Expert Constipation and Diarrhea Treatment in Houston at Curative Digestive Disease Center

Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are two of the most common digestive complaints, often signaling an underlying gastrointestinal issue. While occasional changes in bowel habits are normal, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is characterized by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. A person may be considered constipated if they have:

✔ Fewer than three bowel movements per week
✔ Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
✔ Straining during bowel movements
✔ A sensation of incomplete evacuation
✔ Bloating and abdominal discomfort

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools occurring three or more times per day. Symptoms may include:

✔ Urgent, frequent bowel movements
✔ Abdominal cramps and bloating
✔ Nausea and dehydration
✔ Mucus or blood in stool

Chronic constipation and diarrhea can significantly impact daily life and may indicate an underlying digestive disorder requiring evaluation and treatment.

Common Causes of Constipation & Diarrhea

Both constipation and diarrhea can be triggered by dietary habits, infections, stress, medications, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions.

Causes of Chronic Constipation

✅ Low-Fiber Diet – A diet lacking in fiber slows bowel movements.
✅ Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can harden stools.
✅ Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) – A common condition causing difficulty passing stools.
✅ Slow Colonic Transit – The colon moves stool too slowly.
✅ Neurological Disorders – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can impact bowel function.
✅ Medications – Certain painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements may cause constipation.

Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

✅ Infections & Food Poisoning – Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea.
✅ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic diarrhea.
✅ Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) – A functional GI disorder causing loose stools.
✅ Lactose Intolerance & Food Sensitivities – The inability to digest dairy or high-FODMAP foods.
✅ Celiac Disease – An autoimmune reaction to gluten affecting the intestines.
✅ Overuse of Laxatives – Long-term use of laxatives can lead to dependency and bowel dysfunction.

If you experience persistent constipation or diarrhea, schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive evaluation.

How We Diagnose Constipation and Diarrhea

At Curative Digestive Disease Center, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing chronic constipation and diarrhea. Our evaluation includes:

🩺 Advanced Diagnostic Tests

✔ Medical History & Physical Examination – Assessing symptoms, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors.
✔ Blood & Stool Tests – Detecting infections, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.
✔ Colonoscopy & Endoscopy – Examining the digestive tract for inflammation, polyps, or tumors.
✔ Imaging (CT Scan, MRI, or Abdominal X-Ray) – Identifying blockages or structural abnormalities.
✔ Hydrogen Breath Test – Detecting lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth.

Constipation and Diarrhea Treatment in Houston – Personalized Care for Long-Term Relief

Treatment for constipation and diarrhea depends on identifying the underlying cause. At Curative Digestive Disease Center, we create personalized treatment plans to restore healthy digestion and bowel function.

Treatment Options for Chronic Constipation

✔ High-Fiber Diet – Increasing fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
✔ Hydration & Exercise – Drinking plenty of water and staying active promotes digestion.
✔ Medications – Laxatives, stool softeners, or prescription drugs like lubiprostone or linaclotide.
✔ Biofeedback Therapy – Helps train the pelvic muscles for easier bowel movements.
✔ Colonic Transit Studies – Evaluates how food moves through the digestive system.

Treatment Options for Chronic Diarrhea

✔ Dietary Changes – Avoiding trigger foods (lactose, gluten, high-fat foods, artificial sweeteners).
✔ Medications – Anti-diarrheal drugs, probiotics, and prescription medications for IBS-D or IBD.
✔ Rehydration Therapy – Restores lost fluids and electrolytes.
✔ Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) – A treatment for C. difficile infections.

Why Choose Curative Digestive Disease Center for Constipation & Diarrhea Treatment?

✔ Expert Gastroenterologists in Houston – Led by Dr. Ahmad Farooq, specializing in digestive disorders.
✔ Advanced Diagnostic Technology – Including colonoscopy, endoscopy, and stool analysis.
✔ Comprehensive In-House Services – On-site pathology lab for fast test results.
✔ Personalized Care Plans – Focused on long-term symptom relief and gut health.
✔ Affiliated with Leading Hospitals – Houston Methodist Sugar Land, Houston Methodist West, and Houston Methodist Hospital.