Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools and can range from mild to severe. Causes of diarrhea include foodborne illness, viral infection, or dietary intolerance. While some instances of diarrhea are self-limiting and resolve on their own, other cases call for medical intervention from a gastroenterologist. Here is when you may need to seek medical care for diarrhea:
Medication Use
Some medications, like antibiotics, can disrupt gut flora and cause diarrhea as a side effect. If you’ve started a new medication, it could be contributing to your symptoms. A doctor may advise adjusting the dosage or switching medications. They can also recommend probiotics to restore gut balance. Discussing your medication history with a specialist helps pinpoint and address the cause of diarrhea.
Ongoing Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea caused by viruses, bacteria, or dietary changes can improve in a couple of days. If diarrhea persists longer than two weeks, underlying chronic issues or infections may be present. A gastroenterologist diagnoses other afflictions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Dehydration
Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration by depleting the body’s fluids and electrolytes. Infants and young children are more vulnerable, but adults are also at risk. Watch for dry mouth, cracked lips, sunken eyes, or severe thirst. Fatigue, low urine output, and dizziness may also indicate dehydration. If rehydrating with water, clear fluids, and electrolytes do not improve dehydration symptoms, seek medical care.
Fever
High fever paired with diarrhea may signal an infectious cause. If you experience a fever with diarrhea, contact a doctor to check for food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea from unfamiliar pathogens. Confirming the illness helps prevent the spread of contagious pathogens to others.
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Weight Loss
Diarrhea causes food to move quickly through the bowels, impairing nutrient absorption and potentially leading to weight loss. Monitoring weight loss through frequent weigh-ins may help determine the severity. If you continue to lose weight despite eating well while experiencing diarrhea, see a specialist. They will help identify underlying gastrointestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or intestinal parasites.
Stool Color
Normal stool is brown. Black, tarry stools or noticeable rectal bleeding signal the need for medical evaluation. Black stools may indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines. Bright red blood could point to a rectal source like hemorrhoids. Any abnormal stool colors accompanied by diarrhea may need further testing. This helps assess emergency conditions, such as gastrointestinal tract bleeds.
Abdominal Pain
Mild cramping is expected with diarrhea. If you experience severe, intense abdominal pain that is localized to one region and doesn’t tolerate palpation, seek medical help. These symptoms may indicate serious issues like appendicitis, pancreatitis, or a perforated intestine. Quick evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and help probiotics rebuild the gut flora to improve digestive function.
Visit a Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as endoscopies and stool tests, to uncover the causes of diarrhea. They can identify the root issue, from bacterial infections to inflammatory diseases, and develop personalized treatment plans. Book a consultation with a professional today for expert guidance in maintaining your digestive health.
