Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic Diarrhea Treatment in Chandler, Mesa & the East Valley, AZ

Planning your day around bathrooms. Rushing to the toilet after meals. Diarrhea that has lasted weeks or keeps coming back isn't something you have to live with, and it usually has a cause that can be found.

Gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, and our registered dietitians diagnose and treat chronic diarrhea at Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, AZ, serving patients across the East Valley. New patients are seen within 7 days, and no referral is needed.

When diarrhea becomes chronic

Diarrhea is loose or watery stool three or more times a day. Most short bouts come from a virus or something you ate and clear up in a few days. Diarrhea that lasts four weeks or longer is chronic and should be checked by a gastroenterologist.

Common causes of chronic diarrhea

• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), often with cramping and urgency
• Infections that linger, such as C. difficile or Giardia
• Celiac disease, a reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine
• Microscopic colitis, inflammation that only shows up on biopsies
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Bile acid diarrhea, common after gallbladder removal
• Food intolerances, such as lactose or fructose
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Medications, including metformin, magnesium, some antibiotics and GLP-1 medications
• Thyroid problems or pancreas problems that affect digestion

Signs you should be seen soon

• Blood or black color in your stool
• Diarrhea that wakes you up at night
• Weight loss without trying
• Fever, or severe belly pain
• Signs of dehydration: dizziness, very dark urine, dry mouth

Go to the emergency room if you can't keep fluids down, feel faint, or have heavy bleeding. In the Arizona heat, dehydration can become serious quickly.

How we find the cause

• Stool tests for infection and inflammation
• Bloodwork, including celiac testing, thyroid levels and a blood count
• Breath testing for SIBO or lactose intolerance
• A colonoscopy with biopsies, which is the only way to diagnose microscopic colitis
• An upper endoscopy with biopsies if celiac disease is suspected

Treatment

Treatment that matches the cause

Infections, microscopic colitis, bile acid diarrhea, SIBO and IBS each have their own treatments. Finding the right cause is what makes treatment work.

Nutrition support

Our registered dietitians help with low-FODMAP plans, lactose-free eating and hydration, and they focus on adding foods back, not just cutting them out. Dietitian visits are self-pay.

Medication review

If a medicine is causing diarrhea, we work with your prescriber on changes.

What your first visit looks like

Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and think about when the diarrhea started, how often you go, and whether certain foods make it worse. A short food and symptom log for a week before your visit is helpful.

New patient visits are 30 minutes, so there's time for your questions. New patients are seen within 7 days, and you don't need a referral to book.

Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley

Chandler office: 2201 W Fairview St, Suite 5, Chandler, AZ 85224, near the 101 and Chandler Boulevard.

Mesa office: 1910 S Stapley Dr, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85204, near the 60.

Patients come to us from Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.

Chronic diarrhea: questions patients ask

How long is too long for diarrhea?

If it lasts more than four weeks, or keeps coming back, see a gastroenterologist.

Why do I get diarrhea right after eating?

IBS, bile acid diarrhea, food intolerances and SIBO are common causes. Testing can tell them apart.

Can stress cause chronic diarrhea?

Stress can trigger IBS flares through the gut-brain connection, but other causes should be ruled out first.

What is microscopic colitis?

Inflammation of the colon that looks normal during a colonoscopy and only shows up on biopsies. It's a common, treatable cause of watery diarrhea, especially in people over 50.

Can my gallbladder removal cause diarrhea?

Yes. Without a gallbladder, bile can flow into the colon and cause watery stools. It's treatable.

Do I need a colonoscopy for diarrhea?

Often, especially if diarrhea is chronic, you're 45 or older, or you have bleeding or weight loss. Biopsies can find causes that blood tests miss.

Can metformin or Ozempic cause diarrhea?

Yes. Both are common causes. We can help you manage it without stopping a medicine that's working.

Do you see patients from across the East Valley?

Yes. Our Chandler and Mesa offices see patients from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley. Procedures are done at centers in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require one, so we'll check your plan.

Ready to stop planning around bathrooms?

Find the cause with a GI specialist. Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley. Book online or call 480-210-3155.