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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

I have been experiencing very sudden painful diarrhea spontaneously for over 4 years now. It can span between once every few weeks to within a few days to several months. I haven t introduced new foods, but noticed it started after a trip i took to Play de Carmen when I got back I d get sick when I d eat eggs. Should I be concerned and see a specialist or start a food journal? I am not regular at all I go go 2 to 3 days without a bowel movement and then this happens. Any info would help.
Wed, 13 Jul 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Diarrhea is defined as at least 3 bowel movements a day, if it persists for more than 4 weeks then it is called chronic diarrhea.

Since it has persisted for more than 4 years, it would be best to be seen though a food diary would also be helpful to determine if it is related to specific foods.

Causes of chronic diarrhea include:(1) inflammatory bowel diseases- crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
(2)infection
(3)high levels of thyroid hormone
(4)diabetes due to damage to the nerves in the colon
(5)irritable bowel syndrome
(6)side effect of medication
(7)food intolerance or allergy- as you mentioned, a food diary would determine if this is the case

Blood tests (for infection, thyroid levels and screening for diabetes) as well as a scope of the intestines may be needed to find the exact cause of your symptoms.

Your GP can refer you to a gastroenterologist who may be able to help you

I hope this helps
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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Diarrhea is defined as at least 3 bowel movements a day, if it persists for more than 4 weeks then it is called chronic diarrhea. Since it has persisted for more than 4 years, it would be best to be seen though a food diary would also be helpful to determine if it is related to specific foods. Causes of chronic diarrhea include:(1) inflammatory bowel diseases- crohn s disease or ulcerative colitis (2)infection (3)high levels of thyroid hormone (4)diabetes due to damage to the nerves in the colon (5)irritable bowel syndrome (6)side effect of medication (7)food intolerance or allergy- as you mentioned, a food diary would determine if this is the case Blood tests (for infection, thyroid levels and screening for diabetes) as well as a scope of the intestines may be needed to find the exact cause of your symptoms. Your GP can refer you to a gastroenterologist who may be able to help you I hope this helps