Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

More Info

---

Chronic diarrhea can be a distressing condition, especially for young adults like yourself. Given your symptoms of soft stools or diarrhea over the past two to three years, along with the absence of abdominal pain or blood in your stool, there are several potential causes to consider.
Firstly, it's important to note that chronic diarrhea can be classified into several categories based on its underlying cause. These include infectious, inflammatory, malabsorption, and functional causes. Since you mentioned that you were diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection and treated for it, this could be a contributing factor, but it may not be the sole reason for your ongoing symptoms.

1. Infectious Causes: While you have already been treated for H. pylori, other infections could still be at play. Bacterial infections (like those caused by E. coli or Salmonella), viral infections (such as Norovirus), or parasitic infections (like Giardia) can lead to chronic diarrhea. If you have traveled recently or consumed questionable food or water, these could be potential culprits.

2. Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance can lead to chronic diarrhea. In celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients and diarrhea. Similarly, lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea when dairy products are consumed. Given that you sometimes notice green stools or undigested food particles, it may be worth exploring whether you have a malabsorption issue.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, often accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and changes in appetite. While you haven't mentioned abdominal pain, some individuals with IBD may experience intermittent symptoms.

4. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also lead to chronic diarrhea. IBS is characterized by a group of symptoms, including changes in bowel habits, without any identifiable organic cause. Stress and dietary factors often play a significant role in IBS.

5. Dietary Factors: Your diet may also be influencing your bowel habits. High intake of certain foods, such as those high in sugar or fat, can lead to diarrhea. Additionally, if you have recently changed your diet or increased your intake of fiber-rich foods, this could also contribute to your symptoms.

Given your weight loss and persistent symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as stool studies to check for infections, blood tests to assess for malabsorption or inflammatory markers, or imaging studies to evaluate your gastrointestinal tract.
In the meantime, keeping a food diary may help identify any dietary triggers that could be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea frequently.
In conclusion, while there are several potential causes for your chronic diarrhea, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying issue and appropriate treatment. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice, as early intervention can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.