[36F] With chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Given your family history of Crohn's disease, it's possible that you might have a form of IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. These conditions can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the presence of blood and mucus in the stool. Fatigue is also a common symptom. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, stool tests, imaging studies, and endoscopic procedures.

  • Treatment: Treatment for IBD often includes medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms like chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. The variability in your bowel movements and the absence of specific food triggers are consistent with IBS.

  • Treatment: Treatment for IBS focuses on symptom management and may include dietary changes, stress management, and medications to relieve symptoms.

• Celiac Disease: This is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms can include chronic diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. However, the absence of specific food triggers makes this less likely.

  • Treatment: The primary treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

• Infectious Causes: Chronic infections, such as those caused by parasites, can lead to prolonged diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, the chronic nature and the presence of blood and mucus make this less likely without recent travel or exposure history.

  • Treatment: Treatment would involve specific antimicrobial therapy based on the identified pathogen.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

1. Keep a Symptom Journal: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your bowel movements, and note any potential triggers. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider.
2. Stay Hydrated: Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and oral rehydration solutions.
3. Dietary Adjustments: While you haven't identified specific food triggers, it might be helpful to try a low-FODMAP diet, which can reduce symptoms in some people with IBS.
4. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Consider stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
5. Over-the-Counter Medications: For temporary relief, you might consider over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide. However, these should not be used as a long-term solution.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention more urgently if you experience any of the following:

• Severe Abdominal Pain: If your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
• Significant Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss can be a sign of a more serious condition.
• High Fever: A fever over 100.4°F could indicate an infection or other serious condition.
• Persistent Blood in Stool: Ongoing or increasing amounts of blood in your stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Inability to Eat or Drink: If you are unable to keep fluids down or are not eating, you should seek medical care.

Remember, while this information can help guide you, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.