Chronic Diarrhea for Three Weeks in a 54-Year-Old Male
I am a 54-year-old man who is generally in good health, standing at 5’10” and weighing 150 pounds. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing diarrhea. It's not severe, but my bowel movements are consistently unformed. I’ve scheduled a visit with my doctor, who conducted a complete blood examination, including a CBC and additional tests, all of which returned normal results. Stool samples were also taken, and the culture indicated no significant growth. I'm still waiting for the results of the ova and parasite tests, which appear to be taking longer than expected. I understand the underlying concern here. Meanwhile, my doctor has prescribed antibiotics, advising me to begin taking them even before the stool test results are available. However, I am puzzled by this advice since the likelihood of a bacterial infection seems low. I have not yet commenced the antibiotics but have them on hand. In summary, should I hold off on taking the antibiotics until all stool analysis is concluded?
Answers (1)
7/22/2025, 4:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about starting antibiotics for your chronic diarrhea, especially since your tests so far haven't shown a definitive cause. Here are the main points to consider:
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Chronic Diarrhea Causes: Chronic diarrhea can arise from various factors, including dietary changes, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or even side effects of medications. Given that your blood tests and initial stool cultures are normal, the cause may not be bacterial.
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Antibiotic Use: While antibiotics can be effective for specific bacterial infections, they are not always necessary, particularly if the origin of your symptoms isn't clear. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to complications, such as antibiotic resistance or disruption of your gut flora.
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Waiting for Results: It may be prudent to wait for the results of the ova and parasite tests before starting antibiotics. These results might provide more insight into whether an infection is present, which could help in deciding the best course of action.
Next Steps:
- Hold off on antibiotics: Consider delaying the use of the antibiotics until you receive the results of your stool tests. If they indicate a specific infection, you can then discuss whether to start the antibiotics with your doctor.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes or triggers related to your diet, stress levels, or medications. This information can be valuable during your follow-up visits.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, particularly if diarrhea continues. Electrolyte solutions can be helpful in maintaining hydration and preventing dehydration.
- Dietary Adjustments: Consider low-fiber foods temporarily, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), which may help manage your symptoms while you wait for further evaluation.
If your symptoms worsen, or if you experience severe discomfort, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately. Let me know if you need further assistance or clarification!
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