Chronic Diarrhea: When to Worry

While chronic diarrhea can be an embarrassing symptom to discuss, it happens. For some of us, chronic diarrhea could go down with some of the worst feelings in the world. Constantly needing to use the restroom for oftentimes painful bowel movements is a big annoyance. Is it normal? While routine diarrhea may occur normally, chronic diarrhea is not normal. 

There are a variety of reasons why you may have chronic diarrhea. These reasons could range from something you have eaten, to a stomach condition. Chronic diarrhea should not be taken lightly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned below, make sure you seek out a medical professional. 

What Causes Diarrhea 

There are a variety of causes when it comes to diarrhea. For one, viruses like Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis can cause chronic diarrhea. Contaminated food and water can also cause diarrhea. Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections and chronic diarrhea after someone has been in the hospital. Many medications, like antibiotics, cause diarrhea. Antibiotics destroy good and bad bacteria, which means that the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines could be disturbed. 

In terms of the diet, a variety of substances can cause diarrhea, like fructose. Some individuals have trouble digesting fructose, which can lead to chronic diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol and mannitol, can also cause diarrhea. These are oftentimes found in diet chewing gum and other sugar-free products as well. Those who are lactose intolerant will also often times experience diarrhea after having something with lactose in it. Oftentimes, as individuals who are lactose intolerant grow older, they will find that they can tolerate greater amounts of lactose. 

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Digestive Disorders 

Some digestive disorders can cause chronic diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea. This disorder can develop due to the nervous system, muscle contractions in the intestine, changes in the bacteria in the intestines, or inflammation of the intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome cannot be cured, but can be managed by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. 

Inflammatory bowel disease includes many different types of diseases. The most common two are Chron disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions develop because of the body’s immune system attacking parts of the digestive tract. In addition to chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease can cause bloody stool, reduced appetite, unintended weight loss, fever, fatigue, and cramping. This disease can be controlled by medication and changes to the diet. Some of the diseases, like ulcerative colitis, can be helped through surgery. 

When to Worry About Chronic Diarrhea 

If you are an adult, you should consider seeing a doctor if your diarrhea persists for a few days. You should also see a doctor if you become dehydrated, have bloody or black stools, have severe abdominal pain, severe rectal pain, or have a fever above 102F. If your child is dealing with diarrhea, they are at a bigger risk of dehydration and should see a doctor if they show signs of dehydration, bloody and/or black stool, or have a fever above 102F. 

Find Help for Your Chronic Diarrhea 

BASS Urgent Care understands how painful and embarrassing chronic diarrhea can be. We also understand that it is a condition that you might want to be seen as soon as possible, as it is uncomfortable. We are not only equipped and able to help you understand why you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, but we will be able to see you from 7AM to 7PM, Monday through Friday. You do not have to worry about suffering any longer when we are here to help you feel better.

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