Diarrhea is an unpleasant condition that can be a sign of a long list of gastrointestinal disorders. If you are experiencing an urgent need to use the restroom, or have loose, watery stools for more than a week, you may need to see a gastroenterologist like Gil I. Ascunce, MD, about your diarrhea. For a complete diagnosis and treatment information, visit his New York City office in Manhattan on Madison Avenue. Call or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
Diarrhea is when you experience loose, watery stools, that often occur suddenly and urgently. Diarrhea may also be defined as a change in your bowel habits with an increased frequency of bowel movements. Occasionally experiencing diarrhea is not cause for concern, but chronic or long-lasting diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, and can lead to complications.
Diarrhea can involve a variety of symptoms, including:
If your diarrhea lasts more than two days, consider making an appointment with Dr. Ascunce. You should seek immediate help if you notice:
Diarrhea can be a symptom of an underlying issue, including a variety of gastrointestinal conditions like:
Diarrhea can also be a lingering effect of past surgery, especially gallbladder surgery, or a side effect of certain medications.
The first step of treating diarrhea is determining the cause. If you visit Dr. Ascunce with symptoms of diarrhea, a stool test, blood test, or both is usually the first step of diagnosis. In some cases, Dr. Ascunce may also use a colonoscopy or endoscopy to investigate possible causes in your digestive tract.
Depending on the cause of your diarrhea, treatment can vary widely. If an infection is to blame, antibiotics can be used in conjunction with medication to limit or relieve your symptoms. Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis require long-term treatment and management, and some disorders like celiac disease may require a long-term change in diet.
If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, or if you have any questions, call the office of Gil I. Ascunce, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.