Suggest Treatment For Persistent And Excessive Diarrhea

Posted on Wed, 26 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having excessive diarea for several months. Almost always liquid. what could this be

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Chronic/persistent diarrhea can be due to different possible causes such as: (1)infection
(2)food intolerance
(3)inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis)
(4)side effect of medication
(5)diabetes due to damage to the nerves in the bowel
(6)thyroid disease- high level of thyroid hormones
(7)irritable bowel syndrome (IBS is also a common cause of diarrhea)

To find the cause, you would need to be assessed by your doctor. This would include a history and examination.

A stool sample may need to be sent to the lab for analysis and blood tests may also be needed eg complete blood count, screen for diabetes, thyroid function tests
A food diary may help determine if it is linked to particular foods or ingredients

Treatment may depend on the cause found but general meds such as pepto bismol or imodium , may help.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar