Chronic Diarrhea Causes

Have you been wondering what are the different chronic diarrhea causes? There are a variety of factors that lead to having those frequent watery stools. Oftentimes, an underlying ailment is the reason for such a condition. According to Health Hype, unlike sudden (acute) diarrhea, chronic diarrhea is mostly of non-infectious origin:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears with alternating diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pains, triggered by stress or certain foods and relieved by bowel movement. Diagnosis is made after exclusion of other bowel disorders.
• In lactose intolerance, diarrhea and bloating appear within hours after ingesting dairy or other products containing lactose. Diagnosis is made by a breath test with lactose
• In food allergies, tingling lips, itchy throat or skin or diarrhea may appear within few minutes or, in delayed response, within several hours after ingestion of allergenic food. Antihistamine pill usually bring relief in few hours
• In fructose malabsorption, diarrhea and abdominal bloating appear within 48 hours after a meal rich in fructose or sorbitol. Diagnosis is made by a breath test with fructose. Toddler’s diarrhea may appear in small children fed with large amounts of fruit juices.
• Intestinal parasites , including intestinal worms, mostly cause mild diarrhea with waxing and waning course, abdominal bloating, mucus, blood or parts of intestinal worms in the stool. Weight loss is common. Giardia may cause sulphur smelling gas.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may appear with low grade fever, fatigue, nausea, lower left or lower righ abdominal pain, skin rash, diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by colonoscopy.
• In celiac disease, diarrhea appear within hours after ingesting gluten-containing foods (wheat, rye or barley). Diagnosis can be made if symptoms cease after gluten-free diet and is confirmed by investigation of a sample of duodenal mucosa.
• Liver disease, like cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, may appear with upper right abdominal pain, jaundice, swollen abdomen, fatigue and diarrhea.
• Gallbladder disease typically presents with cramping pain below the right ribs, appearing within an hour after the meal. White diarrhea appears if bile ducts are blocked.
• Acute or chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer appear with upper middle (or upper left or right) abdominal pain. White bowel movements/diarrhea appears in developed disease.
• Diverticulitis appears with pain in lower left abdomen, bloating, fever and diarrhea.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)may be due reduced small intestinal motility in diabetes or partial bowel obstruction or may appear together with fructose malabsorption or lactose intolerance. Abdominal bloating, early satiety, excessive burping and gas (sometimes with sulphur smell) and, sometimes, diarrhea are main symptoms. Diagnosis is with breath test with lactulose.
• In alcoholism, diarrhea is usually caused by liver or pancreatic disease and malnutrition. Weight loss is typical.
• Malnutritionresults from insufficient nutrient or calorie intake in starvation or intestinal malabsorption. It is common in children in poor areas and in alcoholics. Obvious underweight, fatigue, diarrhea and pale skin due to anemia are typical symptoms.
• Medications, like antibiotics, laxatives (if abused), anti-acid drugs with magnesium, some drugs for treating  high-pressure and other drugs or remedies (read leaflets!) may cause chronic diarrhea.

Source: Health Hype

If you have been suffering from chronic diarrhea, don’t be that anxious since there are treatments available for such a condition. Usually, the treatment is based on the underlying cause.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diarrhea caused by an infection sometimes can be treated with antibiotics or other drugs. However, the correct diagnosis must be made so that the proper medication can be prescribed.

Diarrhea not caused by an infection can be more difficult to diagnose and therefore treat. Long term medical treatment and nutritional support may be necessary. Surgery may be required to treat some causes of chronic diarrhea.

For diarrhea whose cause has not been determined, the following guidelines may help relieve symptoms. Follow the advice of your health care provider.

• Remain well hydrated and avoid dehydration. Serious health problems can occur if the body does not maintain proper fluid levels. Diarrhea may become worse and hospitalization may be required if dehydration occurs.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet. Doing so may help speed recovery.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and many soft drinks.
• Avoid alcohol; it can lead to dehydration

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If you experience diarrhea most of the time, it is best for you to determine the different chronic diarrhea causes and see if any of them applies to you. If you are not entirely sure, it is best to see your health care provider.

Chronic Diarrhea Causes is a post from: Natural Health Magazine