Diarrhea

While short-term diarrhea is often related to infection or diet, ongoing or recurrent symptoms may suggest an underlying gastrointestinal disorder requiring further evaluation. Patients may experience urgency, abdominal cramping, loose stools, dehydration, fatigue or weight loss that gradually begins to affect everyday life.

Chronic diarrhea can occur with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, bile acid disorders, malabsorption syndromes or functional bowel disorders. Testing may include stool studies, blood work, colonoscopy, imaging or additional specialized evaluation depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.