Diarrhea in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that typically happen with greater frequency than normal bowel movements. Daily loose stools experienced three times or more are considered diarrhea. In general, diarrhea only lasts for a short amount of time, but an ongoing or persistent case can indicate a far more serious cause.
Diarrhea can occasionally be treated with home remedies. The most important thing to do is to consume a high volume of fluids to replenish all of the fluids being lost to watery bowel movements. You can also incorporate toast, rice, applesauce, and bananas into your diet. Should you suspect you have a bacteria or virus, antivirals or antibiotics can be prescribed. You can also use OTC medications with your GI specialist's oversight. However, there are some conditions, diseases, and cancers that manifest themselves as diarrhea.
Some such conditions include Crohn's disease, colon cancer, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). That is why it is important not to self-diagnose and request an appointment with a GI provider if serious diarrhea develops. Please know that you are not alone and you can get treatment for diarrhea in Hinsdale, Normal, and Chicago, IL. You can request a consultation with a local GI specialist at GI Alliance of Illinois.
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a quite common digestive health condition. Nearly all of us have experienced watery and loose stools after eating some improperly prepared food, during stressful times in our lives, or after beginning a new medication. But diarrhea can, sometimes, tell you that something of greater severity is happening in your body. Here are some of the possible conditions or habits with the potential to lead to diarrhea:
- Some cancers/Cancer
- Radiation therapy
- Malabsorption (trouble absorbing certain nutrients)
- Fructose (difficulty digesting it)
- Bacteria and parasites from contaminated food or water
- Lactose intolerance
- Overactive thyroid
- Abuse of laxatives
- Viral infection
- Artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol abuse
- Runner’s diarrhea
- Surgery (sometimes surgery to remove the gallbladder or some abdominal surgeries can cause diarrhea)
When should I visit a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?
When your diarrhea becomes serious, contact a gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Illinois with no delay. A sampling of the hallmarks of severe diarrhea may include:
- Diarrhea accompanied by a fever
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours
- Diarrhea and dark urine
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting in conjunction with diarrhea
- Diarrhea post-vacation to a foreign country
If any of these issues manifest themselves, it is imperative that you seek professional assistance. It is always better to err on the side of caution. If you think that you should speak with a gastrointestinal specialist because of diarrhea, please reach out to us right away. Our team offers treatment for diarrhea in our 22 locations across Illinois.
Diarrhea could be a symptom of something serious
While most people will suffer from diarrhea at some point during their lifetimes, diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. If you or a member of your family are suffering from persistent diarrhea in conjunction with other bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms, it might be cause for an appointment with a gastroenterologist to look more closely at your symptoms. You can locate a GI specialist at GI Alliance of Illinois. If you are suffering from troubling gastrointestinal symptoms or need treatment for diarrhea in Illinois, contact our practice to get in touch with an expert right away.
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