’ve made an effort to include gluten in my diet over the last few weeks. However, my migraines have escalated in severity, culminating in a hospitalization due to a suspected brain infection, although that has thankfully been ruled out. Additionally, during this period, I noticed the emergence of acne on my cheeks coinciding with the onset of diarrhea. Despite using a prescribed skin treatment, my skin condition seems to be worsening. I’m a 29-year-old female and I'm feeling quite anxious about my situation. Could it be that I have coeliac disease or possibly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? I dread the possibility that my upcoming tests might yield negative results once again. As a vegetarian, I generally maintain good health, though I do take several supplements including magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, evening primrose oil (I have an implant), and I've recently added iron and folic acid due to these health concerns.
Seeking Guidance on Ongoing Stomach Discomfort
Hello, I'm an 18-year-old female weighing 117 pounds. Lately, I have been experiencing persistent stomach pain that feels almost incessant. It’s uncomfortable and has been disruptive enough to wake me up multiple times during the night. I don’t experience any vomiting or typical sickness; rather, it’s a constant, twisting ache that’s quite bothersome. On occasions when the pain intensifies, I develop a rash on my face, which makes me appear flushed, similar to the effects of embarrassment. My ears feel warm as well, but interestingly, I haven't had a fever. Additionally, I've noticed some unintended weight loss even though I’m eating adequately. I quickly dropped from 124 pounds to 117, and I recently observed a notable difference in my appearance when looking in the mirror. I’m uncertain about the underlying cause. I do have a doctor’s appointment lined up, but I’m hoping to receive some input or advice in the meantime to help guide me.