[19F] Experiencing fatigue and diarrhea

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

• Viral Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition can cause diarrhea and fatigue. It's usually caused by a viral infection and resolves on its own within a few days.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

  • Treatment usually focuses on long-term management of symptoms and may include dietary changes, medication, and stress management.

• Food Intolerances or Allergies: Certain food intolerances or allergies can cause diarrhea and fatigue. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and certain types of carbohydrates (FODMAPs).

  • Treatment involves identifying and avoiding the offending foods.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

What you can do

While waiting for a medical appointment, you can:

1. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. This can help identify any potential food triggers.
2. Stay hydrated. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water, broth, or rehydration solutions are good options.
3. Rest. Fatigue can be your body's way of telling you it needs to recover, so make sure you're getting enough sleep and taking it easy when you can.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• High fever (above 101.3°F)
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.