Are you suffering from acute or chronic diarrhea and don’t know how to stop it? Visit your East Patchogue, NY, gastroenterologists of Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates serving Suffolk County, NY, to treat diarrhea as soon as possible.
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a disease characterized by a frequent urge for defecation. The stools in patients who are having diarrhea will be loose and watery. The condition can be acute, lasts for less than two days, or chronic, lasts at least four weeks. Usually, chronic diarrhea is associated with other health conditions or intestinal diseases.
What are the possible causes of diarrhea?
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are common causes of diarrhea. Food allergies and food intolerances can also cause diarrhea in many patients. Another cause of diarrhea is medications. Some medications like antibiotics can irritate the stomach, causing diarrhea. Also, surgeries in the gastrointestinal system may cause the condition.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
There are no specific symptoms of diarrhea. Patients may and may not experience these symptoms. However, the watery, loose stools with the frequent need to have a bowel movement are seen in all patients. The following are other symptoms that can be seen:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and bloating
- Elevated body temperature
- Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious problem that must be treated immediately. It happens when you leave diarrhea without treatment and is characterized by increased heart rate, tiredness, headache, and dry mucus membranes. Although dehydration is dangerous for all patients, it’s more serious for newborns and infants. If you have diarrhea in Suffolk County, NY, and suspect dehydration, visit our office in East Patchogue, NY, to see your doctor and treat it before any serious health problem occurs.
What are the treatment options for diarrhea?
After diagnosing your condition and detecting the cause of your diarrhea, your doctor will decide the best treatment option for you. For all cases, the treatment of choice is fluid replacement. It is done by drinking water and electrolyte replacement beverages or by getting intravenous fluids. If the cause of your diarrhea is an infection, the physician may prescribe an antibiotic.
Contact us
If you are searching for a gastroenterologist in Suffolk County, NY, who can treat your diarrhea, then call your East Patchogue, NY, office of Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates at (631) 289-0300 to schedule an appointment.