[33F] Experiencing diarrhea and abdominal symptoms

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, you may be experiencing:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term strategies to manage symptoms. This can include changes to diet, lifestyle, and managing stress. Medications and counseling might be recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Lactose Intolerance: This is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.

  • Treatment typically involves avoiding foods and drinks that contain lactose.

• Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Disease: This is a disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. Symptoms can include diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

  • Treatment involves following a strict gluten-free diet.

What you can do

1. Keep a food diary: This can help you identify foods that trigger your symptoms. You can then try to avoid these foods and see if your symptoms improve.

2. Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice.

3. Eat small meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help ease digestion and reduce symptoms.

4. Try over-the-counter remedies: There are several over-the-counter medications that can help manage diarrhea and bloating. However, you should talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms persist or get worse, you should seek medical attention. Other reasons to seek medical attention include:

• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.