What is Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. Acute diarrhea often results from viral or bacterial infections and typically resolves within a few days. Chronic diarrhea (lasting more than four weeks) may indicate conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, or celiac disease, and warrants further evaluation.

Causes of Diarrhea

• Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic).
• Medications (antibiotics, laxatives, metformin).
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose).
• Inflammation (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis).
• Malabsorption (celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency).
• Motility and gut nervous system

 

Evaluation

After reviewing the timeline of your symptoms, your medications, and your overall health, you may need further evaluation including:

• Blood tests including inflammatory markers and celiac disease antibodies
• Stool tests for infections and inflammation
• Colonoscopy to examine the lining of the colon and last portion of the small intestines for inflammation. Biopsies are taken even if the colon looks normal, to check for microscopic colitis.
• Upper endoscopy to take biopsies of the small intestine if celiac disease or another small bowel condition is suspected.

Treatment

• Staying hydrated is the most important step. Dehydration is the main danger of diarrhea. If you cannot keep fluids down or feel dizzy or lightheaded, seek immediate medical care.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Requires lifelong anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medications and follow up
• Microscopic colitis: Budesonide (a topical steroid) is the primary treatment
• Celiac disease: A strict gluten-free diet
• Bile acid diarrhea: Bile acid binders such as cholestyramine
• Infections: Antibiotics are used only for specific bacterial or parasitic infections, not for routine viral diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome and functional diarrhea: medications can be used to control diarrhea and pain

Our team at Salem Gastro is available to evaluate your diarrhea, and provide treatments to restore your quality of life.