Prolonged diarrhea that occurs continuously for more than two weeks is referred to as chronic diarrhea. Most diarrhea goes away on its own without treatment and will stop within a few days. Then, what if the diarrhea is prolonged? The following is causes and how to overcome them.
Diarrhea is characterized by an increased frequency of bowel movements and the stool becomes liquid. While in chronic diarrhea, symptoms can also appear in the form of nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, fever, weakness, pain in the anus, and weight loss. Chronic or prolonged diarrhea that is not treated properly has the potential to cause dehydration.
Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
Prolonged diarrhea or chronic diarrhea can be caused by various conditions, such as:
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea. Symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain that comes and goes at least three days every month, accompanied by a change in the pattern of bowel movements (to be watery or hard). In this condition, abdominal pain usually subsides after passing stools. IBS can be triggered by emotional stress or a history of infection.
2. Inflammatory bowel disease
There are two main types of inflammatory bowel disease, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The main signs and symptoms of colitis are the presence of blood in the stool accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and a pencil-like shape of the stool.
3. Infection
Chronic diarrhea can be caused by bacterial, parasitic (worms and amoeba) infections, viruses, and fungi. To determine the cause of the infection, the doctor needs to perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as blood tests and stool examinations. From the results of the stool examination, it can be seen the type of germ that causes prolonged diarrhea.
People who have AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy, or are taking immunosuppressive drugs have weak immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection. Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people with the condition, and the diarrhea is usually more severe.
4. Hormone disorders
Hormonal abnormalities, such as in hyperthyroidism, can cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
5. Nutrient absorption disorders
Malabsorption or impaired absorption of nutrients in food can also cause chronic diarrhea. Some examples of diseases that can cause this disorder are lactose intolerance, pancreatitis, and celiac disease. People with celiac disease are sensitive to gluten, so they will experience diarrhea if they eat foods that contain this substance. Gluten is found mainly in foods made from whole grains, such as bread, cakes, cereals, and pizza.
6. Medical procedures
Bowel surgery (intestinal bypass) or stomach (gastric bypass) can cause complications such as diarrhea. In addition, radiation therapy to the digestive tract can also cause diarrhea.
7. Medicines
Some types of herbal medicine, for example tea from Senna leaves, have a laxative effect, so they can cause diarrhea. Laxatives (laxatives), misoprostol, antacids, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine can also cause diarrhea. In addition, some types of antibiotics can cause prolonged diarrhea.
8. Colon cancer
One of the causes of prolonged diarrhea that needs to be watched out for is colon cancer. In addition to diarrhea, this disease is characterized by the presence of blood in the stool, anemia, weakness, often bloated stomach, and weight loss for no apparent reason.
Diagnosis and Identification of Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
To determine the cause of chronic diarrhea, a complete examination by a doctor is required. The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient, perform a physical examination, and recommend supporting examinations in the form of blood tests, examination of feces (feces), endoscopy, X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen, and biopsy if necessary.
Chronic Diarrhea Medicine
Treatment of prolonged diarrhea depends on the cause. Chronic diarrhea medication can be in the form of antibiotics if diarrhea is caused by bacteria, antidiarrheal drugs, and giving rehydration fluids, either in the form of drinks or intravenous fluids. The most important thing is to ensure that the nutritional needs and fluids are adequate during diarrhea, so that the body does not become dehydrated.
Most diarrhea will resolve on its own as long as home care is adequate, but this is generally the case with acute diarrhea. For chronic diarrhea, considering the causes can vary and may be dangerous, a doctor's examination and treatment is needed. Therefore, if you experience prolonged diarrhea, immediately consult a doctor.
Written by:
dr. Dina Kusumawardhani