Day 5 of Ongoing Diarrhea
As indicated in the title, I've been suffering from severe and continuous diarrhea for the past five days. It's gotten to the point where it resembles nothing more than water, occurring approximately every half hour. The only momentary respite I've found is through taking Imodium. I visited urgent care, where they conducted blood tests and provided fluids, but I was sent home without significant improvement. What might be causing this prolonged issue? Is there anything I can do to soothe my digestive system? Should I consider returning to urgent care for further evaluation? I am a 42-year-old male.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 9:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with such persistent diarrhea; that can be quite uncomfortable and frustrating. Prolonged diarrhea lasting more than a few days can have various causes, including infections (viral or bacterial), medications, food intolerances, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. While Imodium can provide some relief, it’s important to ensure that you are managing the underlying cause effectively.
Main Points:
- Review potential causes of prolonged diarrhea.
- Focus on managing symptoms and hydration.
- Assess the need for further medical evaluation.
Explanation:
Severe diarrhea for five days, especially if watery and frequent, can lead to dehydration. This is particularly concerning if you have any underlying conditions like lupus or Crohn's disease that could complicate your situation. The fact that you visited urgent care and received fluids is a good first step, but since you're not improving significantly, it's important to consider why your symptoms are persisting.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks (like Pedialyte) can be beneficial in replenishing lost electrolytes. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they can worsen diarrhea.
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Diet: Consume a bland diet if you feel up to eating. Consider foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and high-fiber items until your symptoms improve.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes, such as the presence of blood in stool, fever, or worsening abdominal pain. This can be helpful information if you need to seek further care.
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When to Seek Help Again: If you experience severe dehydration signs (such as dizziness, dry mouth, decreased urination), high fever (over 101°F), or if diarrhea persists beyond 7 days, consider returning to urgent care or contacting a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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Medications: Since Imodium has provided only temporary relief, be cautious with ongoing use. Overuse can mask symptoms of certain infections that may require treatment, so it’s best used only as directed and ideally under medical advice.
Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance. Take care of yourself!
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