Chronic stomach disorder: What dangerous diseases it may warn about
Hidden causes of stomach upset (photo: magnific)
If digestive problems do not go away for four weeks or longer, doctors diagnose chronic diarrhea. This condition rarely occurs on its own; it is usually a sign of deeper disturbances in the body’s functioning.
The information about what dangerous diseases chronic diarrhea may signal was reported by professor and dietitian Oleh Shvets on Facebook.
Unexpected causes of a sensitive problem
Most often, the cause of intestinal disorders can be found in daily habits. However, prolonged diarrhea can sometimes indicate pathological processes. Among the main causes, experts highlight:
Diet and stimulants
Excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks, cola, and alcohol is a common trigger. Often, the problem disappears after eliminating these beverages.
Hidden sugars and lactose
Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol), widely used in chewing gum and fitness sweets, have a strong laxative effect. Lactose intolerance or excess fructose intake can also be a cause.
Side effects of medications
Antibiotics, some antidepressants, acid-reducing drugs (such as omeprazole), and even uncontrolled use of herbal preparations (for example, senna) can seriously disrupt gastrointestinal function.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are dangerous chronic conditions accompanied by inflammation. Symptoms include blood in stool, severe fatigue, fever, and pain.
Infections and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Untreated bacterial or parasitic infections, as well as functional disorders caused by stress, often lead to persistent digestive issues.
In addition, diarrhea may result from gallbladder removal, hormonal disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism), and even rare carcinoid tumors that produce specific hormones.
Chronic diarrhea is accompanied by cramps, bloating, and loss of appetite, but the most dangerous complication is severe dehydration. Dehydration can become life-threatening, especially for elderly people and children.
Warning signs of dehydration: Dark urine, severe dizziness, tremors, persistent thirst, and chronic fatigue.
How to regain control of the body
Self-medication and constant use of anti-diarrheal drugs (such as loperamide) is a wrong strategy. They only provide temporary relief and do not address the root cause.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe blood tests, stool analysis for parasites and inflammation, as well as an ultrasound or CT scans. Depending on the results, treatment may range from antibiotics to changing current medications.
To ease the condition immediately, gastroenterologists recommend drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, eating small portions, and keeping a food diary. This helps quickly identify trigger foods and safely eliminate them from the diet.
When to see a doctor immediately
If diarrhea lasts more than three days, is accompanied by high fever, severe pain, or if you notice blood, pus, or black stool.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
