What causes chronic diarrhea with loose, unformed stools, and what should be done about it?
May 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Diarrhea usually refers to loose or watery stools. Chronic diarrhea with persistently unformed stools may result from physiological factors or pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, etc. Different causes require different management approaches. For instance, consistently drinking excessive amounts of water in daily life may increase stool water content, leading to long-term diarrhea and unformed stools.
Diarrhea generally refers to loose or watery stools. Chronic diarrhea with poorly formed stools may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic gastritis. Different causes require different management approaches. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If an individual drinks excessive amounts of water in daily life, the increased water content in the stool may lead to chronic diarrhea with poorly formed stools. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and can be relieved by appropriately reducing fluid intake.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome may be a functional disorder caused by abnormal gastrointestinal motility, psychological factors, intestinal infections, etc. After food intake, the patient's gastrointestinal tract may exhibit hypersensitivity reactions, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Treatment may include medications such as loperamide hydrochloride capsules or smectite powder, taken under medical guidance.
2) Chronic Gastritis
Helicobacter pylori infection is a primary cause of chronic gastritis. Under stimulation by inflammatory factors, the gastrointestinal mucosa may produce these symptoms. Relief can be achieved using medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, as directed by a physician.
In addition, chronic diarrhea with poorly formed stools may also result from acute gastroenteritis, intestinal dysbiosis, duodenal ulcers, and other conditions. It is recommended to maintain a light and bland diet during treatment.
