Gastroenteritis

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

BBM,

For the last 5 days I’ve been having dirrhea. I am 22 years old, 200lbs with a 34 inch waist and 6 feet tall. I have no health conditions or allergies that I am aware of. My diet is entirely whole foods on most days and 55 percent carbs, 25 percent protein and 20 percent fat. I haven’t made any dietary changes recently or introduced new foods. I dont eat dairy. Since this occurrence I have stopped drinking coffee as I suspected it was causing or contributing to this and substituted with black tea. Do you have any advice and do you think a food allergy/intolerance test is a waste of money?

2

The majority of cases of acute diarrhea (i.e., new onset diarrhea of less than 2 weeks duration) are related to infection and typically resolve on their own, as long as individuals are able to maintain hydration.

If the diarrhea is bloody, associated with fevers/severe abdominal pain, or is persistent / worsening beyond a week in duration, medical evaluation would be warranted.

There is no reason to pursue food allergy/intolerance testing in this situation.

3

Thanks Dr. Baraki.