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Can indigestion cause diarrhea?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 8, 2016
Reviewed AtJuly 24, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having a bad case of diarrhea since last two days. I had outside food before two days and from that time I am experiencing diarrhea. I am excreting around six times daily. The consistency is not completely watery, but still very loose. The symptoms I am experiencing are as follows. I felt feverish yesterday and today not much fever though there is weakness. I cannot stand for long and feel fatigued. Today, I felt some burning in my esophagus like acid reflux while excreting, pain in the stomach and intestine and also below the rib cage. But, the pain is not constant and occurs for around 1-2 minutes per 20 minutes or 30 minutes or 1 hour. I also got dry cough since today. Also, lots of burps as well. I do not feel like eating anything and even the smell makes me feel escape. I feel like eating only fruits. Since yesterday, I have been having rice, mashed potatoes and toast. Is it indigestion or something else? Please help. Thanks.

Hello,

Dehydration is a common concern during diarrhea due to the increased loss of water and electrolytes. Replenishing fluids is crucial to address this condition. Drinking at least 200 mL of fluids after each bout of diarrhea is essential. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) can help replenish lost salts, and you can also consume plain water, fresh green coconut water, barley water, unsweetened fruit juice, buttermilk, and lemon water with salt and sugar.

Eating small, Plain foods like wholemeal bread and rice is advisable, and avoid fatty, spicy, or heavy foods initially. Lifestyle changes like avoiding tea, coffee, spicy food, and alcohol, as well as eating multiple small meals throughout the day, are recommended. Elevating the head end of the bed can help manage symptoms, and avoiding painkillers like Aceclofenac or Ibuprofen is important.

For indigestion and gastritis, you may consider taking Tablet Pantop-D (combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone) once a day before breakfast for five to seven days or until symptoms subside. Additionally, Syrup Gelusil or Sucralfate 3 tsp three times daily, one hour before meals, can be helpful.

In most cases, antidiarrheal medicines are not necessary, but if the frequency is severe and uncontrollable, Loperamide can be considered. If diarrhea persists or worsens with fever and pain, a brief antibiotic course of Tablet O2 (combination of Ofloxacin and Ornidazole) twice daily for three to five days might be needed.

Remember to consult your specialist doctor before taking any medication, and continue to drink plenty of fluids while following the prescribed treatment. With proper care and medication, you should start feeling better within a couple of days.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am not sure whether I had indigestion. I just wanted to know whether the diarrhea is caused by indigestion, as I am experiencing burps. Should I really need to use those antacids? Because, I have seen that I get diarrhea the next day when I consume antacids on normal days. Will they make my diarrhea worse? Also, I do not eat breakfast, only lunch and dinner is on my schedule and that too at somewhat erratic times. So, can I use the first medicine before lunch as I will not be able to start eating breakfast? Can I take tablet Pantop-D before lunch? How much time before should I take it before my first meal? Shall I take tablet Pantop-D and Gelusil once together and the rest of the time only Gelusil?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. During diarrhea, it is essential to address dehydration by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. Drink at least 200 mL of fluids after each watery stool, and consider using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) along with plain water, fresh coconut water, barley water, unsweetened fruit juice, buttermilk, and lemon water with salt and sugar.

For indigestion and gastritis, Tablet Pantop-D (combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone) should be taken on an empty stomach, and it can be followed by consuming milk or juice. To manage antacid-induced diarrhea, syrup Sucralfate is a preferred option as it is less frequently associated with such side effects.

In some cases, diarrhea can be linked to reflux disease and bloating, while indigestion may be associated with specific food intolerances like milk, eggs, or peanuts. To prevent gastritis in the future, it is crucial to adopt regular and punctual eating habits.

Remember to consult a specialist doctor before taking any medication, and follow their advice closely. Continue drinking ample fluids and making necessary dietary adjustments to promote a speedy recovery.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana
Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana

Internal Medicine

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