Diarrhea is very common and can be due to a variety of conditions. It occurs when the food you ingest passes through you colon too fast or in too large an amount. It is a problem if you have had it for more than four weeks or if you have had debilitating side effects. You must drink more water if you have watery stools more than three times a day in order to avoid dehydration. Sometimes diarrhea can occur because of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive conditions like irritable bowel disease. It can follow the constipation of IBS.
Signs & Symptoms of Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Frequent loose stools
- Frequent watery stool
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Nausea
- Vomiting
More Serious Signs & Symptoms of Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Undigested food in the stool
- Weight loss
- Fever
Causes of Diarrhea
- Viruses
- Bacterial infection like food poisoning
- Parasites
- Medications
- Lactose intolerance
- Intestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Fructose
- Artificial sweeteners
- Digestive system surgery
- Alcohol abuse
- Food allergies
- Foods that upset the digestive system
- Laxative overuse
- Hyperthyroidism
- Radiation therapy
- Some cancers
- Difficulty absorbing nutrients
When to Contact Your Doctor About Diarrhea
- If it persists more than two days
- Blood in diarrhea
- Black, tarry stools
- Fever above 102°
- Diarrhea lasting more than two days
- Nausea or vomiting that prohibits you from drinking fluids
- Severe pain in abdomen or rectum
- Diarrhea after travelling abroad
When to Contact Your Doctor About Dehydration
- Excessive thirst
- Dry moth
- Reduced urine
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Dark urine
- Rapid heart rate
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Confusion
Diagnosis of Diarrhea
- Physical exam
- Medication review
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Colonoscopy
Treatment for Mild Diarrhea
- Bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide
- Stay hydrated, drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Broth – chicken broth without fat
- Caffeine free soda
- Tea with honey
- Sports drinks
- Small sips of fluids between meals instead of during meals
Treatment for Severe Diarrhea
- Antibiotics
- Fluid replacement
- Medication adjustment
- Treating underlying digestive condition
You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating diarrhea, contact us now.
