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Diarrhea

At GastroDoxs, our local neighborhood clinic specializes in diarrhea treatment that combines personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and nutritional guidance to quickly restore balance, relieve discomfort, and improve digestive health for community members seeking compassionate, trusted, dedicated expert gastrointestinal support.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea means having loose, watery stools three or more times in one day. It can be acute (lasting a few days) or chronic (lasting four weeks or more). At GastroDoxs in Katy, we take diarrhea seriously-it can lead to dehydration or point to a more serious issue, especially if you notice blood in your stool.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

  • Frequent, watery stools
  • Belly pain or cramps
  • Gas or bloating
  • An urgent need to go
  • Fever or chills in some cases

Causes

Diarrhea can be triggered by many factors:

  • Food & Drinks: Coffee, alcohol, or high-dose magnesium supplements
  • Medications: Metformin and prednisone
  • Infections & Conditions: COVID-19
  • Chronic Forms (ICD-10): K52.9 (noninfective gastroenteritis), K59.1 (functional diarrhea)
  • Infants: Teething or underlying infections
Treatment

Treatment Options for Diarrhea in Katy, TX

Treatment may include:

  • Hydration: Oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
  • Diet modifications: BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and bland, easy-to-digest foods to soothe your gut.
  • Safe medications: Age-appropriate over-the-counter remedies-such as loperamide for adults or pediatric formulations for children-to ease symptoms.
  • Prescription treatments: Targeted antibiotics or anti-infective agents if a bacterial cause is identified, or other medications for underlying conditions.
  • Specialist care: Personalized evaluation and ongoing GI support from our gastroenterologist in Katy to manage chronic or severe cases.

Why Choose GastroDoxs in Katy?

At GastroDoxs, we're committed to delivering fast, accurate diagnostics and tailored treatment plans for both acute and chronic diarrhea. Our experienced gastroenterologists combine the latest testing methods with compassionate, patient-centered care to get to the root of your symptoms and help you return to your normal routine quickly.

Whether you need simple hydration guidance, dietary support, or advanced prescription therapies, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don't let diarrhea hold you back-call GastroDoxs in Katy or book your appointment online today to start feeling better.

10K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 10K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can coffee cause diarrhea?

Yes. The caffeine in coffee can speed up digestion and stimulate the intestines, leading to loose or watery stools in sensitive individuals.

Can magnesium cause diarrhea?

Yes. High doses of magnesium-often found in supplements or laxatives-draw water into the intestines, which can result in diarrhea.

Can metformin cause diarrhea?

Yes. Diarrhea is a common side effect of metformin, especially when you first start the medication or increase your dose.

What's the ICD-10 code for chronic diarrhea?

The most commonly used ICD-10 codes are K52.9 for noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified, and K59.1 for functional diarrhea.

Why do I get diarrhea after drinking alcohol?

Alcohol can irritate the lining of your gut and speed up intestinal contractions, which may lead to diarrhea or loose stools.

What is the best diarrhea medicine for kids?

Oral rehydration solutions are essential for children; any additional medication should be recommended and dosed by a pediatrician based on the child's age and symptoms.

Does COVID cause diarrhea?

Yes. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, can occur with COVID-19 due to the virus's effect on the digestive tract.

Does prednisone cause diarrhea?

It can. Prednisone and other corticosteroids may disrupt normal digestive function, sometimes resulting in diarrhea or stomach upset.

Does teething cause diarrhea?

Teething itself is unlikely to directly cause diarrhea; more often, loose stools in infants are due to viral or bacterial infections.

Does Tums help with diarrhea?

No. Tums neutralizes stomach acid and may ease heartburn, but it does not treat the underlying causes of diarrhea.

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