Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists logo for printSouthern Gastroenterology Associates, LLC

Phone: 678-985-2000

763 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

2295 Ronald Reagan Parkway, Suite 100, Snellville, GA 30078

3655 Howell Ferry Rd, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30096

2108 Teron Trace, Suite 100, Dacula, GA 30019

5185 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

101 Tara Commons Drive, Loganville, GA 30052

678-985-2000
Offices in Lawrenceville, Snellville, Duluth, Dacula/Hamilton Mill, Peachtree Corners/Norcross & Loganville.

Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. Having diarrhea means passing loose stools three or more times a day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own.

Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea—diarrhea that lasts at least 4 weeks—may be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual or they may come and go.

Diarrhea of any duration may cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid and electrolytes—chemicals in salts, including sodium, potassium, and chloride—to function properly. Loose stools contain more fluid and electrolytes and weigh more than solid stools.

People of all ages can get diarrhea. In the United States, adults average one bout of acute diarrhea each year, and young children have an average of two episodes of acute diarrhea each year.

What causes diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to a functional disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or an intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease.

The most common causes of diarrhea include the following:

  • Bacterial infections. Several types of bacteria consumed through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
  • Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, norovirus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis. Infection with the rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 3 to 7 days but can cause problems digesting lactose for up to a month or longer.
  • Parasites. Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium.
  • Functional bowel disorders. Diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Intestinal diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease often lead to diarrhea.
  • Food intolerances and sensitivities. Some people have difficulty digesting certain ingredients, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. Some people may have diarrhea if they eat certain types of sugar substitutes in excessive quantities.
  • Reaction to medicines. Antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids containing magnesium can all cause diarrhea.

Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery, which may cause food to move through the digestive system more quickly.

People who visit certain foreign countries are at risk for traveler’s diarrhea, which is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Traveler’s diarrhea can be a problem for people traveling to developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Visitors to Canada, most European countries, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand do not face much risk for traveler’s diarrhea.

In many cases, the cause of diarrhea cannot be found. As long as diarrhea goes away on its own within 1 to 2 days, finding the cause is not usually necessary.

Request an Appointment


Source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/index.aspx

Southern Endoscopy Suite

Information about the Southern Endoscopy Suite at Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

The practice's wholly owned endoscopy center is a newly enlarged, state-of-the-art, nationally accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center. Procedures we perform include:

Meet Our Gastroenterologists

Meet the gastroenterologists of Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

Gastroenterologists are physicians trained in internal medicine who have undergone further training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system, or GI tract.

Digestive Conditions We Treat

Digestive Digestive Conditions treated by Southern Gastroenterology Associates, Gwinnett Gastroenterologists

Our gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, bowel, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. GI conditions treated include: