Diarrhea Specialist

What is diarrhea? 

Diarrhea is a digestive issue that causes loose or watery stools. It’s common for most people to have occasional loose stools. However, if your stools are consistently liquid and last for four weeks or more, there may be a more serious underlying problem. 

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Diarrhea causes bowel movements of liquid or near liquid consistency. In addition to the liquid stools, diarrhea can also cause:

• Stomach ache
• Abdominal bloating
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Fever

If you have traces of blood in your stool, schedule a visit to see Dr. Shah at The Gastroenterology Practice for an evaluation. 

What are the causes of diarrhea?

In most cases, diarrhea is the result of a virus. If you travel often, you might have a higher risk of getting a virus that causes diarrhea. 

Other potential causes of diarrhea include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Bacterial infections
• Use of certain medications

However, there are also some gastrointestinal conditions that might cause diarrhea, including: 

• Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Colon cancer
• Colon polyps

Diarrhea isn't an unusual condition — many people experience it every so often. People who suffer from conditions like IBS may be more likely to experience diarrhea. 

When diarrhea is mild and lasts for just a few days, it's often treatable with over-the-counter medication. However, when you have severe diarrhea or a gastrointestinal disorder that causes diarrhea, you should seek medical help from a professional like Dr. Shah at The Gastroenterology Practice.  

When should I get medical help for diarrhea?

All of the following symptoms are serious and are indicators that you should get medical help quickly:

• Diarrhea more than a couple of times each day
• Bloody or tar-like stools
• Fever of 101°F for a full day
• Inability to keep liquids down
• Diarrhea after returning from foreign travels

Dr. Shah is prepared to treat even severe cases of diarrhea right away. If severe diarrhea isn't treated, it can turn into a major medical problem that might require a hospital stay. The sooner that you seek help for diarrhea, the more likely you’ll feel well again within just a few days.

What is the treatment for diarrhea?

Diarrhea treatment depends on its severity. Dr. Shah can help you manage symptoms associated with diarrhea, such as abdominal cramping. 

He may prescribe diet recommendations like drinking more fluids with electrolytes to prevent dehydration, or anti-diarrheal medications. But if you have chronic diarrhea, he may order stool testing, an X-ray, a CT scan, or ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause.

To schedule an appointment for diarrhea help, call The Gastroenterology Practice in Queens, New York, or book online today.