Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as 3 or more loose, watery stools a day and can be either acute or chronic (lasting more than 4 weeks). Diarrhea in the acute setting is often infectious while chronic diarrhea, which is typically what we see in the gastroenterology clinic, can be due to a number of causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease or diabetes, food allergies or sensitivities and medications. An evaluation of chronic diarrhea includes a dietary history, review of medications, blood work, stool tests, breath tests looking for things such as lactose intolerance and then subsequently endoscopic tests such as colonoscopy. Part of the workup may involve stopping culprit medications, avoiding certain foods for 3-4 weeks and even a trial of antibiotics if the level of suspicion is high enough. Treatments, aside from identifying and managing the cause of this, include antidiarrheal therapy with bismuth, soluble fiber, loperamide, bile acid binders as well as certain prescription medications that can be taken long term. We work together with our patients to come up with a plan that manages symptoms and improves their quality of life.