Smart Guidance on Potential Causes and Treatment Options
Diarrhea is a common illness that most people have at some point in their lives. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant. Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or more frequent bowel movements. VitalLife, your stomach doctor in Bangkok, can help treat and prevent diarrhea.
There are two types of diarrhea that someone can have: acute diarrhea or chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea usually involves diarrhea that lasts longer than 4 weeks, and it requires a doctor's visit. Underlying causes of chronic diarrhea include Crohn's disease or celiac disease. With acute diarrhea, most people get better on their own, but some may need treatment with antibiotics. Acute diarrhea normally lasts less than a week with appropriate treatment.
Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Severe and frequent diarrhea can be a sign of a functional bowel disorder or intestinal disease. Diarrhea is a completely treatable and avoidable illness. Our VitalLife stomach doctor can help you determine the cause of your diarrhea and treat it quickly and effectively.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a result of several circumstances or conditions. Potential causes of diarrhea include:
- Medications - Some medications that cause diarrhea include laxatives, antacids, some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and more. If you have an adverse reaction to a medication, it can result in diarrhea as well.
- Viral Infections - Infections such as Giardia can happen after having contaminated water or food. Eating something that is improperly cooked or contaminated can cause food poisoning. However, this normally only lasts up to four weeks or less with appropriate treatment.
- Too much alcohol or caffeine - Cutting back on both alcohol and caffeine can help prevent diarrhea.
- Digestive problems - Digestive issues that may be the underlying cause include: celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or the pancreas fails to produce sufficient enzymes for food nutrient absorption.
- Surgery - Getting part of your small intestine removed during surgery can cause short-bowel syndrome.
- Removal of your gallbladder - When your gallbladder is removed, it can lead to more bile in your colon, resulting in watery stool.
- Hormonal disorders - This includes adrenal disease, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid.
If you think any of these conditions may be causing your chronic diarrhea, it might be time to see your Bangkok stomach doctor.
VitalLifes Treatments for Diarrhea Include:
- IV nutrient therapy
- Nutraceuticals
- Micronutrient screening
- Food intolerance testing
- Intestinal profile
- Screening for ova and parasites
If you have been struggling with chronic diarrhea, your doctor may use any of the following tests, depending on your symptoms and physical exam: an intestinal profile, micronutrient screening, and food intolerance testing to get to the root cause of your symptoms. It is only then that we can make recommendations that will lead to long-lasting.
Our stomach doctor in Bangkok can help prevent and treat acute or chronic diarrhea. To schedule an appointment, call us today at +66 2066 8899. You can learn more about our treatments for diarrhea and how we can help you treat this uncomfortable illness.