What Causes Diarrhea?

August 8, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common digestive symptom characterized by loose, watery stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, dietary choices, medications, and underlying health conditions. Here are some common causes of diarrhea:

  • Infections:
    • Bacterial Infections: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause acute diarrhea.
    • Viral Infections: Viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus can lead to viral gastroenteritis, a common cause of diarrhea.
    • Parasitic Infections: Parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica can cause diarrhea, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
  • Food Poisoning: Consuming food that is contaminated with harmful bacteria, toxins, or chemicals can lead to diarrhea.
  • Dietary Factors:
    • Food Intolerances: Intolerance to certain foods, such as lactose (found in dairy products) or gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), can lead to diarrhea.
    • Artificial Sweeteners: Some sugar substitutes like sorbitol and mannitol, found in sugar-free products, can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea in some individuals.
  • Medications: Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to diarrhea. Other medications like certain antacids, cancer drugs, and laxatives can also cause diarrhea as a side effect.
  • Digestive Disorders:
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea.
    • Celiac Disease: This autoimmune disorder is triggered by the ingestion of gluten and can lead to damage in the small intestine, causing diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can lead to changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, in some individuals.
  • Traveler’s Diarrhea: Consuming contaminated food and water while traveling to areas with poor sanitation can lead to traveler’s diarrhea.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and certain cancers, can cause chronic diarrhea.
  • Surgery or Medical Procedures: Some individuals might experience diarrhea after surgery or medical procedures due to changes in gut motility or medications administered during the process.
  • Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine: Consuming large amounts of alcohol or caffeine can irritate the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

It’s important to note that while mild cases of diarrhea often resolve on their own within a few days, persistent or severe diarrhea, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like high fever, dehydration, blood in stools, or severe abdominal pain, requires medical attention. If you’re experiencing chronic or severe diarrhea, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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