Re: Diarrhea

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on February 02, 1999 at 05:01:37:

In Reply to: Diarrhea  posted by Damian on January 26, 1999 at 19:10:24:






   For several years now I have had problems with Diarrhea practically everyday. When I get up in the morning I use the bathroom, I drive an hour to work only to go again when I arrive. After lunch I will probably go twice, then about an hour before I go home, I'll go again. My diet is not a bad one. I've been able to minimize the foods that cause me problems however I find I still have issues. I usually end up taking Imodium (immodium) at least twice a week to control it since my drive to and from work is quite a long one, with a lot of traffic so you can imagine what my fear is.
   Just to let you know, my breakfast consists of either a muffin or a bagel, lunch is simply a sandwich with some crackers. I don't drink coffee's or sodas, only water through out the day.
    Please help...
Thanks...
-Damian
______-
Dear Damian,
Our approach to chronic diarrhea initially involves the exclusion of treatable diseases. Some infections must be excluded (e.g. giardia).  We always ask questuions to determine if AIDS could be contributing to the diarrhea.  Next we rule out noninfectious causes e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, malabosption, thyroid disease, rectal sphincter dysfunction.
If no disease with a specific therapy is found, we initiate sympotomatic treament.  Often, the addition of fiber(Metamucil) is sufficient to improve the diarrhea.  The use of Lomotil is sometimes also needed.  parethetically, your dose of Lomotil is low.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Ask specific questions to your personal physician.  If you wish a second opinion, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.  You can arrange an appoinment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the treatment of diarrheal illness, by calling our Physician referral Line at [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: diarrhea
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