Diarrhea Specialist

What are the main causes of diarrhea?

Diarrhea, which is loose, watery stool, can be caused by a number of problems, but the following are the most common culprits:

• Viral infections
• Bacteria or parasites
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome

This list is only a sample of what can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is often one of the primary symptoms of a problem in your gastrointestinal tract.

When should I see the doctor for diarrhea?

Most people experience bouts of diarrhea during the course of their lives. From stomach bugs to eating something that upsets your stomach, diarrhea is often a sign that your body is trying to expel something. These bouts are usually short-lived, and they often resolve themselves with the help of over-the-counter medications. But if your diarrhea has any of the following characteristics, you should see Dr. Indrakrishnan as soon as possible:

• Lasts more than 2-3 days
• Is accompanied by a fever
• You’re vomiting
• There’s blood in your stool
• You have moderate-to-severe abdominal pain

Diarrhea can also lead to dehydration if it lasts any length of time, so it’s important that you see Dr. Indrakrishnan soon to uncover the root of the problem.

How is diarrhea evaluated and treated?

After reviewing your symptoms, Dr. Indrakrishnan may start with conservative treatments, such as anti-diarrheal medications. If your diarrhea doesn’t clear up after a few days, he may recommend one of two diagnostic procedures to see if there is something larger going on:

• Endoscopy to look inside your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine
• Colonoscopy to look at your rectum and colon

Both procedures are minimally invasive and designed to let Dr. Indrakrishnan get a close look at what’s going on inside your digestive system. Armed with this information, Dr. Indrakrishnan can diagnose you and begin treatment.

To put an end to your diarrhea, call Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC or book an appointment online.