Diarrhea

Diarrhea is common and rarely a symptom of a serious health issue. However, if you have ongoing diarrhea, the team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, recommends scheduling an evaluation. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the team takes a holistic and patient-centered approach to care, focusing on you, not your symptoms. Call the office or request an appointment online to get relief from diarrhea.

What is diarrhea?

You have diarrhea if you have three or more bouts of loose, watery stools in one day. Your diarrhea may cause abdominal pain and the urgent need to use the bathroom. You may even lose control over bowel function.

Diarrhea is acute, persistent, or chronic.

Acute diarrhea

Acute diarrhea usually comes on suddenly and resolves within a few days. 

Persistent diarrhea

Persistent diarrhea means you have loose, watery stools for two or more weeks.

Chronic diarrhea

If your diarrhea lasts four or more weeks, your condition is chronic.

Though diarrhea isn’t always a serious health concern, it can cause dehydration and malabsorption, which may lead to serious health complications. 

What are some of the causes of diarrhea?

Diarrhea causes vary. The type of diarrhea you have may help determine the cause. For example, infections and medications commonly cause acute and persistent diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common causes of chronic diarrhea. You may also have ongoing problems with loose, watery stools if you have food allergies or intolerances.

An untreated gastrointestinal infection may also lead to chronic diarrhea.

When should I seek help for diarrhea?

If you have persistent or chronic diarrhea, you should seek help from the gastroenterology team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. Ongoing diarrhea increases your risk of dehydration, malabsorption, and other health problems like nutrient deficiencies or a weakened immune system.

The team asks detailed questions about your symptoms and when they started. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They also run diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your diarrhea. Testing may include bloodwork, stool test, or a colonoscopy.

What are the treatments for diarrhea?

The team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. customizes diarrhea treatment plans based on the cause. Acute diarrhea usually resolves on its own, but the team may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

If your diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal condition, the team may recommend diet changes and disease-specific medications. For bacterial infections, the team prescribes antibiotics.

Ongoing diarrhea may cause other health complications and benefits from a visit with the team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. Call the office or request an appointment online today.