Acute diarrhea sends 179 million American adults to the doctor annually. Most of the time, it stems from a temporary viral infection or foodborne illness and resolves on its own within a day or two. However, chronic or severe cases require prompt medical attention.
At Gateway Gastroenterology in Chesterfield, Missouri, our specialists are experts at evaluating and treating persistent bowel changes. Untreated, chronic, or severe diarrhea can lead to serious complications such as dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period. It’s considered severe when you have more than 10 bowel movements a day, or diarrhea in which fluid losses are significantly greater than oral intake.
The Gateway Gastroenterology team urges you to seek an evaluation if you experience any of the following:
You should also seek medical help if you are at high risk of complications from a severe bout of diarrhea. This includes adults age 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Understanding chronic cases
Chronic diarrhea can signal an underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires specialized diagnostic testing. Potential root causes include:
If you’ve been managing loose stools for weeks, our specialists will work to identify the exact cause to build a targeted treatment plan for lasting relief.
We perform a thorough assessment. This begins with a review of your medical history, recent travel, dietary changes, and current medications.
Depending on your symptoms, our team might recommend diagnostic tests such as:
If you’re experiencing chronic digestive discomfort, get an accurate diagnosis to prevent complications and restore your quality of life. Call or message Gateway Gastroenterology today to schedule an appointment.