Constipation & Diarrhea Specialist

What causes diarrhea and constipation?

Occasional bouts of diarrhea and constipation happen to almost everyone, but you may have an underlying gastrointestinal problem if these issues are chronic and painful. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is called irritable bowel syndrome-A, or IBS-A.

Many different digestive issues can cause diarrhea and constipation, so it’s not always easy to know what’s triggering your symptoms. Some causes may include:

• A food allergy or sensitivity
• An autoimmune condition
• Damage to your gastrointestinal tract

At Southwest Gastroenterology, your physician aims to understand the cause of your symptoms so they can treat it appropriately.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation?

Symptoms of constipation may include:

• More than three days passing between bowel movements
• Difficulty or pain when passing hardened stool
• Harder stool consistency
• The presence of pellets, straining, or feelings of incomplete evacuation
• A sensation of wanting to have a bowel movement but not being able to

Symptoms of diarrhea might include:

• Watery stool
• Pain and cramping in the abdomen
• Bloating
• An urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Nausea, sweating, or chills

If you have an underlying gastrointestinal problem such as IBS-A, you might experience alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation or periods where you have no symptoms at all.

If you have severely painful bowel movements, pain that lasts longer than three weeks, black stool, or blood in your stool, you should see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis.

How are diarrhea and constipation treated?

Diarrhea and constipation alone aren’t diseases and are usually treatable. If they’re part of an underlying problem, however, you must address this before you can find relief.

Some conventional treatments for diarrhea and constipation are:

• Dietary changes: If your physician finds you have a food sensitivity or allergy, you might need to adjust your diet.

• Hydration: A lack of fluid intake can exacerbate symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.
• Medications: In some cases, you might need medication to help heal and repair your digestive system.

To make an appointment with Southwest Gastroenterology today, use the easy online scheduling tool.