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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Diarrhea
Question: I have had chronic diarrhea for 3 to 4 weeks. I don't think its bacterial or viral as I've not had any sickness(pain,fever,nausea,cramping).
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea is chronic when it lasts at least 4 weeks.
Though infection is the most common cause and can be ruled out with a stool sample to the lab, there are other possible causes as well.
Some other causes are: (1) irritable bowel syndrome
(2)metabolic causes such as diabetes (because it causes the bowel not to work as it should, affects the nerves in the bowel), thyroid disease (high hormone levels)
(3)side effect of medications- would need to review any herbal or traditional medications to see if they could be having any effect
(4)inflammatory bowel disease- conditions such as crohns disease or ulcerative colitis
(5)food intolerance, lactose intolerance- would need to note if the effects occur in response to particular foods/drinks.
sugar free foods with sorbitol and fat replacements can also sometimes cause diarrhea
Blood tests to screen for diabetes, thyroid hormone levels, complete blood count and ESR (to check for inflammation in the body) can be done.
A breath test for lactose intolerance can also be done if you suspect this is a problem.
There are certain criteria called the ROME criteria, that are used to diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.
If the tests are negative and you fit these criteria, then this is the possible cause of the diarrhea
It maybe best to see your doctor for an assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea is chronic when it lasts at least 4 weeks.
Though infection is the most common cause and can be ruled out with a stool sample to the lab, there are other possible causes as well.
Some other causes are: (1) irritable bowel syndrome
(2)metabolic causes such as diabetes (because it causes the bowel not to work as it should, affects the nerves in the bowel), thyroid disease (high hormone levels)
(3)side effect of medications- would need to review any herbal or traditional medications to see if they could be having any effect
(4)inflammatory bowel disease- conditions such as crohns disease or ulcerative colitis
(5)food intolerance, lactose intolerance- would need to note if the effects occur in response to particular foods/drinks.
sugar free foods with sorbitol and fat replacements can also sometimes cause diarrhea
Blood tests to screen for diabetes, thyroid hormone levels, complete blood count and ESR (to check for inflammation in the body) can be done.
A breath test for lactose intolerance can also be done if you suspect this is a problem.
There are certain criteria called the ROME criteria, that are used to diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.
If the tests are negative and you fit these criteria, then this is the possible cause of the diarrhea
It maybe best to see your doctor for an assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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