What causes long-term diarrhea?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
The causes of chronic diarrhea may be systemic diseases or gastrointestinal disorders. Systemic diseases mainly include endocrine and metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, gastrinoma, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor (VIPoma), carcinoid syndrome, and diabetic enteropathy. Other systemic conditions include systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, uremia, and radiation enteritis.
Some people always experience nausea and diarrhea when seasons change. In severe cases, these symptoms can affect normal daily work. What causes long-term diarrhea?
What Causes Long-Term Diarrhea?
Long-term diarrhea may result from systemic diseases or digestive system disorders. Systemic conditions include endocrine and metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, gastrinoma, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor (VIPoma), carcinoid syndrome, and diabetic enteropathy. Other systemic diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, uremia, and radiation-induced enteritis. Drug side effects—such as those caused by reserpine, thyroid hormone, digoxin, cholestyramine, certain antitumor agents, and antibiotics—can also lead to chronic diarrhea. Additionally, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may be a contributing factor.
If the cause lies within the digestive system, possible conditions include stomach disorders such as chronic atrophic gastritis or post-gastrectomy hypochlorhydria (lack of stomach acid). Intestinal infections may involve intestinal tuberculosis, chronic bacterial dysentery, chronic amebic dysentery, schistosomiasis, and hookworm disease. Non-infectious intestinal diseases include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple colonic polyps, and malabsorption syndromes. Intestinal tumors such as villous adenomas of the colon or malignant gastrointestinal tumors may also be responsible.
It is important to evaluate your specific symptoms and choose an appropriate approach for improvement. Adequate bed rest during recovery is also recommended. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness.
