Diarrhea in Arizona
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and typically happens with greater frequency than normal bowel movements. Having loose stools three times a day or more puts it in the category of diarrhea. In general, diarrhea lasts for only a short amount of time, but chronic or persistent diarrhea can indicate a far more serious root cause. Diarrhea can occasionally be treated with home remedies. The most imperative thing to do is to consume a great deal of fluids to replace all of the fluids being lost to watery bowel movements. You can also incorporate toast, rice, applesauce, and bananas into your diet. In the event that you think you could have a virus or bacteria, antibiotics or antivirals can be prescribed. Additionally, you can use OTC medications with your doctor's approval. However, there are a number of diseases, conditions, and cancers that manifest, in part, through diarrhea. These can include but are not limited to Crohn's disease, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. That is why it is important to avoid self-diagnosing and to reach out to a specialist if severe diarrhea develops. Please know that you are not alone and you can find help for diarrhea in Phoenix, AZ. You can connect with a local gastrointestinal doctor through Arizona Digestive Health.
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a very common condition. Almost all of us have dealt with watery and loose bowel movements as a result of eating some bad food, during stressful times in our lives, or after starting a new medication. But diarrhea can, in some situations, tell you that something more serious is going on with your body. Here are some of the possible conditions or habits that can lead to diarrhea:
- Bacteria and parasites from contaminated water or food
- Malabsorption (trouble absorbing certain nutrients)
- Laxative abuse
- Viruses
- Runner’s diarrhea
- Artificial sweeteners in your diet
- Alcohol abuse
- Some cancers/Cancer
- Overactive thyroid
- Therapy involving radiation
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose (difficulty digesting it)
- Surgery (sometimes abdominal and gallbladder removal surgeries can cause diarrhea)
At what point should I visit a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?
When your diarrhea becomes serious, reach out to a GI doctor at Arizona Digestive Health with no delay. A few indicators of severe diarrhea can include:
- Diarrhea along with fever
- Diarrhea that lasts greater than 48 hours
- Dark urine and diarrhea
- Intense stomach pain
- Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
- Diarrhea following vacation to a foreign country
Should any of the above issues appear, it is vital that you receive professional assistance. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you suspect that you should speak with a GI physician because of diarrhea, please do not hesitate to do so. Our team routinely provides treatment for diarrhea in Phoenix, AZ.
Diarrhea might be a symptom of something serious
While the majority of people will suffer from bouts of diarrhea at some point during their lives, it could be a symptom of a more serious health condition. If you a member of your family are suffering from frequent diarrhea in combination with other uncomfortable GI symptoms, it might be time to request a consultation with a gastroenterologist to look more closely at your symptoms. You can find a gastroenterology specialist at Arizona Digestive Health. If you are experiencing troubling GI symptoms or need treatment for diarrhea in Phoenix, AZ, reach out to our location to be connected to an expert right away.
Reviews
I have been seeing Dr. Shaughnessy IV, DO for the past 3 years. Since I've been seeing him I sleep through the night, I no longer have painful bowel movements. I can make plans and have less worry about having to leave early due to abdominal pain, diarrhea and discomfort. I am more than satisfied with Dr. Shaughnessy IV, DO. I am comfortable and confident in his agreements to how I would like to be treated for my health issues. He listens to me, my concerns and needs. I appreciate Dr. Shaughnessy IV, DO.
Great personality. Prompt with calling with results. Seems generally interested in finding an answer for me.
the office and staff are awesome. the doctor did a wonderful job with my colonoscopy came out negative for cancer still trying to figure out why I have diarrhea he's working on that currently but I had a colonoscopy by him and he did a great job he's a number one in my heart he's awesome!
Dr. Tharalson and his office have done everything to help me with my pancreatic insufficiency. I need Creon pills every time I eat. When I’m running low, they will help me get free samples. They have gone above and beyond to assist. I was very lucky to find a doctor who really cares for his patients.
I have been seeing Dr Mahajani for some time and he has been very attentive, so easy to talk to and always explains to you what is needed to be done. I highly recommend him.
9753
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating