Diarrhea Specialist
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Todd B. Linden, MD, FACP
Gastroenterologist & Internist located in Soho, New York, NY
Everyone will experience an occasional bout of diarrhea, but for some men and women, the problem can be chronic. At Todd B. Linden MD FACP in Soho, Manhattan, Dr. Lindon has helped hundreds of men and women find lasting relief from diarrhea through compassionate care and customized treatment plans. To meet with Dr. Linden and learn more about his approach to gastrointestinal health, call his New York City office today or schedule an appointment online.
Diarrhea Q & A
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the medical term for loose, watery bowel movements. The condition used to be known as dysentery and was often deadly before the days of modern medicine.
Anyone can experience an occasional watery bowel movement, but if it occurs three or more times in a 24-hour period, you have diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea only lasts for a short period of time. After a day or two, your digestive system will stabilize and your bowel movements will return to normal.
Chronic diarrhea, however, can last for weeks or months. Your symptoms can come and go, or you might experience continual symptoms that interfere with your daily routines.
What causes diarrhea?
Numerous things can lead to diarrhea, and anyone can develop the condition at any time. Some of the potential causes include:
- Parasites
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Certina medications
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Food intolerance or sensitivities
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Surgery
In many cases, it isn’t possible to identify a clear cause of diarrhea. Researchers are aware, however, that children tend to develop diarrhea at a rate nearly twice that of adults.
Do I need to see a doctor for diarrhea?
Most cases of diarrhea will clear up without medical intervention. However, there are circumstances where you should book an appointment with Dr. Linden to determine the cause of your diarrhea and find a treatment path that delivers results.
If these conditions are present during a bout of diarrhea, call the office to schedule an urgent appointment:
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Fever of 102°F or higher
- Black and tarry stools
- Stools that contain blood or pus
Dr. Linden can perform a physical exam and run the necessary lab tests to find out what is causing your diarrhea.
Treatment focuses on resolving the underlying cause, but there are also immediate options like rehydration and medications that can get diarrhea under control as the diagnostic process moves forward.
If food intolerance or sensitivities are the causes, Dr. Linden can work with you to determine if you have a food allergy. You may need to go on a restricted diet for a few weeks to give your digestive system a chance to rest. You’ll then slowly reintroduce various foods to see how your body reacts.
Don’t live with severe or chronic diarrhea when there are safe and effective treatments that can help. Your digestive health plays a critical role in your overall health and wellness, so book an appointment with Dr. Linden today, online or over the phone.
