Chronicdiarrheais defined as having three or more loose bowel movements a day for at least four weeks.
Diarrhea takes place if there is a problem with the digestive process.
When this process is disrupted, the waste can move too quickly through the large intestine.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
As a result, the fluid is not absorbed, and the stool comes out watery instead of solid.
Short-term (acute) diarrhea is usually the result of a gastrointestinal infection.
This article discusses chronic diarrhea.
It explains the symptoms that may accompany chronic diarrhea and its potential causes.
It also details how chronic diarrhea is treated and strategies for prevention.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is most commonly thought of as loose orwatery bowel movements.
The medical definition of diarrhea is three episodes of loose or watery stool in a 24-hour period.
Its termed chronic diarrhea when it persists for four or more weeks.
However, some people with chronic diarrhea do not experience any symptoms other than loose or watery stools.
Medical professionals break down diarrhea into three categories: watery, inflammatory, and fatty diarrhea.
Some people have a combination of two or more types of diarrhea.
Inflammatory Diarrhea
Inflammatory diarrhea is because of inflammation in your colon.
Also known as colitis, it triggers when the mucous lining of the colon (mucosa) swells.
This inhibits the colons ability to absorb fluid.
Fatty diarrhea tends to come out in large but less frequent volumes.
It typically smells worse than other stools and may leave a visible oily residue in the toilet.
It may also be accompanied by indigestion, nausea, and weight loss.
Many conditions that can cause diarrhea can be adequately managed with proper treatment.
Malabsorption
Malabsorptionis because of any condition that hampers the processes your body uses to absorb nutrients.
Crohn’s disease and Giardia are two examples.
Dehydration
When you lose fluid in the stool, you’re free to becomedehydrated.
This may include medication, following a specific diet, or avoiding certain foods.
This can help pinpoint specific foods that trigger your chronic diarrhea.
Different types of chronic diarrhea include watery diarrhea, inflammatory diarrhea, and fatty diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea can be triggered by medical conditions, malabsorption, motility issues, or medications.
It can also be sparked by a combination of factors.
Complications of chronic diarrhea include dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and irritation of the colon or rectum.
If you experience chronic diarrhea, see your healthcare provider.
Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause.
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