Chronic diarrhea is a common health problem that is often overlooked. If left untreated, it may lead to more serious health risks. According to doctors, chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that persists for more than four weeks. When accompanied by symptoms such as bloody stools, weight loss, or fever, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to rule out potential health risks
Treating chronic diarrhea requires identifying the underlying cause and addressing it at the source. (Photo/Provided by Heho Health)
Doctors explain that chronic diarrhea can be categorized into four main types:
- Cancer of Digestive Organs: Conditions such as colon cancer or pancreatic cancer metastasizing to the peritoneum can irritate the intestines, causing chronic diarrhea.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease inflame the intestinal mucosa, resulting in prolonged diarrhea.
- Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like hyperthyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which lead to abnormal intestinal peristalsis, can also cause chronic diarrhea.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs may disrupt the gut microbiota balance or stimulate intestinal motility, triggering diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea not only affects the quality of life but, if untreated, may lead to long-term inflammation and eventually cancer. In particular, untreated colonic diseases may progress to colorectal cancer. Moreover, chronic diarrhea patients are prone to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and caloric insufficiencies, which can further exacerbate other health issues. Doctors strongly advise individuals experiencing prolonged diarrhea to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.
For high-risk groups, such as young adults and the elderly, maintaining a routine and a balanced diet while avoiding excessively greasy or spicy foods can significantly reduce the likelihood of chronic diarrhea. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and undergoing regular health check-ups can help detect and manage related diseases early, ensuring overall well-being.
Chronic diarrhea not only affects quality of life but, if left untreated, prolonged inflammation may develop into cancer. (Photo/Provided by Heho Health)
To treat chronic diarrhea, identifying and addressing the root cause is essential. Common treatments include polyp removal or addressing autoimmune inflammatory diseases. To alleviate symptoms, medications that slow gastrointestinal motility may be prescribed to improve the patient’s quality of life. Preventive strategies include consuming whole foods, establishing regular habits, supplementing with probiotics to strengthen gut defenses, and managing stress to protect gastrointestinal health.
This article is authorized for use by Heho Health.
