May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Diarrhea If i have diarrhea for more then four days, should i seek medical help?
If i have diarrhea for more then four days, should i seek medical help? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: If i have diarrhea for more then 4 days, should i seek medical help? It started 4 days ago. My stools are sometimes black and they are not bloody. My diet patterns have been the same for a while (oatmeal, chicken shawarma, dinner(usually meat and vegetables)). I currently do not have a fever or feel sick. I have stomach fatigue. Also i am currently a smoker so i was thinking that this could also be the cause of it. I drink a lot of water because i know the risks of dehydration. What do you think the cause is (possibly infection, or my diet habits)? Dear Jonathan: I understand how concerned you are about your condition. In my opinion and due to the symptoms and their characteristics, you might probably have a common condition known as Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that causes vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the influenza viruses. This infection is commonly caused by many types of virus and could last up a week or two depending on how your immune system deals with the viral process. It might be not necessary to consult a doctor yet, you could try avoiding vegetables and heavy foods for now, keep drinking plenty of fluids and if you develop fever or notice mucus or blood in your stool then you might want to consult your primary care physician to rule out bacterial infection and to prescribe you antibiotics. I wish you a prompt recovery. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 June 2010 ) |
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