What are Diarrhea and Constipation?
Diarrhea and constipation are common gastrointestinal symptoms that make you feel sick or uncomfortable.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and may also include abdominal pain and cramping. You may develop diarrhea from an infection, medication, or underlying gastrointestinal condition.
- Constipation: Though bowel movements differ from person to person, you may be suffering from constipation if you have fewer than two or three bowel movements a week. In addition to the infrequency, constipation also generally causes hard stools that are difficult to pass.
What are the Types of Diarrhea?
There are two primary types of diarrhea, acute and chronic.
- Acute Diarrhea: Acute diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported illnesses in the United States. With acute diarrhea, you may have several bouts of loose, watery stools. However, the duration of your diarrhea is less than two weeks. With acute diarrhea, you may also experience gas, bloating, and cramping. The severity of acute diarrhea may range from mild to severe and can lead to dehydration. Viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause of acute diarrhea. However, you may also experience loose, watery stools from certain medications or food choices.
- Chronic Diarrhea: If your diarrhea lasts more than two weeks, then you have chronic diarrhea. You may develop chronic diarrhea from many causes, including a gastrointestinal condition such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Your chronic diarrhea may also be a symptom of maldigestion or malabsorption, which may cause greasy, foul-smelling stools.
When Should I Seek Help for Diarrhea?
You should seek medical help for your acute diarrhea if your symptoms are severe and you’re experiencing signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, confusion, or fatigue.
The team at Gotham Gastroenterology also recommends that you schedule a consultation for your diarrhea if it’s chronic, you have blood in your stools, or you have signs of malabsorption.
When Should I Seek Help for Constipation?
Constipation is a common problem most often caused by an inadequate intake of fiber and fluids. However, it’s not a symptom you should ignore, especially if your constipation is a chronic problem.
When left untreated, chronic constipation may lead to more serious health concerns such as:
- Rectal prolapse
- Fecal impaction
- Anal fissures
- Hemorrhoids
The skilled gastroenterologists at Gotham Gastroenterology recommend you schedule a constipation consultation if at-home care fails to get things moving and improve your bowel function. The team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your constipation and develops a targeted treatment plan.
Diarrhea and constipation are common gastrointestinal symptoms that often resolve on their own with at-home remedies.
However, when your symptoms are chronic or disruptive to your daily life, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the experts at Gotham Gastroenterology. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
