What causes diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea are caused by a virus that infects your gut, also known as the stomach flu. This can come from contaminated food or from germs passed by unwashed hands.
“Foods become contaminated when they come into contact with animal feces, whether that is from the harvesting or fertilizing process,” said Dr. Kaufer. “You can also get it from physical contact with a surface or animal that might be contaminated.”
Beyond infections, you can experience diarrhea as a side effect of chronic digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. It can also be caused by allergies, medications or issues with your thyroid.
Symptoms, treatment and talking to your doctor
With common stomach flus or a viral infection, you will likely find yourself struggling to regulate your bowel movements and spend a lot of time in the bathroom for two or three days. Many people will also experience nausea and bloating, as well as the possibility of dehydration.
“Any time you’re dealing with diarrhea, it’s important to stay hydrated because your body is losing so much water,” said Dr. Kaufer. “Dehydration is often more dangerous than the minor infection your body is fighting.”
If you are dehydrated, you will notice your urine is dark or you’re not urinating often, your heart rate rises, you get a headache or feel confused.
Staying hydrated by sipping on water or eating ice chips and eating simple foods like rice should calm your stomach once you’re able to eat again. In all, the ordeal should only last two or three days. If you notice symptoms after three days, you should contact your doctor.
You should also contact your doctor if you begin to notice new or worsening symptoms. Sometimes diarrhea is the result of a bacterial infection, which is often more serious than a viral infection and will require antibiotics. Common types of bacterial infections include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and salmonella, and those more serious symptoms include bloody or black stool, weight loss, severe cramping or fever.
Your doctor may order a blood or stool test to identify the cause of your symptoms, and may recommend a colonoscopy in extreme cases.
“Antibiotics are most commonly prescribed to clear up an infection, but your doctor may recommend fluid replacement treatments or an adjustment to any medications that might be causing the problem,” said Dr. Kaufer.
ome other major causes of chronic diarrhea include:
- Microscopic colitis: This is a persistent type of diarrhea that usually affects older adults. It develops due to inflammation and occurs often during the night.
- Malabsorptive and maldigestive diarrhea: The first is due to impaired nutrient absorption, and the second is due to impaired digestive function. Celiac disease is one example.
- Chronic infections: A history of travel or antibiotic use can be clues in chronic diarrhea. Various bacteria and parasites can also be the cause.
- Drug-induced diarrhea: Laxatives and other drugs, including antibiotics, can trigger diarrhea.
- Endocrine-related causes: Sometimes, hormonal factors cause diarrhea. This is the case in Addison’s disease and carcinoid tumors.
- Cancer-related causes: Neoplastic diarrhea is associated with a number of gut cancers.
- Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old. It is both preventable and treatable.
- Each year diarrhoea kills around 525 000 children under five.
- A significant proportion of diarrhoeal disease can be prevented through safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene.
- Globally, there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease every year.
- Diarrhoea is a leading cause of malnutrition in children under five years old.
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