Dealing With Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea isn't the most glamorous thing in the world to discuss, but, it is something that happens
to everyone on occasion. Knowing the causes and symptoms of diarrhea, however, can help you
to find out if your episodes are just that, or something more serious, like chronic diarrhea.
What's the difference? Diarrhea is diarrhea, right? Wrong. Diarrhea that lasts more than two
weeks can be termed chronic diarrhea, and brings with it some cautions and possible treatments.
Even though many otherwise healthy people suffer from chronic diarrhea and live fully active
lives, older, ill or contributing factors can cause the condition to become much more than a
frustration to the point of proving life threatening. Knowing your normal body functions and
routines goes a long way in helping each person deal with chronic diarrhea. Knowledge also
helps to tell when it is time to go see your doctor for a treatment for diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea is caused by many different factors, and can usually be divided into two
separate groups: diarrhea caused by infection and 'The Rest'. Parasites, bacteria and viral
infections are a common cause of many types of diarrhea. But noninfection triggers like the use
of antibiotics, which literary kill the good bacteria within your digestive system with the bad, and
certain types of medications bring about most chronic diarrhea complaints. Those taking high
blood pressure medication often experience frequent diarrhea. Other causes of chronic diarrhea
include but are not limited to other medical conditions such as colitis, Crohn's disease and
cancers and diabetes. Other triggers include many of the foods we eat, as well as food additives,
preservatives and chemicals. Other causes of chronic diarrhea can be blamed on travel, and
heredity factors. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet with enough fiber will go a long way
to ensure intestinal health.
It is often difficult for a doctor to decide on a prognosis of chronic diarrhea because its symptoms
mimic so many other symptoms of other medical conditions and diseases. Common tests will
include blood tests, urine and occult tests as well as the use of special x-rays to see if everything
in your intestines is in good working order. Doctors take each case and make independent
determinations to causes, severity and prescribed treatment plans, because every person will react
in different ways to symptoms associated with chronic diarrhea. Usually, chronic diarrhea is treated with the use of antibiotics, while others suggest the use of
antidiarrhea medications found in drugstores. They will insist that you drink plenty of fluids to
help prevent dehydration, and if your condition is serious enough, they may admit you into the
hospital to receive IV fluids to replace valuable electrolytes and enzymes. Many doctors suggest
rehydration products like Pedialyte to help replace lost fluids. They will also tell you to stay away
from caffeine and alcohol, as both cause dehydration. Remember to drink plenty of water, not
just soups or sports drinks, but plain water, and much it.
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