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 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or malabsorption.

Causes of Diarrhea

• Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic).
• Medications (antibiotics, laxatives, metformin).
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose).
• Digestive disorders (IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
• Malabsorption (celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency).

Evaluation and Treatment

When diarrhea persists, evaluation may include stool tests, blood tests, and endoscopic or imaging studies to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve rehydration, dietary adjustments, antidiarrheal agents, antibiotics, or targeted therapies.

What is Constipation

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements (often fewer than three per week), hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. It is a common complaint and can be acute or chronic. Chronic constipation may result from slow colonic transit, pelvic floor dysfunction, medications, or conditions like hypothyroidism.

Causes of Constipation

• Low fiber intake or inadequate hydration.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Medications such as opioids, iron supplements, and anticholinergics.
• Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism or during pregnancy.
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Evaluation and Management

Evaluation includes a thorough history, physical exam, and sometimes colonoscopy or motility studies. Management focuses on lifestyle modifications (fiber, fluids, exercise), bowel habit retraining, and medications such as osmotic or stimulant laxatives or prokinetic agents. Biofeedback therapy can help patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Our clinicians evaluate and manage chronic diarrhea and constipation, working to identify the underlying cause and tailor an effective treatment plan.