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How Can Chronic Diarrhea Be Treated?
For the last year or so I have had chronic diahrrea (usually two to three days a week). I have a history of colon cancer and have been free for years. A recent (18 mo. ago?) colonoscopy was fine. My doctor has talked about gluten and dairy-free diets as a test. Didn t make a diff and, besides, I m 83 and have never had fool allergies. I tried probiotics briefly, but they seemed to make it worse. I have no bleeding, no unusual pains, but frequent and URGENT diahrrea. Any suggestions? Perhaps for an OTC help? My email is YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 16 Feb 2018
Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic!
Chronic diarrhea has different causes, the recent normal colonoscopy would rule out some of them. Remaining possible causes include:
(1) Abnormal thyroid function.
(2) Irritable bowel syndrome.
(3) Diabetes which can affect the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract. Blood tests can check for the diabetes and thyroid function. Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed based on the presence of particular criteria. Over the counter anti-diarrhea medications such as Lomotil or Immodium may help but would be best to find the specific cause. I hope this helps.
Hope this clarifies your concerns. Thank you for the query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Chronic diarrhea has different causes, the recent normal colonoscopy would rule out some of them. Remaining possible causes include:
(1) Abnormal thyroid function.
(2) Irritable bowel syndrome.
(3) Diabetes which can affect the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract. Blood tests can check for the diabetes and thyroid function. Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed based on the presence of particular criteria. Over the counter anti-diarrhea medications such as Lomotil or Immodium may help but would be best to find the specific cause. I hope this helps.
Hope this clarifies your concerns. Thank you for the query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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