[21F] Experiencing recurrent watery diarrhea

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Recurrent Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine. It can be caused by many different types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Your history of travel to Guatemala and South Africa and previous treatment for parasites and a bacterial infection suggest this as a possibility.

  • Treatment typically involves rehydration and rest. In some cases, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be prescribed.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term dietary adjustments. Stress management can also be beneficial.

• Celiac Disease: This is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages the small intestine's lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption).

  • Treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to alleviate your symptoms:

1. Keep hydrated: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best, but broths or soups, which contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables, which contain potassium, can also help restore these essential nutrients.

2. Eat a bland diet: While you're having diarrhea, eat low-fiber foods that can help make your stools firmer. These include rice, bananas, and toast.

3. Avoid trigger foods: These can include dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods, or highly seasoned foods.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical care:

• If you notice blood in your stool or develop severe abdominal pain
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
• If you have signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry skin, thirst, and less frequent urination.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.