Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition when a person experience loose and frequent stools. When suffering from this condition, the person may pass stools that are watery for more than 2 - 3 times a day. It can be a symptom or a disease in itself. Chronic diarrhea is a condition when a person experience loose motions that lasts for a couple of weeks. Dehydration often accompanies it, which can lead to weakness and fatigue. Let us take a look at the causes and treatment methods of diarrhea that is chronic in nature.

Causes of Diarrhea

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the major causes. It is a disorder of the stomach with no known cause. IBS is marked by alternating diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, etc.

Inflammatory Diseases
Diseases that cause inflammation to the intestines can lead to constant diarrhea. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two major inflammatory diseases that lead to abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in stools, etc.

Infections
Chronic bacterial infections can lead to stomach cramps and diarrhea. People suffering from any chronic disease are susceptible to infections. On the other hand, eating contaminated foods can also result in food poisoning and diarrhea. Other symptoms of infections include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.

Diet
Lastly, a person's diet plays an important role in causing chronic diarrhea and upset stomach. Excess consumption of foods like excess fiber containing foods, milk and milk products, etc.; sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods can also cause frequent diarrhea in toddlers, children and adults.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, diarrhea can also be caused as a side effect of certain medications that are taken for a long time. As there are severe underlying causes for this condition, it is advisable to consult the doctor to get the condition diagnosed and treated immediately.

Treating Diarrhea

The first step is to stop frequent motions and treat dehydration caused due to it. There are several medications that help in treating diarrhea. Secondly, the doctor will undertake examination, X-ray or MRI for the diagnose of the disease. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be treated with the help of medications. However, one needs to follow a diet and preventive measures in order to avoid the occurrence of it in future. Inflammatory diseases can also be treated with the help of medications. Infections can be treated with the help of antibiotics. Other medications may help in getting rid of the symptoms of it. In case of food intolerance, it is advisable to identify the foods that lead to diarrhea after eating, and avoid eating them completely. It is essential to follow proper diet and dietary habits to treat and prevent diarrhea. Children should be made aware about the consequences of eating contaminated food and should be encouraged to have healthy and nutritious food.

As a concluding note, one should remember that diet plays an important role in causing all gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, it is essential to have a balanced diet and maintain hygiene to prevent diarrhea. This write-up is to be, in no way, used as a substitute for proper medical advice. Take care!