The Deeper Problem
Most people regard diarrhea as an occasional inconvenience, but if you suffer from chronic diarrhea, you know that it's much more than simply inconvenient. Sufferers often have to plan their entire day around the availability of a bathroom, due to the unpredictability of an episode. IMODIUM® products provide relief from diarrhea symptoms.
There are a variety of intestinal disorders or diseases that can directly lead to chronic diarrhea. If you suffer from one of the following, make sure you seek proper medical advice before you try any medications to treat chronic diarrhea.
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term commonly used to describe two similar, yet distinct conditions: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These diseases affect the digestive system and cause the intestine to become inflamed, form sores, bleed easily, scar and lose the normal smoothness of the inner lining. Some of the more common symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue and diarrhea.
To find out more, visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Patches of inflammation occur, often with healthy tissue between diseased areas - these are called "skip lesions". The inflammation can extend through every layer of affected bowel tissue. At present, Crohn's Disease cannot be cured by drugs or surgery, although either or both can occasionally relieve the symptoms.
To find out more, visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis affects only the colon (large bowel) and only a single layer of bowel tissue: the inner lining. The disease commonly starts in the portion of the colon called the rectum, and can extend as a continuous (as opposed to patchy) inflammation from there into the rest of the colon. Usually, Ulcerative Colitis can be controlled with medication. The disease can be completely eliminated by surgically removing the colon, but afterward, waste material (stool) may have to be stored and expelled through an external appliance.
To find out more about IBD, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colitis, mucus colitis or nervous colon syndrome, is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to cramps, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits including constipation, diarrhea or both. Typically, doctors are unable to detect any signs of serious disease despite exhaustive tests of the intestines. IBS does not adversely affect a person's lifespan. While IBS occasionally can cause troubling symptoms, most of these symptoms can be controlled through doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter medications, diet and stress management techniques. For more information, visit ibsassociation.org.
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease damages the surface of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals from food. With Celiac, gluten, a substance normally found in wheat, rye, triticale, barley and oats, interacts with the body's immune system. This results in the destruction of villi, protrusions on the lining of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Symptoms of Celiac Disease may include chronic diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, cramps and bloating. For more information, visit celiac.ca.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance is a common condition that affects one in five Canadians. The condition results from an inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. The body needs lactase, an enzyme in the digestive tract, to properly digest lactose.
Lactase breaks the lactose down into two simple sugars, which the body can then easily use as energy. In some people, lactase is present at lower-than-normal levels. When not enough is available, lactose remains in its complex form and is left undigested in the intestinal tract. This draws water from the surrounding tissue into the intestine - the reverse of what usually occurs during digestion - resulting in abdominal distension and bloating. The bacteria normally present in the lower intestine feed on the undigested lactose, producing gas and acid, and resulting in symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramps. This usually happens about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.
Lactose Intolerance can easily be treated once you know you suffer from it, by properly managing your lactose levels. Simple avoidance of dairy products does not mean you are eliminating lactose. Milk or dairy products are the most common cause of digestive upset, but you may find that seemingly unrelated foods, such as baked goods, gravies, pizza and some medications, also cause digestive distress.
Rather than avoiding dairy products altogether, pain and discomfort associated with lactose intolerance can easily be avoided with LACTAID* lactase enzyme products. LACTAID* products help eliminate symptoms associated with lactose intolerance, allowing you to enjoy the dairy foods you love without discomfort. LACTAID* Milk is lactose free and ready to drink, while LACTAID* tablets and caplets provide your body with the necessary lactase enzyme when taken right before a meal containing lactose.
Not sure if dairy foods are the problem? Contact us by calling 1-800-LACTAID.
