What Are the Causes of Chronic Nausea & Diarrhea?

Chronic nausea and diarrhea may be symptoms of serious digestive diseases. Consult a physician about ongoing diarrhea and nausea. Medical tests can be performed to determine if an underlying disease is present.

Identification

• According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts more than four weeks. Diarrhea is often accompanied by nausea, bloating, stomach cramps and stomach pain.

Function

• Normally, digested food passes through the colon where most fluids are absorbed. Diarrhea occurs when either the waste passes through too quickly or when the colon is unable to properly absorb fluids because of inflammation due to disease.

Causes

• Chronic diarrhea can occur as the result of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Chronic diarrhea sometimes occurs after gallbladder surgery or other abdominal surgeries.

Prevention/Solution

• If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, it is important to drink lots of fluid to prevent dehydration. Drinking an electrolyte drink such as a sports drink may be recommenced. Try eliminating dairy products to determine if the diarrhea is related to lactose intolerance.

Warning

• Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening. A doctor should be consulted if dehydration is suspected or if blood appears in the stools.