What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

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

Mon, 12 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My son in law for years has had loose bowel movements....otherwise in good health...?...

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
More information needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

There are many different causes for chronic diarrhea. I would like to have some more information before I can give my opinion.

1. Does he pass blood and mucus in stool?
2. Is it a small volume or large volume stool?
3. Any abdominal pain?
4. Does he have bowel movements after he goes to bed?
5. Any weight loss?
6. Any other medical illness?
7 On any medications?
8. What are the tests done so far?

Kindly get back to me with these information and I would give my opinion.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (17 days later)

Answer to #2 is medium to large volume....all other answers are no or none

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for providing the information I wanted.
It looks like he is having functional diarrhea.

Since no tests have been done so far, I would suggest the following -
1. A complete blood count
2. A stool analysis
3. Blood glucose test
4. Tests for celiac disease
5. Thyroid function test
6. An upper GI endoscopy with small bowel biopsy
7. Colonoscopy

Further evaluation can be done based on these test results.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj