Chronic Diarrhoea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Appendicitis is a condition when the appendix (a finger-shaped organ attached to the bottom portion of the large intestine) is inflamed or filled with pus. It is important to detect this ailment early and get the right treatment, as it can lead to severe complications if left undetected for a long time. Appendicitis goes through 4 stages of progress and detecting it as early as possible is critical to get it treated properly. Read on to know more.

Causes

Your colon usually works to absorb water from digested food. The presence of watery stool indicates that this process is being hampered. There are several conditions that may result in chronic diarrhoea.

1. Viruses, Bacteria or Parasites

Exposure to certain types of bacteria or viruses like Rotavirus, E. Coli, and COVID-19 can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea. Individuals can also suffer from chronic diarrhoea from parasites that enter our bodies through contaminated food.

2. Medications/Supplements

Several medications, like antibiotics, alter the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, causing persistent diarrhoea.

3. Diet

There are several food items that affect gut health if consumed in inappropriate quantities. Consuming high quantities of tea, coffee, or alcohol has been frequently associated with chronic diarrhoea. Excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners and fructose also causes this condition. Alternatively, a person may also have food sensitivity, like lactose intolerance.

Symptoms

The symptoms usually associated with chronic diarrhoea include:

1. Cramps or pain in the abdomen

2. Bloating

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Fever

5. Blood/mucus in the stool

6. Constant urges to visit the bathroom

Diagnosis and Medical Tests

To identify chronic diarrhoea, a medical practitioner will often perform a physical examination and evaluation of patient's diet, medication regimen, and medical history. He/she may ask the person to undergo certain diagnostic tests to understand the severity of the condition. These can include:

1. Blood Test

2. Stool Test

3. Hydrogen Breath Test (this is to test for lactose intolerance)

4. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

5. Endoscopy

Treatment Options

The treatment of acute diarrhoea is usually tailored to the underlying cause. Antibiotics or anti-parasitic medication may be prescribed to treat infections that result in acute diarrhoea. Chronic conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance have to be managed with dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. Electrolytes and probiotics may be taken alongside anti-diarrhoeal medication to improve gut health. Fluid replacement therapy may be conducted, and the patient is usually advised to stay hydrated during recovery.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor:

1. Diarrhoea lasting for more than 4 days, with no response to home remedies

2. Severe thirst, dry skin, and darker urine (symptoms associated with dehydration)

3. Abdominal or rectal pain

4. Blood in the stool

5. Fever