Seeking Answers: Persistent Diarrhea in My Mother
I am sharing my mother’s health situation, hoping to gain some insight. She developed a serious case of diarrhea about a week ago, which necessitated her hospitalization under the supervision of a gastroenterologist. The main concerns during her hospital stay included: 1. A significant fever, peaking at 102°F upon admission. 2. Frequent loose stools that were green in color. 3. Mild abdominal discomfort. On her first day in the hospital, she was administered Monocef 1g (Ceftriaxone Injection). However, by the second day, as her condition had not improved and the diarrhea persisted, the treating team decided to switch her medication to Meropenem Injection and also prescribed two loperamide tablets. This treatment seemed to have a temporary effect, as her diarrhea subsided for a while. She was eventually discharged from the hospital; however, she continues to experience loose stools. Currently, she is taking faropenem tablets. We are feeling quite helpless and are unsure of the next steps to take. Does anyone have any suggestions or insights regarding the potential underlying causes? Her blood tests and ultrasound results came back normal!
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 10:31:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's ongoing health challenges; it can be distressing to see a loved one struggling with such symptoms. Persistent diarrhea after a hospitalization can be due to various factors, and it's understandable that you're seeking clarity and guidance.
Main Points
- Possible Causes: Ongoing diarrhea despite treatment may be related to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a new infection, or an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
- Current Symptoms: Monitoring her current symptoms is crucial, especially given the previous fever and loose stools.
- Follow-up Actions: Focus on managing hydration and potential triggers while working on scheduled follow-ups to investigate her condition further.
Explanation
Antibiotics, while effective for bacterial infections, can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to some individuals experiencing diarrhea after treatment. The green color of her stools could indicate bile or a rapid transit time through the intestines.
Given her recent hospitalization and treatment history, potential causes for her continued loose stools include:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: A common side effect of antibiotic use.
- Infections: Such as C. difficile, especially if her stool frequency increases or if she has severe abdominal pain.
- Chronic conditions: Like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease), although these are less likely without specific symptoms.
Next Steps
- Hydration: Ensure your mother stays well-hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte replacement drinks can be beneficial.
- Diet Management: Introduce a bland diet (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - the BRAT diet) and avoid irritants such as dairy, high-fiber foods, and fatty or spicy foods initially.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the frequency of her stools, any changes in abdominal pain, presence of blood or mucus, and overall well-being. This might help identify patterns or triggers.
- Follow Up with Healthcare Providers: Given her prolonged issue, it might be essential to revisit her healthcare team or consider seeing a gastroenterologist again for further testing (like stool cultures or specific gastrointestinal evaluations).
- Probiotics: Consider discussing the introduction of probiotics with her healthcare provider, as they may help restore gut flora disrupted by antibiotics.
It's important that you stay in touch with her healthcare team, especially if her condition worsens or if she develops additional symptoms. I hope this provides a clearer approach to managing her situation. Please take care.
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