[36M] Experiencing chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause 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, including changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management.

• Gastroenteritis: This condition causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and mucus in the stool. However, gastroenteritis usually resolves within a few days to a week, so it may not explain your long-term symptoms.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.

• Malabsorption syndromes, such as Celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency: These conditions can cause the body to be unable to absorb certain nutrients properly, leading to diarrhea and other symptoms. Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

  • Treatment involves managing the diet to avoid foods that the body can't absorb properly.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms or figure out what's going on:

1. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. This can help identify potential triggers for your symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
3. Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large meals a day. This can help manage your symptoms and maintain your nutrition.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice blood in your stool or vomit
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F) or chills
• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve over time

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.