Diarrhea

Diarrhea is very common. Most adults have a short bout at least once a year. Long-lasting diarrhea is less common and usually has a specific cause.

• Acute diarrhea: lasts less than 2 weeks, usually from an infection or food.
• Persistent diarrhea: lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
• Chronic diarrhea: lasts more than 4 weeks; may be from conditions like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, food intolerances or medicines.
• Traveler's diarrhea: from contaminated food or water while traveling.
• Diarrhea after antibiotics, including C. diff infection.

• Viruses (like norovirus), bacteria or parasites from contaminated food or water
• Medicines, especially antibiotics, Glucophage (metformin), magnesium and some others
• Lactose intolerance or other food intolerances, and sugar substitutes
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or celiac disease
• Overactive thyroid
• Recent hospital stay or antibiotics (risk of C. diff)

• Loose, watery stools
• Urgent need to use the bathroom
• Belly cramps or bloating
• Nausea, vomiting or fever (often with infection)
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Signs of dehydration: thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, urinating less, dizziness, tiredness
• At your visit, your provider checks your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate (including when you stand), looks for signs of dehydration, and examines your belly for tenderness or swelling.

Most short-term diarrhea doesn't need tests.

For diarrhea that's severe, bloody, long-lasting or comes with fever, lab tests your provider may order include: stool tests for infection (bacteria, parasites, C. diff), stool tests for inflammation (fecal calprotectin), a complete blood count (CBC), a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel (salts and kidney function), thyroid tests (TSH) and celiac blood tests.

Some people need a colonoscopy or other tests through a gastroenterology partner. We refer you out and review the results with you.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (with salt and sugar) are best; also broth or water. Take small sips if you feel sick.
• Eat bland foods as you feel ready; you don't need to stop eating.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and fatty or very sugary foods until you feel better.
• Over-the-counter Imodium (loperamide) can help some adults. Don't use it if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea unless your provider says so, because it can make some infections worse.
• Wash hands well with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
• Treating the cause for chronic diarrhea, such as changing a medicine, avoiding trigger foods or treating IBS or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Antibiotics only for certain infections.

Most acute diarrhea gets better in a few days.

Chronic diarrhea often improves once the cause is found and treated. Results vary.

Your primary care team at Moaddel Medical checks for dehydration, orders stool and blood tests when needed, and reviews your medicines.

We refer you to a gastroenterology partner for long-lasting diarrhea or when a colonoscopy is needed.

We're at 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 100, West Hills, CA 91307.