Dr Kenneth Koo

Diarrhoea Specialist In Singapore With 20 Years Experience

  • If left untreated, diarrhoea can lead to serious health problems

Dr Kenneth Koo has extensive experience in treating diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions in adults.

What Is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a condition when there is an abnormal increase in bowel movements and the passing of loose, watery stools.

Diarrhoea can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea is usually temporary and lasts for a few days, while chronic diarrhoea can last up to a month and may signify an underlying medical problem.

What Are the Symptoms Of Diarrhoea?

The common symptoms of diarrhoea include:

  • Loose and watery stools
  • Frequent and urgent need to use the toilet
  • Abdominal pain or cramp
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
About our Gastroenterologist

Dr Kenneth Koo

Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist

Gleneagles Medical Centre

  • MBBS
  • M Med (Int Med)
  • MRCP (UK)
  • FRCP (Edin)

Dr Kenneth Koo is an experienced gastroenterologist with more than 20 years’ experience and is well trained in managing all types of digestive and liver conditions.

Prior to joining private practise, Dr Kenneth Koo was Director of Gastroenterology and Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. An integral member of the team which transitioned from Alexander Hospital to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in 2015, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the gastroenterology division including the growth, development and governance.

Dedication to his patients and clinical practise can be seen from several service quality awards obtained over the years.

When Should You Visit A Specialist For Diarrhoea?

In most cases, acute diarrhoea is fleeting and will resolve by itself within a few days. However, persistent and chronic diarrhoea may signal an underlying medical condition. If left untreated, it could result in more severe complications.

Consult a Gastroenterologist if you experience any of the following:

  • Fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration (dark urine, decreased frequency of urination, inability to increase fluid intake or light-headedness)
  • Abdominal pain

Persistent diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children, the elderly, and those with specific chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

Make an Enquiry

If you are experiencing abnormal diarrhoea or severe dehydration, you should see a specialist or seek immediate medical help.

What Causes Diarrhoea?

Acute diarrhoea is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, while chronic diarrhoea may occur due to other chronic medical conditions.

Here are some causes of diarrhoea:

  • Food poisoning due to bacterial infection (Salmonella and E. Coli) from contamination of food or drinks
  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Parasitic infections
  • Food intolerance such as lactose intolerance
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Side effects of certain medications
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Cancer

Why Do Patients Choose
The GI & Liver Center

  • Previous Director of Gastroenterology & Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • More Than 20 Years’ Experience
  • Accurate Diagnosis Through Comprehensive Screening Tools
  • Accepting Patients With & Without Insurance
  • Transparent & Honest Charges

Schedule An Appointment With Our Clinic

Diarrhoea may signal an underlying medical condition. Schedule an appointment with a qualified gastroenterologist to find out the cause of your symptoms.

How Is Diarrhoea evaluated?

  • Review of medical history and dietary habits
  • Physical examination
  • Blood, urine or stool sample tests
  • Imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans may be used to detect any abnormalities or inflammation in the abdomen
  • Colonoscopy (to examine the entire colon)
  • Sigmoidoscopy (to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum)

How Is Diarrhoea Treated?

Over-the-counter medications

  • Antidiarrheal medications can slow down bowel movements and make stools more solid
  • Probiotics can restore the balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract

Home remedies

  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
  • Consuming oral rehydration drinks to replace lost minerals and salts from diarrhoea
  • Have adequate rest, particularly if diarrhoea is caused by stress or anxiety

Other treatment options

Definitive treatment for diarrhoea depends on the underlying cause eg if due to inflammatory bowel disease, that would require medication to suppress the overactive immune system.

Billing & Insurance

Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans

We accept a range of policies that covers individual health insurance as well as corporate insurance plans. We have partnered with many insurance companies such as Aviva, IHP, Great Eastern, and more!

Our Clinic

Feel free to drop by at our clinic at 6 Napier Road #06-16, Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499

Enquire With Us

We are here to help. Fill in the form below to send us your enquiry or schedule an appointment.
Please Note: Adult patients ONLY.

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    Visit Our Clinic

    The GI & Liver Center

    6 Napier Road #06-16
    Gleneagles Medical Center
    Singapore 258499

    enquiries@tglc.sg

    Mon-Fri: 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 5pm
    Sat: 8.30am – 12.30pm
    Sun & PH: Closed