When To See A Gastroenterologist For Chronic Diarrhea
Published January 18, 2022
Loose and watery stools are not anything to be overly concerned about if it occurs occasionally. However, when it becomes frequent and lasts over a period of time, this is when to see a gastroenterologist for chronic diarrhea.
Symptoms Of Chronic Diarrhea
While acute diarrhea is a short-term issue, chronic diarrhea is a frequent and long-term issue for individuals.
Bloating, abdominal cramps, thin loose watery stools, nausea and vomiting, and a sense of an urgent need to go are all basic symptoms of diarrhea.
Causes Of Chronic Diarrhea
There are a multitude of diseases and disorders plus lifestyle habits that can contribute to chronic diarrhea. That is why it’s smart to enlist the help of a gastroenterologist like GI Solutions in Chicago, IL to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
At your appointment a stool sample and blood test will indicate what might be the actual cause of your chronic diarrhea.
Some possible reasons include the following:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Pancreatitis
- Maldigestion or malabsorption
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
In some cases, medications, gluten intolerance, celiac disease, heavy alcohol consumption, and thyroid disorders can cause chronic diarrhea.
Complications And When To See GI Solutions
Don’t wait to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you have any of these complications associated with chronic diarrhea.
If your diarrhea lasts longer than two days or you are passing watery loose stools more than three times per day, see a gastroenterologist. If you become dehydrated, have severe pain in the abdomen, run a fever of 102 or higher, or have bloody or black stools, don’t wait to see a specialist.
The sooner you secure a diagnosis for your chronic diarrhea, the sooner the symptoms can be resolved.
Call (773) 631-2728 to make an appointment with GI Solutions.
Categories: GI Health