[44F] Experiencing chronic diarrhea with fatigue

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 symptoms such as 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 typically focuses on long term management of the condition and can include changes in diet, lifestyle and managing stress. Over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This term covers conditions with chronic inflammation of your digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, reduced appetite and unintended weight loss.

  • Treatment usually involves drug therapy or surgery.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, nausea, vomiting or muscle aches.

  • Treatment usually involves self-care measures to help make you more comfortable as your body fights off the virus.

• Food intolerances or allergies: Certain foods might be triggering your symptoms. Common culprits include lactose, fructose, wheat and gluten.

  • Treatment involves avoiding the triggering food.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other diagnoses are also possible.

What you can do

1. Keep a food diary: Note what you eat and drink, and how they affect your bowel movements. This can help identify potential triggers.
2. Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water is best, but you can also sip on clear broths or noncaffeinated sports drinks.
3. Try over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter drugs like loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea.
4. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
5. Try to manage stress: Stress can trigger IBS symptoms. You might find it helpful to learn ways to reduce or manage stress, such as with relaxation exercises or meditation.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Have severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Have bloody or black stools
• Have diarrhea that lasts more than a few days
• Have signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, dry skin, thirst, or feeling lightheaded when standing up

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.