Question: I have had diarrhea for four years almost every day. Doctors don't know what to do for me. I have been on a gluten-free diet, but it has not helped. I am 87 years old. What could be causing this?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Well, a gluten-free diet is very hard to follow, and it's too bad no one took the interest to evaluate you for your problem. Celiac disease is not very common, but has been getting a lot of press the last few years.
I would recommend you be properly evaluated by a doctor and have a colonoscopy to check for cancer, autoimmune, or infectious diseases that may be causing your troubles. In the meantime, try avoiding dairy products. If that addresses your problems, you may be lactose intolerant — a condition that can worsen as we age.
But be sure to find out for sure what's causing your condition and, if necessary, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist.
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