Don’t let diarrhea or constipation dictate your day and cause you dismay when the Illinois Gastroenterology Group offers solutions and treatments to regulate and improve your digestive system. In Elgin, Illinois, the highly qualified medical experts get to the root cause of constipation and diarrhea and work efficiently to give you relief and prevent further complications or symptoms. Leave your digestive and bowel problems in the past. Call Illinois Gastroenterology Group today or click online to schedule.
Diarrhea refers to watery, loose, and possibly more frequent bowel movements. Usually, diarrhea lasts just a few days. If it lasts longer, it could be a sign of a condition like irritable bowel disorder (IBS).
You might also have abdominal bloating and cramps, or pain, fever, blood, or mucus in your stool.
Several diseases and conditions can cause diarrhea, including:
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
After sufficient testing like a stool or blood test or a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, your provider can recommend:
Your provider might also recommend losing weight, taking probiotics, and/or altering your fiber intake.
Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools that persists for several weeks or longer. You’re generally considered constipated if you’re having fewer than three bowel movements every week.
Occasional constipation is common and might not be a cause for concern, but if you experience chronic constipation that’s interfering with your daily life, you should visit Illinois Gastroenterology Group.
Chronic constipation usually causes you to strain excessively to have a bowel movement.
Chronic constipation can be caused by blockages in your rectum or colon, which can be associated with:
The muscles involved in having a bowel movement can be weakened, leading to constipation.
After sufficient testing like a general physical exam, a digital rectal exam, blood tests, X-rays, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and/or sigmoidoscopy, your provider might recommend nutritional counseling.
Your provider might also suggest healthy lifestyle changes like increasing your fiber intake, managing your stress, training your pelvic muscles, losing weight, and exercising.
Medications or surgery can be necessary in some cases. Laxatives, fiber supplements, and stool softeners can be helpful.
Surgery can be an excellent solution if your constipation is caused by a blockage, stricture, or, in women, a rectocele.
If other treatments are unsuccessful and you have abnormally slow movement of stool through your colon, your provider could suggest the surgical removal of part of your colon.
For the best in gastroenterological care for your constipation or diarrhea, book online or call Illinois Gastroenterology Group today.
