Diarrhea in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be defined as watery, loose stools that generally happen with greater frequency than normal bowel movements. Experiencing loose stools three times a day or more is considered diarrhea. Most often, diarrhea lasts for only a short period of time, but chronic or persistent diarrhea can signal a far more serious cause. Diarrhea can, in some cases, be treated with home remedies. The most important thing one can do is to drink plenty of fluids to replace those being lost to watery bowel movements. One can also incorporate toast, rice, applesauce, and bananas into their diet. If you think you have some bacteria or a virus, antivirals or antibiotics can be prescribed. You can also use OTC medications with your specialist's oversight. However, there are several diseases, conditions, and cancers that manifest, in part, as diarrhea. Some such conditions include Crohn's disease, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For these reasons, it is important to avoid self-diagnosing and to visit a doctor if serious diarrhea develops. Please understand that you are not alone, and you can receive help for diarrhea in Hattiesburg, MS. You can request a consultation with a local GI specialist through Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC.
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is an extremely common GI condition. Nearly all of us have experienced watery and loose stools as a result of eating some bad food, during stressful times in our lives, or after beginning a new medication. But diarrhea can sometimes let you know that something of greater consequence is going on with your body. Here is a list of possible conditions or habits that can lead to diarrhea:
- Viruses
- Intolerance to foods containing lactose
- Therapy involving radiation
- Runner's diarrhea
- Difficulty digesting fructose
- Some cancers
- Abuse of laxatives
- Malabsorption (difficulty absorbing certain nutrients)
- Parasites or bacteria from contaminated water or food
- Artificial sweeteners
- An overactive thyroid
- Abuse of alcohol
- Surgery (sometimes abdominal and gallbladder removal surgeries can cause diarrhea)
When should I visit a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?
In the event that your diarrhea becomes severe, call a GI physician at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC without delay. A few indicators of severe diarrhea can include:
- Diarrhea accompanied by a fever
- Diarrhea that goes on for more than two days
- Dark urine accompanying diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting in conjunction with diarrhea
- Diarrhea after vacationing in a foreign country
If any of these issues present, it is essential that you receive professional intervention. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. If you feel that you should visit a gastroenterologist in regard to diarrhea, please reach out to us right away. Our team offers treatment for diarrhea in Hattiesburg, MS.
Diarrhea can be a symptom of something serious
While the majority of people will deal with diarrhea during their lives, it is sometimes an indicator of a more serious condition. If you or a family member have been experiencing persistent diarrhea in tandem with other uncomfortable GI symptoms, it might be time to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist to investigate your symptoms. We urge you to connect with a GI doctor at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. If you are suffering from worrisome gastrointestinal symptoms or need treatment for diarrhea in Hattiesburg, MS, contact one of our local offices to be connected to an expert right away.
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