What do severe cramps and bloody stools indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

My partner has had persistent diarrhea for nearly two weeks. For the past two to three days, she has had no appetite and has eaten very little, which does not seem to be the cause of her symptoms. She has been experiencing extreme watery stools, which were bright orange today and have since turned green and watery. Each time she wipes, there is a significant amount of blood on the tissue. She is also experiencing severe cramps and stomach aches, causing her intense pain to the point of getting goosebumps. Additionally, she has intermittent shakes, fever, bloating, gas, and extreme fatigue. Her main concern is the unusual orange/green color of the diarrhea accompanied by blood. Could you please advise on what she should do and what these symptoms might indicate?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your partner should be physically examined by a doctor immediately.

Possible causes:

Infectious gastroenteritis: The presence of blood, extreme pain, fever, and chills suggest a severe infection.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While IBS typically does not cause blood in the stool, it can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Food poisoning
Colitis

Recommendations:

Ensure she stays hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions can help unless otherwise contraindicated.
Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine.
Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods.
Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods.
Get plenty of rest to help her body recover.

Recommended tests:

Stool sample: To check for infections, parasites, and blood.
Blood tests: To look for signs of infection, inflammation, and dehydration.
Abdominal ultrasound or CT Scan (computed tomography): To look for abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

I hope this information helps you, and please reach out if you have any doubts.

Thank you.