💙 Understanding Chronic Diarrhea – Internist Geriatrician PCP Physician Georgetown TX

Everyone has an upset stomach from time to time, but chronic diarrhea means loose or watery stools that last more than four weeks. It can be uncomfortable, exhausting, and sometimes a sign of something more serious.

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we often see patients from Georgetown TX and nearby areas who need answers and relief. If you’re looking for a trusted internist, geriatrician, or PCP physician in Georgetown TX, our team is here to help.

🩺 Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhea

• Loose or watery stools lasting more than 4 weeks

• Urgency to use the bathroom

• Abdominal cramping or bloating

• Fatigue and dehydration

• Weight loss or poor appetite

• Possible blood or mucus in stool

  
  

🔍 Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea may be due to many conditions, including:

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis

3. Infections (bacterial, parasitic, viral)

4. Medication side effects (antibiotics, metformin, heartburn medicines)

5. Food intolerances – lactose, gluten, artificial sweeteners

6. Endocrine disorders – diabetes, thyroid disease

7. Cancer or polyps (less common, but important to rule out)

   
   

⚙️ Pathophysiology (What’s Happening Inside) by Internist Geriatrician PCP Physician Georgetown TX

Chronic diarrhea can occur when the intestines:

• Fail to absorb enough water and nutrients

• Produce excess fluid due to inflammation or infection

• Are stimulated by certain hormones or medications

• Move food too quickly through the digestive tract

Your internal medicine doctor near me can help identify which mechanism is affecting you.

🧪 Investigations We May Recommend

At our primary care clinic in Georgetown TX, we may order:

• Blood tests (CBC, thyroid, diabetes screening)

• Stool tests (infection, parasites, inflammatory markers)

• Colonoscopy (if blood, weight loss, or age-related risk factors are present)

• Imaging (CT or ultrasound if structural problems are suspected)

  
  

💊 Treatment Options

🩺 Medical Management

• Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines (if infection is found)

• Anti-inflammatory medication (for IBD)

• Adjusting medications that might be causing diarrhea

• Supplements if dehydration or nutrient loss is present

  
  

🏠 Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

• Stay hydrated (water, electrolyte solutions, broths)

• Eat small, frequent meals

• Follow a low-FODMAP diet if IBS suspected

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners

• Add probiotics (yogurt, supplements) for gut balance

• Keep a food diary to identify triggers

  
  

✅ Prevention Tips

• Wash hands often to avoid infections

• Cook foods thoroughly

• Avoid contaminated water when traveling

• Stay consistent with regular check-ups at your family medical clinic in Georgetown TX to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease

  
  

❓ Top 10 FAQs – Chronic Diarrhea

💧 How long is diarrhea considered chronic?

If it lasts more than four weeks, it’s considered chronic.

💧 Can stress cause chronic diarrhea?

Yes — stress and anxiety can worsen IBS and gut function.

💧 What foods make diarrhea worse?

Caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, and high-sugar drinks often make it worse.

💧 When should I worry about diarrhea?

If it lasts weeks, causes weight loss, dehydration, or blood in stool.

💧 Is chronic diarrhea dangerous?

It can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss if untreated.

💧 Can probiotics help?

Yes — they may restore healthy gut bacteria and improve stool consistency.

💧 Could it be from my medications?

Yes — metformin, antibiotics, and others may cause diarrhea. We review this in your visit.

💧 Should I stop eating fiber?

Not necessarily — we’ll help adjust your diet based on the cause.

💧 Can seniors have different causes?

Yes — medications, chronic illnesses, and infections are more common in seniors.

💧 Why see your clinic?

Because our internist geriatrician PCP physician Georgetown TX takes time to investigate the cause, explain clearly, and create a plan that fits you.

👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

Seek care if you have:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks

• Blood in stool or black stools

• Unexplained weight loss

• Severe abdominal pain or fever

• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, weakness, dry mouth)

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we’ll work with you to find the cause and bring relief, without rushing your visit.