Dear Patient,
Your mother's recurrent severe diarrhea, accompanied by elevated total leukocyte count (TLC) and C-reactive protein (
CRP), suggests an ongoing inflammatory or infectious process. The initial improvement followed by a gradual increase in TLC, despite being within normal limits, warrants further investigation to identify the underlying cause.
Potential Considerations:
Infectious Etiology: Persistent or recurrent infections, including Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), can cause similar symptoms. A stool test for C. difficile toxin is advisable, especially considering recent antibiotic use.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease could present with these symptoms. Elevated inflammatory markers such as CRP and TLC are common in IBD. Fecal calprotectin testing can help assess intestinal inflammation and guide the need for further endoscopic evaluation.
GASTRO.ORG
Medication-Induced Diarrhea: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. Reviewing her medication history may help identify potential culprits.
Recommended Next Steps:
Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Testing for pathogens, including C. difficile, and assessing fecal calprotectin levels can provide insights into infectious or inflammatory causes.
Colonoscopy with Biopsy: If stool studies are inconclusive, a colonoscopy can help visualize the colon and obtain tissue samples to diagnose conditions like microscopic colitis or IBD.
Medication Review: Evaluate her current medications with her healthcare provider to identify any that might contribute to diarrhea.
Consult a Gastroenterologist: A specialist can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
It's important to monitor her symptoms closely. If she experiences increased diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
If you have further questions or need personalized advice, feel free to contact me directly on WhatsApp at 80098213 three two
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Best regards