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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea Followed By Abdominal Bloating?

Yes, I have had chronic diarrhea for the last few weeks. In the past this prompted my doc to change my synthroid dose,but after a recent review of my blood test, my levels are fine. I have no normal bowel movements, so have been taking immodium to no avail. Now of course am bloated. How should I deal with this over the weekend?
Wed, 26 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
Chronic diarrhea could be caused by many medical conditions.Possible causes may include:
-Digestive infection by bacteria, viruses, parasites
-Lactose intolerance
-Medications like some antibiotics
-Artificial sweeteners
-Other digestive disorders like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome

The treatment of this condition will depend on the exact cause.I will suggest you see the Doctor for examination and investigations.Tests that may help identify cause include: stool exam/culture, Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound or scan

In the meantime, you may try the following:
*Continue with an anti-diarrheal like imodium
*Take oral rehydration salt to replenish electrolytes and fluid loss
*Take zinc tablets to help in intestinal mucosa repair
*Drink plenty of clear liquids
*Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually
*Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for some time
*Consider taking probiotics
From the results of the tests, your Doctor may prescribe drugs that may also help.Just try the above measures in the meantime.
Hope this will help
Wish you good health.
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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea Followed By Abdominal Bloating?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM Chronic diarrhea could be caused by many medical conditions.Possible causes may include: -Digestive infection by bacteria, viruses, parasites -Lactose intolerance -Medications like some antibiotics -Artificial sweeteners -Other digestive disorders like Crohn s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome The treatment of this condition will depend on the exact cause.I will suggest you see the Doctor for examination and investigations.Tests that may help identify cause include: stool exam/culture, Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound or scan In the meantime, you may try the following: *Continue with an anti-diarrheal like imodium *Take oral rehydration salt to replenish electrolytes and fluid loss *Take zinc tablets to help in intestinal mucosa repair *Drink plenty of clear liquids *Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually *Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for some time *Consider taking probiotics From the results of the tests, your Doctor may prescribe drugs that may also help.Just try the above measures in the meantime. Hope this will help Wish you good health.