Gastroenterology
Main Line Health gastroenterology works to resolve digestive issues and GI conditions. Find the right solution for your digestive conditions at one of our Philadelphia locations.
Your body processes food and water by absorbing whatever nutrients are needed and eliminating the rest by way of a bowel movement, or stool. Normal stool is solid but soft, and easy to pass through the rectum and anus. Diarrhea is loose, watery stool that is difficult to control and occurs frequently in one day or over several days. It may also be accompanied by gas pain, bloating and other symptoms.
Everyone deals with diarrhea from time to time. Usually it is caused by a stomach “bug” such as viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or a bacterial infection such as from food poisoning. The problem often goes away on its own within a day or so.
Infection is not the only cause of diarrhea. You may also experience watery bowel movements as a result of:
There is also a wide range of diseases and conditions that cause acute (less than a week), persistent (more than 14 days) and chronic (30 days or more) diarrhea, including:
The main cause for alarm with diarrhea is that it quickly depletes the body of salts and minerals that help regulate hydration in your body. Dehydration as a result of diarrhea may cause you to feel faint or dizzy. In children and the elderly as well as in people with weakened immune systems, dehydration can be particularly dangerous.
You may need medical help for diarrhea if you also:
Main Line Health gastroenterology works to resolve digestive issues and GI conditions. Find the right solution for your digestive conditions at one of our Philadelphia locations.