[24F] Experiencing bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever post-travel

Patient Description

A 24-year-old female presents with a 3-day history of diarrhea, which has become bloody in the last 24 hours. The patient reports six or more episodes of liquid stools per day, with a small but consistent amount of maroon-colored blood noted when wiping. The onset of symptoms included vomiting and fever, but vomiting ceased after the first day and the fever has resolved. Abdominal pain, described as crampy, began one day prior to the vomiting and fever, and is located across the middle and lower abdomen, with a severity of 5 out of 10. The patient also reports increased fatigue. There is no history of similar symptoms, no known allergies, and no current medications. The patient recently traveled to the Dominican Republic, which may be relevant to the symptomatology. No other symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting, weight loss, night sweats, vision changes, or confusion were reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Infectious Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach and the small intestine and results in diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can be caused by many types of bacteria, viruses, or parasites, some of which may be more common in certain geographical areas.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be prescribed if a specific organism is identified or highly suspected.
Traveler's Diarrhea: This is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by consuming contaminated food or water while traveling.
- Treatment usually involves hydration and sometimes antibiotics if severe.
Dysentery: This is an inflammatory disease of the intestine, especially of the colon, which always results in severe diarrhea and abdominal pains. Blood is often present in the stool. It can be caused by Shigella species (bacillary dysentery) or Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery), organisms that can be common in certain developing countries.
- Treatment involves hydration and antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.
Colitis or other Inflammatory Bowel Disease: These are conditions that cause inflammation of the bowel and can present with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.
- Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea is a sign that you should see a doctor, especially since you have recently traveled. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, try to stay hydrated. Dehydration can occur quickly with diarrhea and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids, and consider using an over-the-counter rehydration solution if available.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

See large amounts of blood or clots in your stool
Have a high fever (over 102°F)
Have severe abdominal pain
Have signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or feeling lightheaded when standing
Have symptoms that last more than a week or are getting worse

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines