Conquer chronic diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea refers to a condition in which one experiences frequent loose or watery stools that last for weeks, often as the result of infections, medications, digestive disorders or food sensitivities. Chronic diarrhea is uncomfortable and inconvenient and can significantly diminish quality of life and overall wellness.
If you're suffering from chronic diarrhea, it is crucial that you seek medical advice from one of the gastroenterology providrs at Digestive and Liver Health Specialists. While many cases of chronic diarrhea can be resolved with diet adjustments or over-the-counter medicines, additional testing such as colonoscopies and anorectal manometry may be recommended by your physician as a way of further diagnosing your condition.
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure in which your doctor uses a thin flexible tube equipped with a camera to examine the interior lining of your colon. It helps detect abnormalities that could be contributing to chronic diarrhea such as inflammation in the bowels, polyps or colon cancer.
Anorectal Manometry: An anorectal manometry test measures muscle and nerve function within the rectum and anus to assess strength and coordination and identify any issues that could be contributing to chronic diarrhea such as dysfunction in either of these muscles.
Manage Chronic Diarrhea: While waiting or following up on any necessary tests, you can take steps to manage and alleviate chronic diarrhea symptoms by following some strategies outlined here:
- Low FODMAP Diet: Consider following a low FODMAP diet, as FODMAPs can trigger digestive symptoms in certain individuals. A low FODMAP diet involves avoiding high FODMAP foods like certain fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains; working with a registered dietitian will assist in creating an ideal meal plan for you.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated requires drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, to remain properly hydrated. Diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, so keeping yourself properly hydrated is key in order to avoid dehydration and its adverse consequences.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that exacerbate your symptoms by keeping a food diary to track what you eat and its effect on your digestive system.
- Medication: Your gastroenterologist may suggest certain anti-diarrheal or antibiotic medication - depending on whether an infection exists - in order to manage chronic diarrhea.
Conclusion
Chronic diarrhea can be disruptive to daily life, but with appropriate management and medical evaluation its impact can be minimized. By following a low FODMAP diet, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, taking prescribed medication according to prescribed protocol and seeking medical advice when necessary you can regain control of your digestive health. At Digestive and Liver Health Specialists our dedicated team is here to guide and support you towards optimum digestive well-being - consult a healthcare provider for the necessary evaluation and guidance!
