Diarrhea Specialist

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea refers to loose and watery stools that occur at least three times in one day. It can be either acute (lasting a few days), persistent (lasting more than two weeks but less than four weeks), or chronic (four weeks or longer). 

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Along with loose and watery stools, you may experience some of the following issues with diarrhea. 

• Abdominal cramping 
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Bloody stools

Chronic diarrhea is more likely to cause more severe complications like weight loss. Depending on the root cause of your diarrhea, you might also experience problems like greasy or foul-smelling stools. 

What causes diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea usually occurs because of a virus. Bacteria cause many cases of diarrhea in travelers. Some of the gastrointestinal conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea include: 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer
• Celiac disease 
• Intestinal infections like giardia

Dr. Memon determines which specific tests you need based on your symptoms and health factors so he can find the exact reason you’re experiencing diarrhea. You may need blood tests, stool tests, or a procedure such as a lower endoscopy (colonoscopy). 

How is diarrhea treated?

At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Memon focuses on the underlying illness causing your diarrhea. Your treatment is specific to that condition, but in general, many digestive conditions respond to a combination approach. 

Dr. Memon may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, such as removing problem foods from your diet, reducing your stress level, and exercising regularly.

Some conditions require specific medications like antibiotics, steroids, or immunosuppressants. 

Dr. Memon may also prescribe antispasmodic drugs, antidepressants, antidiarrheal drugs, fiber supplements, or other medications to reduce your diarrhea symptoms and other issues. 

If you have Crohn’s disease or another serious long-term digestive system disease, working toward good long-term management with Dr. Memon is the best way to reduce diarrhea and other symptoms while improving the quality of your life. 

Persistent or chronic diarrhea can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive, and there’s absolutely no reason you have to live with it. 

Texas Digestive Disease Consultants offers compassionate care from a leading specialist, so reach out to the nearest office by phone or use the provided booking tool to arrange your visit today.