Diarrhea Treatment in Plainville, CT

Diarrhea – loose, watery and possible more frequent bowel movements – is a very common problem. It may be present alone or be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or weight loss.

Usually, diarrhea is short-lived, typically lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there’s another problem – such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

If you’re experiencing persistent or chronic diarrhea, it’s important to seek professional care to identify any underlying causes. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC in Plainville, CT, our team of experienced physicians will work with you to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively.

Call us today at (860) 854-3505 to schedule an appointment at our colon-rectal surgery clinic in Plainville, CT and take the first step toward relief.

What is Diarrhea?

Going to the bathroom, having a bowel movement, pooping – no matter what you call it, stool is a regular part of your life. However, sometimes this process of getting waste out of your body changes. When you have loose or watery stool, it’s called diarrhea.

Diarrhea can happen for a wide variety of reasons and it usually goes away on its own in one to three days. When you have diarrhea, you may need to quickly run to the bathroom with urgency and this may happen more frequently than normal. You may also feel bloated, have lower abdominal cramping, and sometimes experience nausea.

Although most cases of diarrhea are self-limited (happening for a fixed amount of time and steady level of severity), sometimes diarrhea can lead to serious complications. Diarrhea can cause dehydration (when your body loses large amounts of water), electrolyte imbalance, and kidney failure. When you have diarrhea, you lose water and electrolytes along with stool. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what’s lost. Dehydration can become serious if it fails to get better, worsens, and is not addressed adequately.

Types of Diarrhea

There are actually several different ways to classify diarrhea. These types of diarrhea include:

  • Acute diarrhea: The most common, acute diarrhea is loose watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. This type doesn’t need treatment and it usually goes away on its own after a few days.
  • Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea generally lasts for several weeks—typically two to four weeks.
  • Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period of time is called chronic diarrhea.

How do you Diagnose Diarrhea?

For the majority of mild diarrhea cases, you won’t need medical attention. These cases last for a fixed amount of time and get better without medical intervention. The key to mild diarrhea is supportive therapy – staying hydrated and eating a bland diet.

More serious cases of diarrhea may require medical attention. In these situations, there are a few diagnostic tests that your provider may order. These tests can include:

  • Discussing a detailed family history, as well as physical and medical conditions, your travel history, and any sick contacts you may have.
  • Doing a stool test on a collected stool sample to check for blood, bacterial infections, parasites, and inflammatory markers.
  • Undergoing a colonoscopy to evaluate your lower digestive tract to rule out abnormalities.

When Should I call my Doctor About Diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea that fails to improve or resolve completely, you should call your healthcare provider. Keep track of any other symptoms you may be experiencing – this includes fever, vomiting, rash, weakness, numbness, lightheadedness, dizziness, weight loss, and blood in your stool. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to call your healthcare provider.

Schedule a Diarrhea Appointment in Plainville, CT

If you’re struggling with diarrhea that persists or recurs, it’s essential to get a thorough evaluation to determine the cause. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC in Plainville, CT, we specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions to help you find relief. Contact us today at (860) 854-3505 to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward better digestive health.