Chronic diarrhoea
Also known as: chronic diarrhoea, functional diarrhoea, chronic loose stools, diarrhoea-predominant bowel disorder
Chronic diarrhoea is loose or watery stools persisting beyond four weeks. Underlying causes (infection, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, medication effects) must be medically excluded first; Chinese medicine then addresses functional presentations through Spleen and Kidney patterns.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Keep a simple food and symptom diary to share with the GP or dietitian.
- •Favour warm, cooked foods; limit caffeine, alcohol, chilli and high-fat meals.
- •Maintain fluid intake, especially in hot weather.
- •Manage stress with regular gentle exercise.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Do not treat chronic diarrhoea with Chinese medicine alone until coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infection and malignancy have been medically excluded.[,]
- •Avoid strong purging or Damp-draining herbal strategies in depleted, elderly or frail patients.[]
- •Take care with abdominal needling in patients with unexplained abdominal masses or recent surgery.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track stool frequency, form (Bristol chart), triggers and energy every 4–6 sessions. Any new blood, weight loss or nocturnal symptoms triggers immediate medical referral.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Family Physician (RACGP) · 2017
- Cancer Council Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
- Coeliac Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.