having consistant diarrhea for the last 10 years

[jason__0]

  My question is that I have had diarrhea on and off for at least the last ten years. I am a 29 y.o. male 6'4 255lbs, I don't drink or smoke and no drug use at all, and Im in pretty good health,(would like a more healthier diet its cheaper to eat less healthy foods).A magority of the time my bowel movements are wartery, brownish yellow, real acidy with like a goowey not quite a slimy consistencey. It sometimes burns, especially if I go to the bathroom a few times a day and have wiped a lot (toliet paper's making it raw ). Some times when it's a little harder, it's yellow with dark speckles in it like pepper(now I was told if you have a bleeding ulcer, you "poop" coffee grounds)now it kinda looks like that but more like pepper.  I do have regular hard movements and I'm very regular 3 to 4 times a day(is that ok,or to much?).I used to think when I was younger between 17 to 24 I thought it was nerves I worried about every thing. Is this possible symptoms or crohn's diease.So any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Jason
Dear Jason,
Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of Crohn's disease. However, it may also be secondary to an infectious cause, a thyroid disorder or dietary indiscretion. It is important to note whether associated symptoms such as fever, chills, weight loss, abdominal pain, nocturnal diarrhea  or bloody stools are present.  Alternating diarrhea and constipation without the associated symptoms mentioned above may point to irritable bowel syndrome as the diagnosis. Lactose intolerance (poor tolerance of milk and dairy products) may also cause these symptoms. Eliminating dairy products or using Lactaid milk and tablets may help alleviate your symptoms. It may help you to carefully analyze your diet to see if any particular foods aggravate your condition. A trial of fiber therapy may also help you. An easy way to get the fiber you need is to try a high fiber cereal (such as Fiber One or All Bran) every morning for breakfast. You need to get 25-35 grams of fiber per day. If these conservative measures do not help, you might benefit from a gastroenterological evaluation. I hope you find this information helpful.
  This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
  : If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
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  : *Keywords: chronic diarrhea