Diarrhea is a prevalent concern that affects everybody at some point in their lives. It is marked by loose, watery stools that happen more often than your normal bowel movement. If you have done something out of the ordinary that might have subjected you to germs, such as trekking, traveling, swimming in waterways, that may be what is causing your diarrhea. Besides, new medication or meals that your stomach is not accustomed to could have also added to your loose bowel movement. While diarrhea resolves typically after several days, it can sometimes be a symptom of a long-term health concern such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. Cypress diarrhea specialist Dr. Bharat Pothuri advises that you see a doctor concerning your diarrheas if you realize any of the following symptoms:
Serious Dehydration
Diarrhea causes dehydration due to the fluids that are passed through your stool. If you vomit in conjunction with diarrhea, it may indicate food poisoning, which can lead to severe dehydration. Serious dehydration is a cause of concern since the lost electrolytes facilitate numerous physiological functions. See a doctor immediately if you notice a dark yellow color in your urine, feel dizzy, weak, or lightheaded.
Mouth Sores
Chronic diarrhea accompanied by mouth sores may indicate a more severe medical problem such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. With Crohn’s disease, your gastrointestinal tract’ tissues swell, leading to ulcers from your mouth to the anus. Likewise, celiac disease causes an immune reaction against gluten inside the small intestines of gluten-sensitive people, which harms oral tissues. It is recommended to consult a professional to dismiss any potential problems and get adequate care.
Black or Bloody Stool
Blood in your stool may indicate hemorrhoids; inflamed veins in the sides of your anus or rectum. Similarly, it could highlight even more severe disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which cause your immune system to strike your GI tissues, resulting in bleeding.
Drastic Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss due to stubborn diarrhea is definitely a cause for concern. It could be a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal condition called malabsorption, which occurs when your body cannot assimilate nutrients from the food you ingest.
Persistent Fever
High fever is another symptom of an infection that could be alleviated by using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen and attentively observing the directions given. If the fever continues despite using this medication, it may signify a more serious illness. In any case, seeing a doctor will help you figure out what is causing your fever.
Rectal Pain Or Abdominal Cramping
There is a risk it is more than diarrhea if you are feeling significant discomfort in your rectum or stomach, as well as loose bowel movements. Chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, and IBS have similar symptoms. Thus, seeing a doctor is the best approach to figure out what is causing your problem.
Diarrhea is often not a cause of alarm. However, suppose it persists for more than a week or is accompanied by any of the abovementioned symptoms. In that case, it might necessitate further assessment and evaluation to determine the root cause of your concern. At GastroDoxs PLLC, Dr. Bharat Pothuri can help fix even the most stubborn diarrhea symptoms. Schedule a consultation today through mobile or request online to discuss your care options.