Rare causes of chronic diarrhea (lasting over 3 weeks) are listed below; symptoms are added to help to recognize a cause.
Read about common causes of chronic diarrhea and causes of acute (sudden) diarrhea.
Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Adults
1. Diabetes
Old patients with long lasting, poorly controlled diabetes may have:
- Damage of the intestinal nerves resulting in increased speed of peristalsis and diarrhea.
- Ischemic colitis with diarrhea, blood in the stool and lower left abdominal pain.
- Damage of the nerves in the limbs resulting in tingling in hands and feet.
2. Thyroid Disease
In hyperthyroidism, excessive thyroxine stimulates bowel muscles thus shortening intestinal transit time resulting in diarrhea. Other symptoms include bumps on the front side of the neck, bulging eyes, sweating and irritability.
continue reading Rare Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Adults and Children
