Frequent loose motions can be frustrating as they disrupt your daily routine and weaken your strength in a matter of days if not managed well. This condition is known as chronic diarrhea, and it’s more common than you might think.
Chronic diarrhea isn’t just a digestive annoyance- it’s a medical condition that requires precise diagnosis and tracking.
That’s where the ICD-10 code system plays a crucial role. Used by healthcare professionals worldwide, ICD-10 helps categorize and record illnesses systematically.
In this blog, we explain what chronic diarrhea is, why it happens, and how the chronic diarrhea ICD 10 code system helps in getting the right diagnosis and care. Scroll down!
Chronic Diarrhea Definition
Chronic diarrhea meaning is simple: It’s when you have loose, watery stools 3 or more times in 24 hours and continue for more than 4 weeks, as per StatPearls.
What’s the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea?
Well, chronic diarrhea differs from acute diarrhea as the latter one is very common and is caused by an infection. It may go away on its own.Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, indicates deeper health issues that could be long-term and requires medical attention.
Both acute and chronic diarrhea need to be treated, or they can lead to physical weakness and affect the quality of life.
What is Chronic Diarrhea ICD 10 Code?
Before finding out what the chronic diarrhea ICD 10 is, let’s understand what ICD is.
ICD-10 is the 10th revised system International Classification of Diseases that classifies various health disorders for the following purposes:
- Symptoms diagnoses
- Health tracking
- Better communication among healthcare professionals.
Through this system, all the medical records of a patient can be kept with much clarity and consistency for reference.
The ICD-10 code for chronic diarrhea is K59.1 and it is referred to as functional diarrhea.
Common Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea can be triggered by many causes, such as foods, infections, and more. Some of the most common include:
Intolerance to Specific Foods
Certain foods like dairy products (if you are intolerant to lactose) or gluten (if you have celiac disease) can disturb your gut balance and lead to diarrhea. These foods may also cause bloating and chronic diarrhea.
Digestive Issues
Gut conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis affect the functions of your digestive system and may cause chronic diarrhea, ICD 10.
Infections
Some of the long-lasting infections that are caused by parasites, such as Giardia, can trigger diarrhea that does not go away easily.
Side Effects of Medication
Chronic diarrhea can also be caused by certain medicines such as antibiotics, laxatives, or even heart pills. Metformin, colchicine (Colcrys), lithium, and sertraline (Zoloft) can commonly be known to lead to drug-induced diarrhea.
Hormonal Problems
Conditions like an overactive thyroid or Addison’s disease can affect how your gut works and cause diarrhea.
If you can’t pinpoint the exact cause of your diarrhea, it is best to consult a doctor for help. They would suggest diagnostic tests to find out the exact reason.
Can Chronic Diarrhea Be a Sign of Cancer?
In some rare cases, prolonged diarrhea may indicate issues in the colon or pancreas. This could be a warning sign of cancer and requires prompt medical attention. Here are the signs that you should not ignore:
- Bloody stool
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- Ongoing stomach pain
Treatment Options For Chronic Diarrhea
The treatment of diarrhea depends on which factors are causing it. Some general tips for chronic diarrhea treatment are listed below:
Change Your Diet
Switching to a low-FODMAP diet, ideally for IBS, can be a good strategy to avoid potential triggers of chronic diarrhea. Reducing the use of strong spices, caffeine, and chillies in foods can also have laxative effects and may aggravate diarrhea. So, it’s best to limit their use.
Stay Hydrated
During diarrhea, the body flushes out a lot of water and electrolytes with it. It is essential to stay adequately hydrated with electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration and aid in digestive health.
Take the Right Medications
Your healthcare provider may prescribe the medication for chronic diarrhea, like Loperamide, to slow down bowel movements along with antibiotics to treat infection. Probiotics may also be given for gut health as they help balance gut microbiota. Yoghurt can be used as a natural home remedy for probiotics.
Treat the Root Cause
If your diarrhea is due to IBS, celiac disease, or a hormone issue, treating that condition will also help stop the diarrhea.
Read More: What Is the Role of Acid in Our Stomach? It’s More Than Just Digestion
To Sum Up
Chronic diarrhea can be a serious health inconvenience and can negatively impact your work, your energy, and your quality of life. It can be treated once the chronic diarrhea causes are found correctly. The healthcare professional would use the correct chronic diarrhea ICD 10 code to assist with the treatment and other hospital procedures, like insurance systems tracking. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait and hope they’ll go away on their own. Consult your doctor and speak with a healthcare provider to get tested and start the right treatment.
