What Is Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a common clinical symptom rather than a specific disease. It refers to diarrhea that lasts for more than three weeks. Below are some of the most common causes associated with this condition.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Conditions affecting the stomach can lead to chronic diarrhea. For example, atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer may reduce stomach acid production, which in turn affects digestion and bowel movements. Additionally, after partial gastrectomy, food moves too quickly through the digestive tract, potentially leading to chronic diarrhea.

Intestinal Diseases

There are several intestinal conditions that may cause long-term diarrhea. These include infectious diarrhea caused by persistent bacteria, parasites (such as chronic amoebiasis or schistosomiasis), and tuberculosis of the intestine. Non-infectious causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dysbiosis, ischemic bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Tumors such as colon cancer, lymphoma of the intestines, and colonic polyps may also contribute to ongoing diarrhea.

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Conditions

Chronic liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, gallbladder disorders including chronic cholecystitis and gallbladder cancer, and pancreatic conditions such as chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer can all disrupt normal digestive processes, resulting in chronic diarrhea.

Systemic Diseases

Some whole-body illnesses have gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic diarrhea. Examples include hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, uremia, adrenal insufficiency, and certain rheumatic diseases. These conditions may affect multiple organs, including the digestive system, and should be considered during diagnosis.

If you experience prolonged diarrhea, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.