Diarrhea Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas

Identifying the Cause of Frequent or Watery Bowel Movements

Diarrhea causes loose, watery, or unusually frequent bowel movements and may be accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating, urgency, nausea, or fever. Although many episodes resolve within a few days, persistent or recurring diarrhea may indicate an infection, food intolerance, medication side effect, or underlying gastrointestinal condition.

Dr. Gregory L. Shannon is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving patients in Sugar Land, Texas. He provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for acute, persistent, and chronic diarrhea. Contact Dr. Shannon’s office for an appointment today!

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery, frequent bowel movements resulting in the elimination of water and salts from the body and can result in dehydration. Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea lasts for a few days, whereas, chronic diarrhea lasts for many days and is usually associated with an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

The symptoms depend on the underlying cause. Typical symptoms include:

• Loose, watery stools
• Frequent stools
• Sudden urge to evacuate stools
• Bloody stools
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping, bloating and pain

Diarrhea, when left untreated, can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in the young and elderly.  Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry skin and mouth
• Dark urine
• Sunken eyes and lack of tears while crying (children)
• Rapid heart rate
• Irritability and confusion

Causes of Diarrhea

The causes of diarrhea include:

• A food allergy or intolerance
• Reaction to certain medications
• A viral or bacterial infection
• A parasitic infection
• An intestinal disease
• Surgery of the abdomen
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain cancers

When to see a doctor?

You need a consultation by a healthcare provider if your symptoms include:

• Diarrhea lasting for 24 hours or more
• A fever (101F) for more than 24 hours
• Blood or pus in stools
• Black or tarry stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unable to replace the loss of fluids from the body

Diagnosis of Diarrhea

Your doctor asks about your symptoms, takes your medical history, and performs a complete physical exam. The following tests may be ordered:

Imaging tests such as X-ray or colonoscopy to diagnose intestinal abnormalities

Stool culture test to confirm the presence of an infection or parasites

A blood test for food allergy

Treatment of Diarrhea

Treatment depends on the severity of diarrhea, your age, current health condition, etc. The treatment options include:

• Replacement of lost fluids and salts
• Medications to treat infections
• Medications to treat underlying symptoms
• Limiting beverages such as coffee or tea
• Eating low-fiber home-cooked food
• Eating fermented foods containing active Lactobacillus cultures
• Ointments to treat discomfort around the anus

Prevention of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be prevented by:

• Washing your hands with sanitizers thoroughly before preparing or eating food.
• Avoiding improperly cooked food.
• Avoiding raw vegetables or fruits that are not washed thoroughly.
• Using filtered or boiled water for drinking.
• Getting vaccinated for bacterial or viral infections.
• Checking travel warnings to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.

Why Choose Dr. Gregory L. Shannon for Diarrhea Treatment?

Personalized Care for Digestive and Bowel Symptoms

Diarrhea has many possible causes, including infections, food intolerances, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and other digestive disorders. Dr. Gregory L. Shannon provides individualized gastroenterology care to identify the potential cause and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

His approach begins with reviewing the duration and pattern of your symptoms, recent foods or travel, medications, medical history, and accompanying concerns. Laboratory testing, imaging, or an endoscopic examination may be recommended when medically appropriate.

Patients Can Expect:

• Evaluation of acute, persistent, or recurring diarrhea
• Review of dietary, medication, and travel-related factors
• Testing for infections or intestinal inflammation when appropriate
• Evaluation of dehydration and electrolyte loss
• Colonoscopy or other diagnostic testing when medically indicated
• Personalized dietary and hydration recommendations
• Treatment based on the identified or suspected cause
• Ongoing care for chronic gastrointestinal conditions

Diarrhea – FAQs

What is the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea usually begins suddenly and lasts for a short period, often because of an infection or contaminated food. Persistent diarrhea lasts more than two weeks, while diarrhea continuing for four weeks or longer is generally considered chronic and may require evaluation for an underlying condition.

When should I see a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?

Consider an evaluation if diarrhea persists, repeatedly returns, awakens you at night, or occurs with unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or significant abdominal pain. Prompt medical advice is also important if you cannot maintain adequate hydration.

What are the common causes of diarrhea?

Common causes include viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections; food intolerance; medication side effects; and sudden dietary changes. Chronic diarrhea may be associated with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, or another digestive disorder.

How is persistent diarrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally begins with a review of your symptoms, diet, medications, recent travel, and medical history. Depending on the findings, testing may include blood work, stool analysis, imaging, breath testing, colonoscopy, or upper endoscopy.

Can medications cause diarrhea?

Yes. Antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids, metformin, certain acid-suppressing medications, laxatives, and other medicines may cause diarrhea. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

What should I drink when I have diarrhea?

Fluids containing water and electrolytes can help replace what the body loses. Oral rehydration solutions may be especially helpful when diarrhea is frequent. Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, and very sugary drinks because they may worsen dehydration or digestive symptoms.

Should I take an antidiarrheal medicine?

Some over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief, but they are not appropriate for every situation. Avoid using them without medical guidance if you have bloody stools, a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or suspected infection. Treatment should address the underlying cause whenever possible.

Can diarrhea cause dehydration?

Yes. Frequent watery stools can lead to substantial fluid and electrolyte loss. Warning signs include intense thirst, dry mouth, dark or reduced urine, dizziness, weakness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or sunken eyes. Children and older adults may become dehydrated more quickly.

When is diarrhea an emergency?

Seek immediate medical care for bloody or black stools, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, persistent vomiting, very little or no urination, or other signs of severe dehydration. Urgent evaluation is also important when diarrhea occurs with a high fever or a markedly swollen or tender abdomen.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Evaluation, Diagnosis & Personalized Gastroenterology Care

Whether you are experiencing persistent watery stools, bowel urgency, abdominal cramping, or recurrent changes in your bowel habits, Dr. Shannon can provide a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan. Contact his office in Sugar Land, Texas, for an appointment today.