May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Diarrhea Management for chronic loose stools
Management for chronic loose stools |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, i've been having diarrhea for about 5-6 months once or twice a day. It's really annoying. At the beginning, I thought it was something that would go away but it never did. It causes gas, and sometimes even weak erections with short gas releases, which by now i know its means i need to go to the bathroom. I've tried eating rough foods such as platains, drinking less fluids. I even tried drinking pedialyte but nothing works. Now i have been reading the internet and it tells me that it can be serious illness or even cancer .I currently dont have any medical insurance so thats why i tried using this site for advide please help Dear Benjamin: I do understand your concern. Any diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks is considered chronic and could be indicative of irritable bowel syndrome, overuse of laxatives, chronic alcohol abuse, hormonal disturbances (e.g. hyperthyroidism), malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, viral and/or parasitic infections, to name a few. According to the symptoms you've mentioned, my probable diagnosis would be either malabsorption or irritable bowel syndrome. Diet is an important factor in reducing the symptoms of IBS. I would advise that you increase the fiber content of your diet, increase water intake and avoid fats, spices and milk. You can take loperamide or imodium for the diarhea or an antispasmodic which will help with the pain if any. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 January 2012 ) |
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