Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic Diarrhea Defined As Loose, Watery Stools For Four Consecutive Weeks

February14, 2010

By: Pamela Egan

It is estimated that close to a million people in the United States alone suffer from chronic diarrhea. The exact number of those who suffer from chronic diarrheais unknown, because it is a disease for which medical treatment is not often sought immediately if at all.

The definition of chronic diarrhea is one or more loose stools per day for approximately four consecutive weeks.

Chronic Diarrhea Causes and Treatment

There are many different causes of chronic diarrhea including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), parasites (such as the roundworm infection trichinosis), bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, chron’s disease and medications such as anti-depressants.

If initial treatment fails to correct the problem, one should consider having a colonoscopy performed, if for no other reason to rule out a serious and potentially fatal disease such as colon cancer.

Stool for ova & parasites, stool cultures, or comprehensive diagnostic stool analysis can be helpful in determining the cause of chronic diarrhea.

Usually, patients just want relief as soon as possible. That said, I usually start with Flagyl 250mg, three times a day, along with Immodium AD as needed. A high quality probiotic supplement should be taken daily in addition to the Flagyl and the Immodium. Due to the use of antibiotics, chemicals, fluoride, etc., many of us have an imbalance of bacteria in our gut. The body’s immune system is directly linked to gut health. Our good bacterial flora serve as a protective lining keeping molecules that are too large from going through as well as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Without the protective lining in place, one will suffer with auto-immune disease, allergies, viral and bacterial infections, acne, etc.

As stated, if this treatment fails, do not hesitate to contact a Gastroenterologist to rule out a more serious disease.

Pamela Egan, MN, APRN, ABAAHP Diplomat (American Academy of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners), is a health columnist from Covington, LA. She can be reached at 985-892-3031 or www.pamelaegan.com.