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Diarrhea Specialist

Gastro90210

Jonathan S Pourmorady, MD

Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Los Angeles, CA & Garden Grove, CA

Diarrhea can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient and may be a sign of a serious digestion issue. Jonathan Pourmorady, MD, of Gastro90210, offers comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and holistic treatment of diarrhea from his offices in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles and Garden Grove, California. If your diarrhea is causing you concern, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

Diarrhea Q & A

What is diarrhea? 

The National Institute of Health defines diarrhea as three or more loose or watery stools a day. Depending on how often you suffer from diarrhea, you may have acute, persistent, or chronic diarrhea. 

Acute diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is most common, lasts 1-2 days, and doesn't usually need intervention. Most people have at least one episode of acute diarrhea a year.

Persistent diarrhea 

Persistent diarrhea lasts 2-4 weeks and may require a medical assessment and quality treatment. 

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea lasts at least four weeks, may come and go, and may indicate a digestion problem that needs attention.

Dr. Pourmorady and his team at Gastro90210 offer comprehensive assessment, expert diagnosis, and holistic treatment for your diarrhea. It is essential to understand the underlying cause of your diarrhea for treatment to be effective.

What causes diarrhea?

There are several potential underlying causes of diarrhea. A common reason for acute diarrhea is food intolerances. 

Other causes include:

  • Bacteria or parasites
  • Viruses, including the flu or rotavirus
  • Side effects of medications, including antibiotics
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis 
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Chronic or severe acute or persistent diarrhea could cause dehydration and malabsorption, especially when you have other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting. 

When do I need to seek treatment for diarrhea?

While most acute cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, you may need to see Dr. Pourmorady at Gastro90210 if you have:

  • Signs of dehydration
  • Symptoms lasting more than two days
  • Black or bloody stools
  • Consistent fever of 102℉ or higher
  • Severe abdominal or rectal pain

Depending on your symptoms, the team may recommend diagnostic testing, such as a stool sample, endoscopy, CT or MRI, or colonoscopy. 

What are the treatments for diarrhea?

Once Dr. Pourmorady determines the underlying cause of your diarrhea, he develops a personalized plan of care to relieve your symptoms. Depending on your diagnosis, he may recommend:

  • Probiotics or digestive enzymes
  • Dietary changes
  • Fluid or electrolyte replacement
  • Anti-diarrheal medications 
  • Antibiotics or antiviral medications

If the cause of your chronic diarrhea is a chronic inflammatory or digestive problem, it may take time to develop a treatment plan that works effectively for you. Dr. Pourmorady and his team commit to helping you find relief from your discomfort and digestive concerns. 

For a thorough assessment and holistic treatment of your diarrhea, call one of the offices or schedule an appointment online with Gastro90210 today.