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Getting occasional diarrhea is a universal experience. It may be brought on by eating spoiled food or, in some cases, being under severe stress. In most cases, diarrhea isn’t a cause for concern; however, sometimes, it may indicate that you have a more serious gastrointestinal (GI) problem.
Aside from being a sign of an underlying health issue, chronic or severe diarrhea can also be disruptive — frequent bathroom use can impact your quality of life.
Experienced GI specialist Dr. Husney of Jack Husney, MD, in Brooklyn, New York, can help you get to the underlying cause of persistent diarrhea and offer effective treatment solutions. Here, he discusses the symptoms, causes, and concerns associated with diarrhea — and explains when this common problem warrants a visit to the doctor.
Understanding diarrhea
You have diarrhea if you have loose, watery stools three or more times a day. It can be acute, lasting a day or two, or chronic, persisting for weeks. While infections or dietary problems often cause acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea can have a range of potential causes, including digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
When to worry about diarrhea
While most cases of diarrhea aren’t severe and resolve on their own, experiencing specific symptoms alongside diarrhea can indicate a more serious health condition. These include:
Persistent diarrhea
For starters, if your diarrhea lasts more than two or three days without improvement, it's time to see a doctor. Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may be a sign that something concerning is going on with your body.
Severe pain and fever
Any severe or abnormal body aches — particularly abdominal pain — could be a sign of a severe condition that requires prompt medical attention. Diarrhea that’s accompanied by a fever of 102° F or higher may be a sign of an infection that requires treatment.
Blood or black stools
The presence of blood or black, tarry stools could mean that some part of your GI tract is bleeding. Bloody or tar-like diarrhea always warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Signs of dehydration
If you're experiencing symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, or dizziness, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Weight loss and fatigue
Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue accompanying diarrhea can also be signs of a more serious underlying health condition.
How Dr. Husney can help
If you're experiencing chronic diarrhea or diarrhea with concerning symptoms, it’s time to consult a specialist. Dr. Husney can conduct a thorough evaluation to get to the root cause of the problem, and provide a detailed treatment plan to help you resolve it. He’ll also try to get your diarrhea under control right away with medication and rehydration therapies.
While diarrhea is often a minor and temporary inconvenience, it's essential not to ignore symptoms that are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other worrying signs.
If you're concerned about ongoing or severe diarrhea, call our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-872-5270 today, or use our easy online booking feature to request an appointment with Dr. Husney at your convenience.