Having diarrhea can be quite uncomfortable, unpleasant and potentially embarrassing depending on the situation. Usually diarrhea is a short-term problem that fixes itself in a few days, but sometimes it lasts much longer and may come with serious health problems. Chronic diarrhea can affect children, teens or adults for a variety of reasons.
Definition
Diarrhea refers to an increase in the frequency, volume and wateriness of your bowel movements, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Foods and fluids end up passing through your colon too quickly and the fluid is not absorbed. Chronic diarrhea occurs when you experience the symptoms of diarrhea for four weeks or longer.
Symptoms
Diarrhea symptoms include frequent bowel movements, up to several times per day that are loose and watery. Cramping and abdominal pain, fever and blood in your stool can also be symptoms. Weight loss can also be a symptom of both acute and chronic diarrhea.
Weight Loss
Due to the fact that fluids are not being properly absorbed and are passed out in your bowel movements, chronic diarrhea will often result in considerable weight loss. When you are having several watery bowel movements per day, it can be difficult to replace the fluids adequately before weight loss occurs. More often than not, your diarrhea will cause you to lose your appetite and you will eat less as well.
Causes
Chronic diarrhea is often caused by more serious underlying problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or Celiac disease. Chronic diarrhea requires a doctor's care to help discover the underlying cause and to provide treatment. Your doctor may also weigh you to determine if you have lost weight. Bowel disorders may that cause chronic diarrhea may or may not result in any measurable weight loss. Chronic diarrhea caused by endocrine problems like an overactive thyroid will result in weight loss. Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, will cause your metabolism to speed up considerably and weight loss will be one of the results.
Considerations
It is important to replace fluids that are lost as a result of your chronic diarrhea. When you are losing fluid regularly for a long time, dehydration is a real possibility. Ask your doctor about taking nutritional supplements to help replace nutrients lost in your stools. Your diet may have to be modified if your doctor suspects a food allergy.
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