Patient's question:
Over the past two years, I've noticed that my stomach and intestines aren't doing well. I've had several episodes of diarrhea and dehydration. Recently, I've been vomiting white foam and acidic water, and sometimes I experience sharp, intermittent pain below the ribs, like being cut. The day before yesterday, I started having a dull ache in the lower left ribs, which intensifies when I gently press on the area. I haven't had a thorough medical check-up yet. I'm wondering if I might have a stomach disease, and if it's serious. What should I do specifically?Doctor's answer:
Diarrhea, if severe, can lead to fluid loss. When diarrhea is severe, the patient has watery stools, with the loss of feces being like water. Moreover, the number of bowel movements per day is very high, and the amount of fluid lost each day is also significant, which can cause dehydration. When replenishing fluids, it is best to prioritize oral rehydration, as oral rehydration requires attention to electrolyte imbalances and blood volume insufficiency. If the dehydration is severe, it can cause secondary kidney damage. Therefore, dehydration caused by diarrhea should not be ignored, and proper fluid replacement should be ensured, with oral rehydration being preferred whenever possible.