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Am I having chronic diarrhea due to autoimmune disorder?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At January 18, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 28 years old, female, 2006DLBCL, treated with 8 RCHOP and radiation, remission ever since last 15 years diarrhea, got worse for last 2 years, they suspect autoimune.

Answered by Dr. Prakash. H. M.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Looking at your clinical history and present symptoms, my opinion is as follows:

1. Chronic diarrhea is really difficult period. Patients with autoimmune disorders are very much prone to lymphomas and risk is always present. Previously probably, you were not diagnosed with autoimmune disorder and DLBCL was possibly your first diagnosis. Females are at a higher risk of autoimmune disorder, and can be present with localized or systemic manifestations. Infections would not usually present for this long and this amount of chronic diarrhea should be autoimmune. Rarely recurrent infection due to immune suppression, secondary to CHOP therapy could be present.

2. Investigations necessary are: Stool examination to rule out infections - bacterial or parasitic. Also any presence of blood requires evaluation. Fecal fat estimation can be done and if positive, points towards malnutrition. Colonoscopy to rule out ulcerative colitis or crohns disease (autoimmune disorders). Biopsy is necessary for confirmation. Other causes could be irritable bowel syndrome (if no cause is identified), or malabsorption disorders. Possibility are rare at this age. Get a colonoscopy and endoscopy done. If any ulcerations is seen, biopsy needs to be taken. Based on biopsy further treatment is essential. Biopsy can help in identifying, whether you require medical or surgical line of therapy.

Do get a colonoscopy and stool examination done. Due to absence of reports, I cannot comment further. Take a fiber rich diet. Increased risk of malabsorption and malnutrition is going to be present along with decreased body fluid volume. Take good amount of fluids along with a balanced diet. Avoid unnecessary medications and drug interactions can also cause diarrhea (At present, difficult to suspect this long).

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Prakash. H. M.
Dr. Prakash. H. M.

Hematology

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