People commonly suffer from an occasional bout of diarrhea with little cause for concern. However, persistent or chronic loose stools can be a painful and embarrassing problem. In some cases, these symptoms may indicate an underlying illness, and patients should consult a physician to determine the cause.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. The inflammation commonly spreads deep into the layers of bowel tissue causing painful and debilitating symptoms. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of Crohn’s disease but believe that both heredity and the immune system play a part in the illness, according to the MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloody stools, ulcers in the intestines, reduced appetite and weight loss. In severe Crohn’s disease, patients may notice fever, arthritis, fatigue, eye inflammation, skin disorders, inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, and delayed growth or sexual development. Physicians commonly treat Crohn’s disease with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids as well as immune system suppressants and antibiotics.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon. Inflammation causes cells to die, causing ulcers that bleed and produce pus. Ulcerative colitis is caused by abnormalities in the immune system. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that ulcerative colitis can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 15 and 30 and affects men and women equally. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, chronic bloody diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, joint pain, growth failure in children, and loss of body fluids and nutrients. Physicians commonly treat ulcerative colitis with corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition triggered by the consumption of gluten protein found in breads, pastas and many other foods containing wheat, rye or barley. People with celiac disease suffer an immune reaction in the small intestine when eating gluten that causes an inability to absorb vital nutrients. The MayoClinic.com warns that over time, the decreased absorption leads to vitamin deficiencies that deprive the brain and peripheral nervous system, bones and organs of nourishment leading to illness and stunted growth in children. Symptoms of celiac disease include intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Celiac disease may also present with more subtle symptoms such as irritability and depression, anemia, upset stomach, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, mouth sores and tingling in the legs and feet. Treatment of celiac disease involves avoiding gluten, which can cause inflammation and symptoms to subside.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation but does not permanently harm the intestines. Researchers are unsure what causes IBS, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Physicians commonly treat the symptoms of IBS with antidiarrheals as well as antispasmodics to help control muscle spasms and abdominal pain.
