Gastroenterology, by video or in person
Chronic Diarrhoea in Adults
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Chronic Diarrhoea in Adults
- Loose or watery stools for more than four weeks
- Needing to rush to the toilet, or waking at night to open the bowels
- Tummy cramps, bloating or wind
- Pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are hard to flush
- Blood or mucus in the stools
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Diarrhoea that lasts more than four weeks is called chronic diarrhoea, and it is different from a short stomach bug. Common causes in adults include irritable bowel syndrome, infections such as parasites, side effects of medicines (for example metformin, some antibiotics and antacids containing magnesium), lactose intolerance, an overactive thyroid, inflammatory bowel disease, and problems absorbing food. HIV can cause chronic diarrhoea, and less often it is a sign of bowel cancer. A doctor will ask about your stools, diet, medicines, travel and weight, and arrange blood and stool tests, sometimes a colonoscopy.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Loose or watery stools for more than four weeks
- Needing to rush to the toilet, or waking at night to open the bowels
- Tummy cramps, bloating or wind
- Pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are hard to flush
- Blood or mucus in the stools
- Weight loss, tiredness or feeling thirsty
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you have signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very little urine or confusion, cannot keep fluids down, have a lot of blood in your stools, black stools, a high fever or severe tummy pain. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than four weeks, or sooner if you are losing weight, have blood in your stools, wake at night with it, are over 50, or have a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Treatment options
- Oral rehydration solution and plenty of fluids
- Blood tests and stool tests to look for infection, inflammation and absorption problems
- Treating an infection or parasite if one is found
- Reviewing medicines that can cause diarrhoea
- A colonoscopy when there are warning signs or the cause is unclear
- Treatment for the cause found, such as IBS, inflammatory bowel disease or a thyroid problem
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Should I take antibiotics for diarrhoea that will not stop?
Not without a test. Most chronic diarrhoea is not a bacterial infection, and antibiotics can make some causes worse. A stool test shows whether treatment for an infection is needed.
Can I take loperamide?
It can help occasional loose stools, but do not use it if you have blood in your stools or a fever, and do not use it to cover up diarrhoea that has gone on for weeks without seeing a doctor.
Can a gastroenterologist help by video?
Yes. A specialist can take a full history on a call, arrange the blood and stool tests, and decide whether you need a colonoscopy.
Need Help?
A stomach, bowel and liver specialist on a video call, who reads your results and says whether you need a scope or a scan.
See a gastroenterologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified gastroenterology specialist near you.
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