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May 25, 2012
 

Watery diarrhea - Viral or bacterial?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have had now for about 24 hours very watery diarrhea almostlike a pure liquid which was 2 shades of brown then to an almost olive green and is currently a light brownish yellow with a almost uncomfortable. Feeling every maybe 5 minutes. I'm a 23 year old male and drink almost everyday but never had this problem. I have not drank for the passed two days bcuz I don't know if it has something to do with my drinking. Now my diarrhea has very little stool pieces and is still very watery but not complete liquid like yesterday. What can this be??????

Dear Louis: You are most probably having a viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu. These viruses are often found in contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually appear within 4 - 48 hours after exposure to the contaminated food or water.

The goal of treatment is to make sure that you are adequately hydrated. Antibiotics do not work for viruses. Most infections will go away on their own without treatment. You will need to see your health care provider if you notice blood in stool or develop fever and severe abdominal pain.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 December 2011 )
 

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