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How Is Chronic Diarrhea And Cramps Treated ?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Apr 2012
Question: I am a 51 yr. old female and have been having chronic diarrhea/cramping for the past 2 months. Blood tests and stool samples came back normal. (Im not sure what exactly they tested for). I am 5'3" and 175#. Have been gaining weight rapidly. I have lost no weight with the diarrhea although everything I eat seems to go right through. I have not had any serious illnesses.
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Answered by Dr. Sapan J. Pandya (1 hour later)
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Your gastroenterologist may have tested you for Stool (Routine & Micro) and Stool for occult blood. The blood test would be Complete Blood Count. Normally infection in intestine would lead to rise in White Blood Cells and Polymorphs (Neutrophils).

As you are gaining weight irrespective of the chronic diarrhea it would be better to get your Thyroid Function Test done. Normally Hypothyroidism is associated with rapid weight gain and constipation (not diarrhea). But still it would be better to rule out this cause.

The other possibility could be weight loss. Few investigations required are Colonscopy and tissue biopsy. It would be better to get examined by a gastroenterologist as this is a diagnosis of exclusion and has to be treated accordingly.

Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sapan J. Pandya

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 243 Questions

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How Is Chronic Diarrhea And Cramps Treated ?

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Your gastroenterologist may have tested you for Stool (Routine & Micro) and Stool for occult blood. The blood test would be Complete Blood Count. Normally infection in intestine would lead to rise in White Blood Cells and Polymorphs (Neutrophils).

As you are gaining weight irrespective of the chronic diarrhea it would be better to get your Thyroid Function Test done. Normally Hypothyroidism is associated with rapid weight gain and constipation (not diarrhea). But still it would be better to rule out this cause.

The other possibility could be weight loss. Few investigations required are Colonscopy and tissue biopsy. It would be better to get examined by a gastroenterologist as this is a diagnosis of exclusion and has to be treated accordingly.

Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.