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Chronic Diarrhea

Persistent diarrhea lasting longer than 4 weeks that may indicate an underlying disease.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea is defined as 3 or more watery or loose stools per day for more than 4 weeks. Compared to acute diarrhea (mostly infectious), chronic diarrhea is usually a sign of an underlying disease.

Chronic diarrhea can occur through four main mechanisms: osmotic (lactose intolerance, sorbitol), secretory (microscopic colitis, VIP-secreting tumor), inflammatory (ulcerative colitis, Crohn) and malabsorptive (celiac, pancreatic insufficiency). Determining this mechanism guides the diagnosis.

Most can be diagnosed with a good history, stool analysis, blood tests and, if necessary, colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy.

Symptoms

3 or more watery or loose stools per day
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Urgent need to defecate
Weight loss and weakness
Greasy, shiny stool (in malabsorption)
Bloody or mucous stool (inflammatory causes)
Diarrhea waking the patient at night (sign of organic cause)

Risk Factors

Inflammatory bowel disease
Celiac disease or lactose intolerance
Chronic alcohol use
Diabetes (diabetic enteropathy)
Radiation or chemotherapy history
Travel or post-antibiotic gut flora disruption
Immune deficiency

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If diarrhea lasts longer than 4 weeks
  • If there is blood or pus in stool
  • If accompanied by fever
  • If weight loss and weakness are prominent
  • If diarrhea episodes that wake the patient at night begin

Treatment Methods

01
Recognition and treatment of the underlying cause
02
Oral rehydration to prevent dehydration
03
In celiac: gluten-free diet; in lactose intolerance: lactose restriction
04
In inflammatory bowel disease: specific medical treatment
05
Rifaximin or loperamide for IBS-D
06
Probiotics for microbiota regulation (in selected cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.