Chronic diarrhea is when a person has loose or watery stools (poop) for a long time, usually more than 4 weeks. It can be very uncomfortable and make it hard to do everyday things.
There are a few things that can make a person more likely to have chronic diarrhea:
Eating certain foods that the person is sensitive to
Certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease
Taking certain medications
Stress
Bacterial or viral infections
If a person has chronic diarrhea, there are a few things they can do to help themselves feel better. Some things they can try include:
Drinking more water to stay hydrated
Avoiding foods that they think might be causing the diarrhea
Taking over-the-counter medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium)
Eating foods that are easy to digest
If the diarrhea persists, it's important to see a doctor who will help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Prescription medications may also be recommended.
Chronic diarrhea can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but with the help of a doctor and appropriate treatment, most people can find relief. It's important to see a doctor if the diarrhea persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as significant weight loss or blood in the stool.
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