What is diarrhea and chronic diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the gut’s way of removing harmful bacteria from the system. Typically, diarrhea runs its course through the body and lasts only a few days. Chronic diarrhea is defined as watery and loose stool movements that occur for over two weeks.
What causes diarrhea?
For those suffering from chronic diarrhea, it’s likely that there are underlying causes beyond bacteria that are causing this bowel malfunction. This includes but is not limited to:
- Medication side effects
- Medical conditions
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Food intolerances
- Infection
- Celiac disease
- Gallbladder removal surgery
- Lactose intolerance
- Rotavirus: common cause for diarrhea in children
In more severe cases, chronic diarrhea could be a sign of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is important that you contact your doctor to determine the severity level of the cause.
What are symptoms of diarrhea?
Apart from the watery and loose stool, additional symptoms that could be experienced include:
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Bloating
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Cramping
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It’s recommended to see a doctor if there is no improvement in the diarrhea after three days, you experience unbearable stomach or rectal pain, your fever spikes above 102 F or you are having bloody or black stools.
How is diarrhea diagnosed?
When diagnosing chronic diarrhea, your doctor will initially review all medications and supplements you are taking. Following this review, your doctor may recommend a blood test to determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Additional tests that may be required include a stool test, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy or hydrogen breath test.
What are treatment options for diarrhea?
Your doctor will likely start with home remedies for diarrhea management. Some of the recommendations may include:
- Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms
- Stay consistently hydrated (including adding more electrolytes)
- Practice good hygiene
Depending on your medication and supplement intake, your provider may adjust dosage. If your diarrhea is likely due to a bacteria, antibiotics can be prescribed. If your chronic diarrhea has a deeper underlying cause, your doctor will connect you with the necessary specialist.