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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Is Chronic Diarrhea Treated?

Hello after travelling abroad two years ago I developed chronic diarrhea. Initial stool testing came back negative and was then given IBS as a blanket diagnosis. In the following two years my condition worsened prompting me to seek a second round of stool testing as I had no previous history of GI distress and the only thing that changed in my life was visiting India. Basically my life was great before India and suddenly miserable after. The second round of testing came back positive for endolimax nana cysts an organism that is generally regarded as benign; However, there is ample recent medical literature stating that it can cause chronic diarrhea in individuals. What do you think the best route would be to find a doctor to treat this condition given its controversial nature?
Fri, 4 Nov 2016
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history of developing chronic diarrhea after travelling abroad, particularly to India, stool test was negative hence got treated as IBS as a blanket treatment. Condition worsened and the second stool tests showed Endolimax nana cysts . Although these are supposed to be non-pathogenic , there are reports on internet saying that these can cause diarrhea in some individuals...
As per the history you have provided, simple treatment with Metronidazole should be sufficient to treat and see the results.
If there is still no results after a course of an antibiotic active against gastrointestinal infection, I would advise you the following:
Stool tests for three consecutive days as at least one may show some other positive findings.
Tests of blood: CBC and particularly thyroid functions, diabetes.
CT scan of the abdomen as you are suffering for the lst 2 years, a long time to suffer.
Colonoscopy and biopsy.
All these may give additional information for proper treatment.

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How Is Chronic Diarrhea Treated?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history of developing chronic diarrhea after travelling abroad, particularly to India, stool test was negative hence got treated as IBS as a blanket treatment. Condition worsened and the second stool tests showed Endolimax nana cysts . Although these are supposed to be non-pathogenic , there are reports on internet saying that these can cause diarrhea in some individuals... As per the history you have provided, simple treatment with Metronidazole should be sufficient to treat and see the results. If there is still no results after a course of an antibiotic active against gastrointestinal infection, I would advise you the following: Stool tests for three consecutive days as at least one may show some other positive findings. Tests of blood: CBC and particularly thyroid functions, diabetes. CT scan of the abdomen as you are suffering for the lst 2 years, a long time to suffer. Colonoscopy and biopsy. All these may give additional information for proper treatment.