health question

[Lori]

If someone has been to southeast asia. And that person experienced diarrhea off and on during his/her trip. After returning home it only gets worse and worse to the point that you can not eat or else you are in big trouble. Well.....what should you tell your doctor to check for?? Hurry, I need answers before noon central time tommorrow.
P.S. no other symptoms, but I do think I am having cold sweats....but no fevor....is that possible??

[ariechert]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

"If someone has been to southeast asia. And that person experienced diarrhea off and on during his/her trip. After returning home it only gets worse and worse to the point that you can not eat or else you are in big trouble. Well.....what should you tell your doctor to check for?? Hurry, I need answers before noon central time tommorrow.
P.S. no other symptoms, but I do think I am having cold sweats....but no fevor....is that possible??"

Sounds like Shigella, a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea.  More men died of shigella in the Civil War than died from gunshot wounds.  Shigella is treated with either Bactrim or Tribrissen (antibiotics).  You need to go to a doctor as soon as possible because of the danger of dehydration.  - Art

[CB]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori,

I have been to the Philippins twice and both times when I came home,I was sick with a bug. Is the diarrhea more like running water? And how often is the diarrhea? My doctor did a test on the diarrhea, and found some kind of bug, which was treated with Anti-biotics. Hope this helps.

Craig

[The Mog]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

The poster that noted that many western people have systems not entirely in sync with Asian food and living conditions could be quite right.
In fact, my girlfriends little boy, his father was european, apparently the poor little guy had a lot of trouble when he was a baby, he couldnt eat the same stuff they fed the regular full bred Filipino kids...

[Alvin]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

You have gastroenteris but the etiology is unknown at this time. It is most often caused by a type of E.Coli but may be caused by numerous different types of bacteria, ie salmonella, etc. The best thing at this time is to drink Pepto Bismol in high doses: 3tablespoonfuls every 4 hours or more to coat the GI lining. Stay with clear liquids until sx improve or until you see your MD.  You will likely need stool for ova and parasites, stool culture, blood studies, etc.  You may eventually need an antibioltic like Septra or Cipro but only after consultation with your MD.  Did you take any types of antibiotic or anti malarial medication while in VN?

Hope you feel better soon.

Regards
Alvin

[jfred]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori,

you almost certainly have picked up some variant of intestinal parasite.  I have picked them up EVERY time I have traveled to Asia.  See a doctor, but be sure to go to a health food store and buy a parasite cleansing kit.  

(The kit will do you a lot more good than the doctor will, probably, but it will give you peace of mind to see him.)

Jim

[outwest77]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Hi I would go to the physician immediately, you can
easily die from dehydration from excess diahreaa, as
humb says thats the reason for drinking a lot of water,
as well as cleaning out your system

[Ray]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

No, just kidding. Go to the doctor, and this is one time you should listen to Hum. Force yourself to drink tons of water!

Hoping you get well soon...

Ray

[humabdos]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori while it prob nothing serious it could be! Tell your doc where you have been and he will know what to look for.
By all meens GO! It could be something nasty!   O and remember to drink a lot of water. Huma

[humabdos]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori while it prob nothing serious it could be! Tell your doc where you have been and he will know what to look for.
By all meens GO! It could be something nasty!   O and remember to drink a lot of water. Huma

[Zebson]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori, many people experience this...90% of the time it's the parasites that were in the food or water that us westerners are not accustomed to. These types of symtoms are common and there are many ways to deal with them. I recommend using the many different herbal pills / rememdies/tonics that can flush out these parasites just as well, without really messing up your naturally body immune system and intestinal flora throught the use of antibiotics. Most of the time it goes away within a few weeks or less. Or you can pay to go to the Doc and get some antibiotics.

Zeb

[SteveG]

... in response to health question, posted by Lori on Jul 16, 2001

Lori,
 I would tell the doctor to check for Diarrhea...from a safe distance.....to emphasize the magnitude of the problem! LOL   Seriously I would just trust the doctor to know what are the causes of dearrhea or more likely just skip the doctor and make an Immodium milk shake......
 But don't take my medical advice too seriously....and congratulations on your trip!
                                   SteveG