Overheating and Diarrhea

[Wihjii]

My husband is 43 and has explained to me that for as long as he can remember he has diarrhea at times over the summer months when he becomes overheated. He is a very large man very muscular and a little overweight although he says he has had this problem even when he was slim and trim in his 20's and younger. He has  very normal eating habits and is only alergic (allergic) to tuna not dairy. He retains a lot of water in the summer, and has seen a few doctors in the past but no resolution. His stools are very watery and it has become very uncomfortable. He has always had high blood pressure again even when he was at a lower weight which has and is controlled by medication. Have you heard of this problem? I am concerned because during the hot days he has to turn up the air conditioner and sit in our basement for a few hours until he cools down. Until the summer is over I feel this problem will not go away. Do you have any solutions?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic diarrhea can be caused by infection, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.  

Stool tests can be sent off for analysis and culture.  Malabsorption can also be evaluated by fat analysis and blood tests for celiac disease.

I would also consider a colonoscopy to evaluate for structural abnormalities as well as inflammatory bowel disease.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[hbp702]

Have him see a doctor. Ask about kidney issues. They can cause high blood pressure and fluid retention, and the body could be using diarrhea in an attempt to get rid of toxins and fluids, the fluids could just be spilling out into the intestines, there could be fluids in his abdomin (abdomen) interfering with digestion and toxins from kidney disease could be making him not digest well. Any nausea, weird skin itches or anything? Any other symptoms when he gets hot?