Hi,
Frequent bowel movements and urgency can be a sign of a number of different conditions, including
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances or sensitivities, and certain infections. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Regarding the use of over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, it's important to use them only as directed and under the guidance of your doctor. While they can be helpful in managing symptoms in the short-term, frequent use can lead to dependence and other complications.
As for your long-term use of
Nexium (
esomeprazole), it's possible that it could be contributing to your symptoms. Nexium is a
proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is commonly used to treat
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that involve excess stomach acid. Prolonged use of PPIs has been associated with a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea,
abdominal pain, and bacterial infections.
It's important to talk to your doctor about your use of Nexium and any other medications you're taking, as well as any other medical conditions you may have. Your doctor can help you determine whether a medication change or adjustment is necessary, and can work with you to develop a plan for managing your symptoms. They may also recommend further testing or referral to a specialist if necessary.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Diwashish Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist