CARE ASSISTANT
NLChronic Diarrhoea
A transit that is too fast to allow water absorption.
When digestive contents pass through the colon too quickly, water is not reabsorbed and stools become liquid. Chronic forms are often linked to irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
More Informations
Liquid stools that last: look for the cause rather than endure it.
Definition
Diarrhoea is chronic when liquid or very frequent stools persist for more than four weeks. It is tiring and can lead to dehydration or deficiencies.
Causes
Causes are many: microscopic colitis, coeliac disease, overactive thyroid, bile acid malabsorption, parasitic infections, side effects of medicines.
Diagnosis
- Stool analysis (parasites, culture, calprotectin).
- Blood tests and, depending on the case, absorption tests.
- Colonoscopy with biopsies if needed.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the identified cause: adapted diet, treatment of an infection or underlying disease, bile acid binders when they are involved. A transit-slowing medicine can be used occasionally on medical advice.
With chronic diarrhoea, leak protection and fit matter most. The Combi brief with tabs, with its leak barriers, holds liquid stools; change it promptly and clean the skin each time to avoid irritation.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.