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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Chronic Diarrhoea?
- What Causes Chronic Diarrhoea?
- What are the Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhoea?
- What are the Complications of Chronic Diarrhoea?
- What is the Treatment of Chronic Diarrhoea?
What is Chronic Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is a digestive disorder characterised by watery or loose faeces. Most individuals get diarrhoea at some time in their lives. These episodes usually last only a few days, with no consequences. If diarrhoea lasts longer than two to four weeks, it is termed chronic diarrhoea.
What Causes Chronic Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of illnesses and disorders, including:
- Viruses: Enteric adenoviruses, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis are all viruses that can cause diarrhoea. A significant cause of acute diarrhoea in children is rotavirus.
- Parasite and bacterial infection: Diarrhoea is caused by exposure to pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli or parasites through contaminated food or drink. Traveller’s diarrhoea is a term used to describe diarrhoea caused by germs and parasites when visiting underdeveloped nations.
- Lactose sensitivity: Lactose is a sugar present in dairy products like milk & yogurt. After eating dairy products, people who have trouble digesting lactose get diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance might worsen as you get older.
- Fructose: Fructose is a natural sugar present in fruits and honey. It’s occasionally used to sweeten certain beverages. In persons who have problems digesting fructose, it can cause diarrhoea.
- Synthetic sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, erythritol, and mannitol, which are non-absorbable sugars used in chewing gum and other sugar-free goods, can induce diarrhoea in otherwise healthy persons.
- Surgery: Diarrhoea can occur after partial intestine or gallbladder removal procedures.
- Other gastrointestinal issues: IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth are some additional reasons for chronic diarrhoea (SIBO).
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhoea?
Chronic diarrhoea is characterised by loose or watery faeces that last for weeks. A sensation of urgency may or may not accompany these stools. Other signs and symptoms might include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
What are the Complications of Chronic Diarrhoea?
Acute diarrhoea is usually not harmful. However, prolonged diarrhoea poses a danger of dehydration owing to fluid loss. Dehydration occurs when the body lacks sufficient fluid. Dehydration symptoms include:
- Dark urine colour
- Extreme thirst
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
What is the Treatment of Chronic Diarrhoea?
The treatment regime includes medications as well as dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Antibiotics or parasite killers- Bacterial or parasitic diarrhoea may be treated with antibiotics or anti-parasitic medicines. Antibiotics will not help if your diarrhoea is caused by a virus.
- Fluid replacement therapy- This implies electrolyte-enriched water, juice, or broth. IV fluids are recommended if consuming drinks bothers the stomach or causes vomiting. Water is a fantastic method to replenish fluids, but it lacks the salts and electrolytes — minerals like sodium and potassium — that the body requires to function properly. Drinking potassium-rich fruit juices or eating sodium-rich soups can help keep the electrolyte levels in check.
- Treatment of the underlying cause
Lifestyle changes include avoiding:
- Caffeine and alcoholic beverages
- Foods that are poor in fibre
- Overeating
