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(504) 249-5901

Chronic Diarrhea and Incontinence

Chronic (long-term) diarrhea can be physically taxing and interfere with quality of life. If infection, poor blood supply, diabetes or hyperthyroidism is not the issue and IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative or indeterminate colitis) is excluded, the commonest reason I see patients have chronic diarrhea has been medication side-effects, that have gone unrecognized. Certainly IBS plays a common role here too. Rarely there are hormonal causes of chronic diarrhea.

Diarrhea that overwhelms the bodies’ continence mechanisms leading to incontinence – the inability to control the passage of stool can be profoundly embarrassing, disabling and, frankly depressing, to deal with.

As always, a thoughtful history and physical exam by a gastroenterologist go a long way to determine what is going on. Tests may include blood tests, stool studies and/or colonoscopy with biopsies. Medications may be necessary to control symptoms.

Based in the heart of uptown and the Garden District of New Orleans, Dr. Huilgol (”Dr. Viv”) and the team at NOLA Gastro is committed to working with you to investigate what is going on, so you can make the correct choices for you.

Gut health matters. Let’s work it out together.

Call 504-249-5901 and make an appointment…

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