Why Am I So Constipated All the Time?
About 4 million Americans experience constipation on a regular basis, and what drives this uncomfortable backup can vary greatly. Here, we look at some leading suspects when it comes to constipation.
When Is Diarrhea a Cause for Concern?
You eat something that doesn’t agree with you and your body promptly expels it in the form of liquidy stool, or diarrhea. Or, perhaps you get a stomach virus that leaves you with diarrhea for a few days. These are perfectly normal circumstances in which diarrhea isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.
That said, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea drive about 100 million visits to medical providers each year in the United States.
When it comes to determining whether your diarrhea is a potential problem, Dr. Sam Weissman wants to share a few rules of thumb when it comes to this uncomfortable GI symptom.
Severe diarrhea
Most acute cases of diarrhea last from 1-4 days and then clear up. During this time, you should drink plenty of fluids and get what foods you can into your system.
Running to the bathroom several times each day is typically par for the course with acute cases of diarrhea, but if you have more than 10 bowel movements in a day, it’s a good idea to have us check you out.
If your diarrhea is accompanied by severe rectal or abdominal pain, it’s also an indication that you should come see us.
Dehydration
Whether your diarrhea is severe or persistent, our main concern is dehydration. When you have diarrhea, your body may be expelling fluids faster than you’re taking them in, leaving you dehydrated.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Skin that puckers
- Dark urine
- Little or no urination
- Weakness
- Headache
If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to seek medical help to get rehydrated with intravenous fluids.
Ongoing diarrhea
Maybe you have bouts of diarrhea that, in and of themselves, aren’t particularly worrisome, but they are consistent. Perhaps each month, you can count on several episodes of loose stools.
If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with diarrhea, they could signal a larger GI or general health issue, such as:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergy
- Parasites
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Thyroid issues
Even certain medications, such as antibiotics or cancer drugs, can lead to chronic diarrhea, as they can alter the bacteria in your gut.
Easing your diarrhea
We understand the impact that diarrhea can have on your overall quality of life, so we work hard to get to the bottom of your problem.
After reviewing your symptoms and your general health, we can get a better idea about where to focus our fact-finding. Through testing, we can typically diagnose what’s behind your loose stools and get on you on the road to healthier bowel movements.
For expert help with your diarrhea issues, please call our Brighton Beach area office in Brooklyn, New York, at 609-793-9375 or request an appointment through this website.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Don't Ignore Rectal Bleeding
Finding blood in places where it doesn’t belong, such as in your stool, can be alarming. Well, we suggest that you heed this alarm if it’s an ongoing issue and seek our help. Here’s why.
The Crohn's Friendly Diet You Can Start Today
When you have an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease, diet is your most important line of defense. Here are some valuable tips that can improve your quality of life in no time.
Could My Abdominal Pain Be Caused by a Stomach Ulcer?
Each year, around 4 million Americans develop stomach ulcers, making them a common gastrointestinal condition. If you’re experiencing ongoing stomach pain, it’s worth learning about ulcers.
5 Tips for Managing Digestive Issues During the Holidays
The holidays are in full swing, which means there’s plenty of feasting in your future as you gather with family and friends. If you’re one of the millions of people who have digestive issues, here are a few tips.
Let's Talk Flatulence — and When to Be Concerned
Everyone passes gas — about 10-20 times per day. This flatulence is a perfectly normal part of your digestive process. If you find that you’re passing gas far more often, and you feel bloated, it could signal a larger issue.