Diarrhea
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Katy Digestive Center
Murtaza Arif, MD
Gastroenterology located in Katy, TX
Chronic diarrhea and related symptoms can make it difficult to leave the house. While diarrhea is a common side effect of infection, chronic diarrhea can indicate a more serious underlying health condition. Murtaza Arif, MD is an experienced gastroenterologist in Katy, Texas, well-equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that cause diarrhea. Learn more about available services to effectively resolve diarrhea and prevent complications, like dehydration, by calling Katy Digestive Center community or use the online booking feature.
Diarrhea Q & A
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition where you experience loose, watery bowel movements three or more times in a day.
You can develop acute diarrhea from a virus, parasite, bacteria, or food sensitivities, or diarrhea may become chronic due to underlying medical conditions.
Other common causes of diarrhea include:
- Infection
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Contaminated food
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Use of certain medications
In many cases of acute diarrhea, your symptoms resolve without any medical treatment. However, if you have chronic diarrhea, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Arif to identify its root cause.
When should I seek help for diarrhea?
In addition to scheduling an evaluation for chronic diarrhea, you should also seek treatment if you have other symptoms that accompany your diarrhea. These symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Bloody stools
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
Additionally, you should understand the warning signs of dehydration, a common side effect of diarrhea because of the amount of water you lose when you go to the bathroom. These signs include extreme thirst, dry skin, not urinating, and dizzy feelings.
In some cases, dehydration may require some time in the hospital to ensure you get the fluids you need to prevent additional health complications.
What can I expect during my consultation for diarrhea?
During your consultation, Dr. Arif reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms. As he learns more about your diet and activities when diarrhea started, Dr. Arif may be able to determine the cause of your illness.
In some cases, Dr. Arif may suggest diagnostic testing, including blood work or a stool test, to identify the parasites or bacteria that are triggering diarrhea.
What treatments are available for diarrhea?
In addition to staying hydrated, Dr. Arif may recommend a soft diet, including broths and gelatins, to alleviate the worst of your diarrhea.
Dr. Arif may also suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications to prevent additional episodes of diarrhea.
If your diarrhea relates to an underlying medical condition, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, Dr. Arif creates a treatment plan to address the root cause of your diarrhea. This plan may include dietary changes to prevent bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, such as avoiding spicy foods or products that contain gluten.
Don’t ignore chronic diarrhea or related symptoms. You can schedule a diagnostic appointment with Dr. Arif online or by calling the office today.
