Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements that occur three or more times in one day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that lasts for a day or two and resolves without doctor intervention. Chronic diarrhea lasting four weeks or more, either consecutively or sporadically, can be a symptom of chronic disease. Schedule an appointment with the team at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division if you have chronic diarrhea symptoms.

What causes diarrhea?

The common causes of diarrhea include:

• Bacteria or parasites in contaminated water or food
• Viruses, including flu, rotavirus, or norovirus
• Medications, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, and antacids
• Food sensitivities
• Crohn’s disease and similar diseases of the stomach, small intestine, or colon
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Surgeries

Diarrhea can occur with no known cause. If diarrhea goes away within a few days without medical intervention, finding the cause is not necessary. If not, call Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division today to get a thorough examination, restoring your health and your peace of mind.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Besides having loose, watery bowel movements three times a day or more, if you have diarrhea, the unpleasant symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Loss of bowel control
• Bloody stools
• Fever
• Chills

Left untreated, diarrhea causes dehydration. Dehydration is a serious condition for people with weakened immune systems, children, and older adults. If your diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, call the experts at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division to rule out the possibility of a more serious problem and to ensure you are not becoming dehydrated.

When should I see a doctor about diarrhea?

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea lasting more than two days in adults
• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours in a child
• Severe abdominal pain or rectum pain
• Fever over 102 degrees
• Bloody stools
• Black and tarry stools

Diarrhea can become dangerous or be a symptom of a more serious problem, so you should carefully monitor your symptoms and reach out to your doctor if you experience any of the above signs.

How is diarrhea treated?

The team of board-certified gastroenterologists at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division provides customized treatments to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

For example, the doctors might prescribe antibiotics to help you fight off any infections or parasites that contribute to your symptoms. They may also recommend medications to address issues like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. 

You might also benefit from dietary adjustments and supplementary probiotics to reduce inflammation and heal your digestive tract, preventing further diarrhea symptoms. 

Call Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division today or make an appointment online if you have chronic, disruptive diarrhea.