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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea When Treating Psoriasis And Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Question: I am almost 2 years post partum with my first child. I have developed psoriasis and hypothyroidism. Over the last several months I have lost weight, unintentionaly. I am 116 lbs vs 128 lbs normal pre pregnancy. I am now, for some time now, had boughts, of diarrhea for now for a few months, especially after I eat. Sometimes very little comes out, even though I am straining. I have limited appetite. Last night for the first time, I had a bout of diarrhea after a big dinner, that I worked hard to finish; grilled chicken, salad, and mashed sweet potato. Immediately after going to the bathroom, I was extremely hungry. I had a cup of green tea with mint. Had to go to the bathroom. I had a banana, and had to go to the bathroom. This morning all I have had is my meds for the hypothyroidism, and I have to go to the bathroom. Recently a Dr told me to add more fatty foods to help me gain weight, and then I would be fine. I know something is not right with me, and it's scary. I need to know what to say and ask to get a proper diagnosis and treatment, as soon as possible. Thank you most sincerely! XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Seems colitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.

You seem to have developed colitis probably due to infection but may be other causes. One thing that should be ruled out is overdose of thyroid medicines. For this we have to do the thyroid profile. If you have recently done the test, please let me know the reports. Sometimes postpartum thyroid issues resolve with time. Also let me know the dose of your thyroid medicine. The cause of colitis can be confirmed with a colonoscopy and biopsy. You should consult a gastroenterologist.

My suggestions for the time being are as follows:

- Drink clean drinking water or gatorade or ORS after every bout of diarrhea. Drinking water is the commonest cause of gut infection, thus try to get the cleanest water.

- Take a B complex or multi vitamin tab

- Do not take antibiotics unless a bacterial infection is confirmed. This diarrhea may be fungal in nature, which may get worse with antibiotics.

- You may also take yogurt or even probiotics

- Tab Imodium (loperamide) may be taken once in a while.

- Take high calorie foods to gain weight. High calorie foods include cheese, butter, cream, sweets, etc. High fiber diet that includes ripe and soft (not raw) fruits is also needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Dr Vaishalee
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3262 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea When Treating Psoriasis And Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: Seems colitis Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for your query. You seem to have developed colitis probably due to infection but may be other causes. One thing that should be ruled out is overdose of thyroid medicines. For this we have to do the thyroid profile. If you have recently done the test, please let me know the reports. Sometimes postpartum thyroid issues resolve with time. Also let me know the dose of your thyroid medicine. The cause of colitis can be confirmed with a colonoscopy and biopsy. You should consult a gastroenterologist. My suggestions for the time being are as follows: - Drink clean drinking water or gatorade or ORS after every bout of diarrhea. Drinking water is the commonest cause of gut infection, thus try to get the cleanest water. - Take a B complex or multi vitamin tab - Do not take antibiotics unless a bacterial infection is confirmed. This diarrhea may be fungal in nature, which may get worse with antibiotics. - You may also take yogurt or even probiotics - Tab Imodium (loperamide) may be taken once in a while. - Take high calorie foods to gain weight. High calorie foods include cheese, butter, cream, sweets, etc. High fiber diet that includes ripe and soft (not raw) fruits is also needed. Let me know if I can assist you further. Dr Vaishalee