Diarrhea

Everyone has diarrhea occasionally, but it can indicate a more serious underlying problem if it becomes chronic. Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, with offices in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, offer various treatments for diarrhea. A quick in-office breath test can identify foods you’re intolerant or sensitive to. Call the nearest office today or book online to receive treatment for diarrhea.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal problem characterized by loose, watery stools (bowel movements). Often, it occurs because of a stomach bug like the flu.

Diarrhea typically improves with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medicine. But if it occurs regularly, you can experience more severe problems like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney failure.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs for various reasons, including:

• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Eating foods that upset the stomach
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Some medications
• Radiation therapy

You might also have diarrhea if your digestive system doesn’t absorb food properly (malabsorption).

When should I see a specialist about diarrhea?

Make an appointment at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island for diarrhea that doesn’t improve with at-home treatments like rest, drinking lots of water, and eating a balanced diet. That’s especially true if you have symptoms of dehydration, like severe nausea, headaches, dark urine, and a rapid heart rate.

How is diarrhea diagnosed?

Treating diarrhea depends on various things, including your age, its underlying cause, and how severe your symptoms are. At-home treatments, like taking over-the-counter medication and eating a more balanced diet, are often enough to provide lasting relief.

Next, they order several tests, including a stool test and a breath test. The stool test analyzes your fecal matter checking for infections, parasites, or inflammatory markers. The breath test analyzes your breath for things that might cause stomach problems, like food intolerances, allergies, or bacterial overgrowth.

How is diarrhea treated?

Treating diarrhea depends on various things, including your age, its underlying cause, and how severe your symptoms are. Often, at-home treatments, like taking over-the-counter medication and eating a more balanced diet, are enough to provide lasting relief.

If you have chronic diarrhea that increases your risk of more severe health problems, your gastroenterologist might prescribe antibiotics, medication to treat a specific condition (like Crohn’s disease), or probiotics. Probiotics use groupings of “good” bacteria that improve the health of your gut biome — the bacterial balance in your stomach and intestines.

Your gastroenterologist might also recommend cutting back on caffeine and avoiding foods and drinks that give you gas.

Call the nearest Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island office today to receive treatment for diarrhea, or book your appointment online.