Chronic Diarrhea for 40+ years

[Tina__0__0]

  My mother has had chronic diarrhea since she was in elementary school. She says she rarely has constipation or "normal stools".  She notices that when she fasts she does not have diarrhea. However, when she eats, she usually has diarrhea about 30 minutes afterwards. Certain foods cause more symptoms of cramping and diarrhea than others. She is overweight, so I didn't know if she could possibly have a malabsorption disorder. There are no blood or mucous in her stools. Her daughter has the same condition. She also does not eat as many vegetables and fruits as she should. Could she be lacking an enzyme such as a disaccharidase? Any insight would be appreciated
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Dear Tina,
You are correct that serious malabsorption is unlikely in a person who is overwieght.  Your mother could have lactose intolerance which is causing symptoms.  A trial of Lactaid ) an enzyme that breaks down the sugar in milk) or a lactose free diet should be tried.  Additionally, your mother should increase the amount of fiber in the diet.  This increased fiber will provide bulk to the stool, making it more formed.  Additionally, she can consider a trial of Imodium (immodium) in an attempt to control the symptom.  
Decisions regarding additional testing will depend on a review of what has been done to date.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.
If you wish a second opinion, we would be happy to see your mother in the Division of Gastroenterology of henry Ford Health System in Detroit.  You can arrange an appoinment by calling ourr Physician referral Line at [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*kerywords: diarrhea
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