Diarrhea occurs for various reasons. Most people will experience diarrhea at some point in their lives. This acute form creates loose and watery stool. It can also create abdominal cramping. Acute diarrhea will often last a few days. It may come and go. It will likely cause the need to use the bathroom more frequently than normal. The amount of stool produced is also higher than what is considered normal. Unless this type of diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by more invasive types of illness, it may not be necessary to see a doctor.

On the other hand, those who have chronic diarrhea may need to see their Brooklyn gastroenterologist. This condition lasts longer (more than three days), and it may last as long as four weeks. When this happens, it can be a symptom of a much more serious health matter including a form of inflammatory bowel disease. However, it can also be brought on by a less worrisome condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. In either case, you should see your Brooklyn doctor if your diarrhea extends beyond a few days to learn what the underlying cause is and to ensure you do not become dehydrated.

What Can Be Done to Understand Diarrhea?

Diarrhea itself can be worrisome for various reasons. First, it can be a concern when it lasts a long time because it can lead to dehydration. In addition to this, many people suffering from this chronic condition can have a more advanced disease that is less obvious. This is why your Brooklyn gastroenterologist is likely to perform a few additional tests to determine what the underlying cause is and to determine what can be done to stop it from occurring.

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you at first. He or she will ensure you are not dehydrated as a first step. Then, he will discuss any over-the-counter medications or other conditions that may be causing the diarrhea to occur.

Testing of diarrhea and other symptoms may include listening to your abdomen, conducting a rectal exam, and taking blood or stool samples to check for additional infections or abnormalities. If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, our Brooklyn gastroenterologist will help you to determine what the underlying cause is and what can be done to stop it.