what can cause prolonged diarrhea?

Question

my dad has had diarrhea for the past 7 weeks,

he eats a really good diet, does not drink alcohol or smoke, also very active

he eats the recommended amount of fruit and veg per day but has always done this so i don't think this is causing it

any suggestions would be great

(he has seen a consultant who could not find the cause of the problem and is awaiting a further appointment)

Answer 1

Could be caused by several different things. One thing to try is multi-mineral tablets and you may find this works. If it does then get your dad to go back to the consultant because there's probably something causing the mineral imbalance.

Another possibility is a mild infection, maybe in the stomach or intestines. The treatment for this would be a course of anti-biotics and sometimes as little as 2 tablets can kill off the infection. Your dad would need to see a doctor to get a prescription.

If your dad has recently been to a foreign country then it could be something he picked up there (especially if it were Africa or Asia), even if it were up to a month before he started with the diarrhea, again - information for the doctor to help with a diagnosis.

Similarly, sudden changes in lifestyle such as retirement, birth, death of a family member or anything stressful can cause changes in the way the body functions and this can manifest itself in many different ways.

Answer 2

IBS, IBD or Crohn`s could be a cause,

Does he have any other symtoms such as mouth ulcers, Spots on his boy/arms/legs? Blood in his dihoreaarr? loss of weight?

It may be a good idea for him have a few days fasting, just having liquids (like squash, Tea. avoid fizzy drinks) this will make sure he dosent get de hydrated, as this will give his bowel a rest from digesting foods. When he starts eating again try him on SIMPLE foods such as mashed potatoes, Boiled eggs, soup, bannanas, for a few days and slowly phase in new foodstuffs.

Best Wait and see the consultant though, but try to get your dad to keep a diary of how much he is visiting the toilet and what comes out as well as his daily weight and how he is feelling (tired, headaches, Stomach cramps etc ) this information will help the consultant make a better diagnosis.

Go and make him a cuppa.

Rich

Answer 3

Too many possible causes to list ( probably approaching triple figures if all possible diagnoses and variants are considered). The number of causes is so great that it really is not unusual to fail to gain a diagnosis after the first trip to the consultant. The consultant will have to do a number of tests to determine the cause normally starting with those that will find any serious or common cause and then progressing onto tests that look fo more unusual things.

Answer 4

There are a long list of causes for diarrhoea. I wouldn't list them as it would only make you and your dad worry. However I'm sure he's waiting for a colonoscopy or barium enema as a further investigation and I would wait for the result. Any of the answers given so far are plausible but as a doctor we should never speculate as we nearly always get it wrong.

Adrian (A&E Doctor)

Answer 5

There are alot of intestinal bugs and virusis, that could cause this. The important thing is that he is seeing a doctor. tell him to drink lots of clear fluids, 'cause diarrhea can cause you to become dehydrated.

Answer 6

Eat rice, bananas, toast . Stress can be a big cause for diarrhea.

Answer 7

he might have a lot of stress, a lot of problems with digestion system are connected to our stress.

Answer 8

it might be ibs,(irregular bowel syndrome) check this website for information http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000627.htm