Diarrhea in New Orleans, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be defined as watery, loose bowel movements and generally occurs at a higher frequency than normal bowel movements. Having loose stools three times a day or more is considered diarrhea. Typically, diarrhea only lasts for a short period, but diarrhea for a longer duration can point to a far more serious condition. Diarrhea can sometimes, on occasion, be treated with home remedies. The most essential thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids being lost to watery bowel movements. It is also beneficial to incorporate bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast into your diet. If you believe you have a bacteria or virus, antivirals or antibiotics could be prescribed. You can also use nonprescription medications with your specialist's supervision. However, some conditions, diseases, and cancers manifest, in part, through diarrhea. Some such conditions include colon cancer, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Conditions such as these are why it is important not to self-diagnose but to visit with a specialist if serious diarrhea develops. Please understand that you are not alone and treatment is available for diarrhea in New Orleans, LA. You can find a local gastrointestinal specialist by contacting Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.
What can cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a generally common GI condition. Most of us have dealt with loose or watery bowel movements during stressful times in our lives, as a result of eating some bad food, or after starting a new medication. But diarrhea can, sometimes, let you know that something of greater consequence is going on within your body. Below is a list of possible habits or conditions with the potential to cause diarrhea:
- Alcohol abuse
- Artificial sweeteners in your diet
- An overactive thyroid
- Viruses
- Radiation therapy
- Malabsorption (difficulty absorbing certain nutrients)
- Abuse of laxatives
- Intolerance to lactose
- Some cancers
- Surgery (sometimes surgery to remove the gallbladder or some abdominal surgeries can cause diarrhea)
- Fructose (difficulty digesting it)
- Runner’s diarrhea
- Bacteria and parasites from contaminated water or food
When should I visit a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?
When your diarrhea becomes severe, reach out to a GI provider at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates promptly. Some indicators of severe diarrhea may include:
- Diarrhea in conjunction with fever
- Diarrhea that persists longer than two days
- Diarrhea and dark urine
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting in conjunction with diarrhea
- Diarrhea post vacation to a foreign country
If any of the above issues occur, it is vital to seek professional evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you think that you should talk to a GI specialist because of diarrhea, please reach out to us right away. Our experts provide treatment for diarrhea in New Orleans, LA regularly.
Diarrhea could be a symptom of something serious
While the majority of people will experience diarrhea at some point during their life, diarrhea could be an indicator of a serious health condition. If you or a family member have been experiencing frequent diarrhea in conjunction with other uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, it could be time for a consultation with a gastroenterologist to evaluate your symptoms. You can connect with a skilled GI specialist by contacting your local Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. If you are suffering from worrisome gastrointestinal symptoms or need treatment for diarrhea in New Orleans, LA, reach out to us to connect with an expert in your community as soon as possible.
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Dr Lemann is the best. I have been seeing her over 14 years for my Crohn's Disease. She is very knowledgeable and personable. If I need her for anything I have always been able to reach out and have my needs met. I wouldn't want anyone else taking care of me.
Dr Lilly came highly recommended to me by a friend who is a surgeon. He is highly skilled and his office staff is friendly and efficient. He has provided care to me for 5 years now and I can recommend him without reservation.
Dr. Wegmann was very pleasant and gave me clear information about my test and the plan going forward. I would definitely recommend him to my friends!
Great Doctor, personable and listens well
Dr Silvers has been my Gastrologist for many years. Excellent care and great bed side manners. I would recommend him to anyone. I also consider him a friend.
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