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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

A friend in her 70 s, with history of facial melanoma, s/p surgeries, has been having diarrhea for about 6 weeks. Apparently had a sigmoidoscopy - negative. Doctors are stumped. She also has a history of diabetes, well controlled I believe. She had one dose of Keytruda prior to the onset of the diarrhea. Has been treated with Prednisone with minimal improvement. Probiotics made the situation worse. Any thoughts?
Thu, 19 Jul 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Chronic diarrhea in elderly may be due to irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel problems or infections or malobsorption syndromes or diabetic gastropathy etc. Malignancy or neuro endocrinal tumors etc. Until examination is done it is difficult to say what it is. Check stool for microscopy and culture, avoid spicy food and alcohol. Use probiotic tablet if symptoms not improved please consult your doctor he will examine and treat you accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Chronic diarrhea in elderly may be due to irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel problems or infections or malobsorption syndromes or diabetic gastropathy etc. Malignancy or neuro endocrinal tumors etc. Until examination is done it is difficult to say what it is. Check stool for microscopy and culture, avoid spicy food and alcohol. Use probiotic tablet if symptoms not improved please consult your doctor he will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.