Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools persisting for 4 or more weeks. Causes include IBS-D, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis, celiac disease, bile acid malabsorption, and chronic infections. Comprehensive evaluation includes stool studies, colonoscopy, and serological testing.

Chronic diarrhea is typically defined as loose or watery stools persisting for more than 4 weeks. Associated symptoms may include abdominal cramping, bloating, urgency, fatigue, and weight loss. The specific presentation varies depending on the underlying cause. This description is for educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis.

In TCM, chronic diarrhea is most commonly due to Spleen Qi or Yang Deficiency with Dampness. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is the representative formula for Spleen Deficiency diarrhea. Morning diarrhea (5 AM, 'cock-crow diarrhea') suggests Kidney Yang Deficiency treated with Si Shen Wan. Damp-Heat diarrhea is acute or subacute and treated differently from chronic Deficiency patterns.

Research on TCM approaches to chronic diarrhea is limited in the current TCMIO reference set. Some studies have evaluated TCM formulas for chronic diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, but evidence quality varies. No large-scale systematic reviews specifically evaluating TCM for chronic diarrhea as a standalone condition were identified in the current TCMIO reference set. TCM does not claim to treat, cure, or replace medical care for chronic diarrhea.