Diarrhea, Uncertain Cause
Diarrhea has several possible causes. Common "stomach flu" is caused by a virus. Food poisoning, bacteria or parasites are other causes for diarrhea. Only diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites requires treatment with an antibiotic, Diarrhea from a virus or food poisoning improves with simple home treatment.
A stool sample may be needed to make the diagnosis of an infection with bacteria or parasites. Up to three stool specimens may be required to diagnose. This may take up to two days to get the result. It may be necessary to wait until the stool test is complete to make the diagnosis and select the best antibiotic to prescribe.
HOME CARE:
If symptoms are severe, rest at home for the next 24 hours or until you are feeling better.
You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to control fever, unless another medicine was prescribed. [NOTE : If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or GI bleeding, talk with your doctor before using these medicines.] (Aspirin should never be used in anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a fever. It may cause severe liver damage.)
Avoid tobacco, caffeine and alcohol, which may worsen your symptoms.
If anti-diarrhea medicine was prescribed, take this only as directed. Sometimes anti-diarrhea medicine can make your condition worse if the cause is an infectious diarrhea. Therefore, anti-diarrhea medicine should not be taken for this condition unless advised by your doctor.
DURING THE FIRST 12-24 HOURS follow the diet below:
BEVERAGES: Sport drinks like Gatorade, soft drinks without caffeine; ginger ale, mineral water (plain or flavored), decaffeinated tea and coffee.
SOUPS: Clear broth, consommé and bouillon
DESSERTS: Plain gelatin (Jell-O), popsicles and fruit juice bars.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS you may add the following to the above:
Hot cereal, plain toast, bread, rolls, crackers
Plain noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, chicken noodle or rice soup
Unsweetened canned fruit (avoid pineapple), bananas
Limit fat intake to less than 15 grams per day by avoiding margarine, butter, oils, mayonnaise, sauces, gravies, fried foods, peanut butter, meat, poultry and fish.
Limit fiber; avoid raw or cooked vegetables, fresh fruits (except bananas) and bran cereals. • Limit caffeine and chocolate. No spices or seasonings except salt.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS
Gradually resume a normal diet, as you feel better and your symptoms lessen.
FOLLOW UP with your doctor or as advised if you are not improving over the next two days. If you were asked to bring a specimen from home, bring the sample on the day of collection. You may call in 2 days (or as directed) for the results.
GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION if any of the following occur:
Increasing abdominal pain or constant lower right abdominal pain
Continued vomiting (unable to keep liquids down)
Frequent diarrhea (more than 5 times a day)
Blood in vomit or stool (black or red color)
Reduced oral intake
Dark urine, reduced urine output
Weakness, dizziness, fainting
Drowsiness, confusion, stiff neck or seizure
Fever of 100.4°F (35°C) oral or higher, not better with fever medication
New rash
© 2000-2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.