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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Diarrhea And Nausea
Question: I have had chronic diarrhea for several years, however in the the past year it seems to be getting worse. I use Imodium almost daily. I also suffer from bouts of nausea. I have had my gallbladder checked and its fine. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy next month.
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different possible causes for chronic diarrhea such as: (1) irritable bowel syndrome
(2) side effect of medication or supplements eg magnesium containing antiacids can cause this problem
(3)thyroid disease-high levels of thyroid hormone can cause this problem. With your history of needing thyroid supplements however, this is not likely for you.
If the thyroid hormone levels is high because of the synthroid then this may cause diarrhea.
(4)intolerance to certain foods though you would have likely noticed if there is a link to particular foods. If you are not sure, a food diary for 3 to 5 days would help with this
(5)inflammatory bowel disease such as crohns or ulcerative colitis- the colonoscopy would determine if either of these is present
Microscopic colitis is another form of inflammatory bowel disease that can also cause persisting diarrhea. Multiple biopsies of the colon may be needed for diagnosis.
(6)hormonal causes such as: (a) hypoparathyroidism (low levels of a parathyroid hormone, can be diagnosed by blood tests for parathyroid hormone and also calcium levels) (b) addison's disease- low levels of steroid hormone are made
(7)conditions of the pancreas
(8)infections
(9)celiac disease
IN addition to colonoscopy , the investigation into chronic diarrhea would involve blood tests such as complete blood count, ESR (checks for inflammation), stool for parasites, hormonal blood tests, blood tests for celiac disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different possible causes for chronic diarrhea such as: (1) irritable bowel syndrome
(2) side effect of medication or supplements eg magnesium containing antiacids can cause this problem
(3)thyroid disease-high levels of thyroid hormone can cause this problem. With your history of needing thyroid supplements however, this is not likely for you.
If the thyroid hormone levels is high because of the synthroid then this may cause diarrhea.
(4)intolerance to certain foods though you would have likely noticed if there is a link to particular foods. If you are not sure, a food diary for 3 to 5 days would help with this
(5)inflammatory bowel disease such as crohns or ulcerative colitis- the colonoscopy would determine if either of these is present
Microscopic colitis is another form of inflammatory bowel disease that can also cause persisting diarrhea. Multiple biopsies of the colon may be needed for diagnosis.
(6)hormonal causes such as: (a) hypoparathyroidism (low levels of a parathyroid hormone, can be diagnosed by blood tests for parathyroid hormone and also calcium levels) (b) addison's disease- low levels of steroid hormone are made
(7)conditions of the pancreas
(8)infections
(9)celiac disease
IN addition to colonoscopy , the investigation into chronic diarrhea would involve blood tests such as complete blood count, ESR (checks for inflammation), stool for parasites, hormonal blood tests, blood tests for celiac disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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