Diarrhea -- from a stomach bug or prolonged antibiotc use? Sorry for somewhat gross topic!?

Hi, I've been on antibiotics for nearly 4 months straight (Augmentin 500 mg, 2X daily) for a severe sinus infection, and I've had severe diarrhea off and on. I thought it was a stomach bug at first, but I mean 2 stomach bugs within the last 3 weeks? That seems a bit much. Especially since I haven't been exposed to anyone with one, not to mention I'm not vomiting, just diarrhea. Could this be from the Augmentin? I think that in the past when I've been on antibiotics this long, I got symptoms like this, but I'm not sure, as it was so long ago. I'm not trying to be gross, but the diarrhea that I have right now is so severe that I just passed the spinach that I ate last night (at like midnight), and it didn't even look digested! :X

In any case, any advice on what to do? The B.R.A.T. diet? Drink lots of fluids? I've had toast all day and that's it, but it's just not stopping. THank you!

I would say that this is caused by the antibiotic therapy that you are on. Antibiotics, unfortunately destroy good bacteria in the intestines and diarrhea occurs. To put back some of the normal flora ( bacteria) in your bowel, eat yogurt, but read the label. Look for yogurt that says "live cultures" on the label. Good luck and feel better soon.

PS. Yes, the brat diet is a good idea. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

IT'S THE AUGMENTIN - GET OFF THAT CRAP AND TELL YOUR DOCTOR TO PUT YOU ON SOMETHING DIFFERENT- TRY ZYTHROMAX , TEQUIN OR BIAXIN................

You need to see a doc ASAP and get your stools tested. You may have C-diff from the antibiotic use. Next time you are on antibiotics be sure to eat plenty of yogurt with live active cultures or use acidophillus capsules to help keep your digestive flora healthy. For now go to urgent care or ER and get your stool tested for C-diff.

Yes, antibiotics will kill every bacteria they can. Including the good ones in your stomach that help you digest food.

You need to replace them by eating yogurt, taking Acidophilis, or buttermilk. You may be able to purchase the active cultures in pill form from a health food store. Once you replace the cultures you will be able to digest more, um, solidly.

excessive diarrhea can be caused by a lot of things, antibotics dont help. these antibotics take away alot of the positve bactirias in your body that help you digest foods and absorb nutrients. drinking losts of water and staying hydrated is one of the only ways to aid in the side effects of diarrhea until you can get off of the antibotics. at least the best thing you can do is while your on your meds also take an anti diarrheal medication to prevent further discomfort. good luck and consult you MD

ANY time you take an antibiotic you should take probiotics. They are available anywhere these days, like health food stores and such. Be sure to get enteric coated ones so the good stuff gets to your intestines. The reason is, antibiotics kill bacteria --ALL bacteria. And your digestive system must have the "good" bacteria to function correctly. Also, those "good" bacteria keep the truly bad bacteria growth at bay. (So you don't get things like C-Diff) Also, keep up with the fluids so you don't wind up dehydrated and in the hospital. Good luck. :-)