Diarrhea occurs for various reasons. Most people will experience diarrhea at some point in their lives. This acute form creates loose and watery stool. It can also create abdominal cramping. Acute diarrhea will often last a few days. It may come and go. It will likely cause the need to use the bathroom more frequently than normal. The amount of stool produced is also higher than what is considered normal. Unless this type of diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by more invasive types of illness, it may not be necessary to see a doctor.
On the other hand, those who have chronic diarrhea may need to see their Brooklyn gastroenterologist. This condition lasts longer (more than three days), and it may last as long as four weeks. When this happens, it can be a symptom of a much more serious health matter including a form of inflammatory bowel disease. However, it can also be brought on by a less worrisome condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. In either case, you should see your Brooklyn doctor if your diarrhea extends beyond a few days to learn what the underlying cause is and to ensure you do not become dehydrated.
What Can Be Done to Understand Diarrhea?
Diarrhea itself can be worrisome for various reasons. First, it can be a concern when it lasts a long time because it can lead to dehydration. In addition to this, many people suffering from this chronic condition can have a more advanced disease that is less obvious. This is why your Brooklyn gastroenterologist is likely to perform a few additional tests to determine what the underlying cause is and to determine what can be done to stop it from occurring.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you at first. He or she will ensure you are not dehydrated as a first step. Then, he or she will discuss any over-the-counter medications or other conditions that may be causing the diarrhea to occur.
Testing of diarrhea and other symptoms may include listening to your abdomen, conducting a rectal exam, and taking blood or stool samples to check for additional infections or abnormalities. If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, our Brooklyn gastroenterologist will help you to determine what the underlying cause is and what can be done to stop it when you visit our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway office in Brooklyn, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diarrhea
What can stop diarrhea fast?
While diarrhea typically improves on its own after a few days, certain steps can provide relief sooner. Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications such as Pepto-Bismol can provide short-term relief, but they should be used carefully and not as a long-term solution. Drinking fluids with electrolytes helps replace lost water and minerals.
What are the potential complications of untreated chronic diarrhea?
Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, fatigue, and weight loss. Over time, it may also signal an underlying digestive condition that requires medical treatment. Ignoring persistent diarrhea can lead to several health complications.
How can diarrhea cause dehydration?
Diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of fluids and electrolytes in a short time. Dehydration occurs when you don’t replenish these losses. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, and weakness. Visit your Brooklyn GI doctor if you notice any signs of dehydration.
How does diarrhea cause metabolic acidosis?
Metabolic acidosis occurs when there’s too much acid in the bodily fluids. Prolonged diarrhea causes the body to lose sodium bicarbonate, a substance that helps maintain a normal blood pH. When bicarbonate levels drop, the blood can become too acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis. This condition may cause fatigue, rapid breathing, and confusion. Metabolic acidosis requires urgent medical attention.
What causes diarrhea immediately after eating?
Figuring out why you have diarrhea after eating (postprandial diarrhea) can be tricky, but your Brooklyn gastroenterologist can help. Your GI doctor will first determine whether your diarrhea is acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea may be caused by several factors, including diet, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and stomach infections. If chronic, the culprit can be IBD, celiac disease, gallbladder issues, or rapid movement of food through the digestive tract (dumping syndrome).
What drinks or foods help with diarrhea?
Clear fluids, such as water, sports drinks, broth, ginger ale, and clear fruit juices, can help prevent dehydration. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet) may help firm stools. You could also eat bland foods such as rice, oatmeal, and boiled potatoes. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and greasy foods until symptoms improve.
Will my diarrhea go away on its own?
Most likely, yes. In most cases, diarrhea is often caused by bacteria or viruses that resolve within days. Contact your Brooklyn gastroenterologist if symptoms persist for more than 3 days.
When should I see a gastroenterologist?
Nearly everyone experiences diarrhea at some point in life, and it’s typically a short-lived issue that resolves within a few days. Sometimes, diarrhea can be a result of what you just ate, and sometimes it may be a GI-related issue, such as stomach flu. In other cases, diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as Crohn’s disease.
Knowing the different types of diarrhea helps you know when to see a GI doctor. As a rule of thumb, seek medical care if diarrhea is severe, ongoing, or disrupts daily life. Also, see your doctor if diarrhea is accompanied by blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
What should I expect during a doctor’s visit for chronic diarrhea?
Your GI doctor will review your symptoms, diet, medical history, and medications. Tests may include stool tests, blood work, imaging, or endoscopic procedures. The goal is to determine the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Are you looking for diarrhea treatment in Brooklyn, NY?
Diarrhea can be as simple as a passing stomach bug, or it may signal a more serious digestive condition. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or keep coming back, don’t ignore them. Call 718 521-2840 to schedule a consultation with our experienced gastroenterologists in Brooklyn, New York, and Coral Springs, Florida.