Most people experience diarrhea from time to time, but if you struggle with severe or long-lasting diarrhea and want relief, turn to PrimeMD, with locations in North Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Westerville, Kenton, Marion, Wilmington, Dublin, and New Albany, Ohio. The team of specialists offers treatments for diarrhea to eliminate loose stools as quickly as possible. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Diarrhea, otherwise known as loose or watery stools, is a common condition that can develop because of a virus, gastrointestinal problems, or other issues. You may also have vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain with diarrhea. While common, you may need medical intervention for severe or long-lasting diarrhea.
If you have diarrhea, you may notice some of the following signs and symptoms:
Dehydration is a complication that can develop with diarrhea, and become serious when left untreated. Seek help at the first sign of dehydration, which can cause thirst, less frequent urination, fatigue, and dark-colored urine.
The cause of diarrhea isn’t always known, but common risk factors include:
The experts at PrimeMD find the root cause of diarrhea to offer the best treatment for your condition.
To figure out what’s causing diarrhea, your provider discusses your symptoms and medical history. They also check your vital signs and complete a physical exam.
Your specialist might suggest you undergo blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or other diagnostic procedures that offer a more in-depth picture of your gastrointestinal health.
Often, diarrhea goes away on its own within a few days without treatment. In other cases, however, your doctor could recommend:
Changing your diet, especially if you have a GI issue, can reduce bouts of diarrhea or make them much less severe.
Sometimes, certain dietary supplements can reduce the number of days your diarrhea lasts.
Your provider may suggest you take certain medications to reduce diarrhea and its severity. They could recommend making changes to your current medication regimen if needed.
Hydration to replace fluids and electrolytes is sometimes needed to help you recover from dehydration associated with diarrhea. Your specialist can insert a tiny needle into your arm to administer fluids and nutrients.
If you have a GI disorder, your PrimeMD provider works with you to personalize a treatment plan. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist if necessary to ensure the best outcome.
If you struggle with diarrhea that’s severe or long-lasting, or you have diarrhea along with other symptoms, schedule an appointment with PrimeMD by phone or online today.
