LEADING CAUSES OF DIARRHEA
- Moran Sciamama Saghiv
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Disclaimer: The content of this blog post, authored by Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv, is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, dietary advice, or treatment. No doctor–patient relationship is created by reading or applying the information. Readers should always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making decisions related to medications, diet, exercise, or treatment. Neither the author nor any affiliated party assumes any liability for actions taken based on this content.
Diarrhea affects millions of people worldwide every year, disrupting daily life and sometimes leading to serious health complications. Understanding what causes diarrhea can help you prevent it and manage symptoms effectively when it occurs. This post will guide you through the most common causes of diarrhea, explaining how they affect your body and what you can do to reduce your risk.
What Happens When You Have Diarrhea
Diarrhea happens when your digestive system moves stool through your intestines too quickly or when your intestines secrete too much fluid. This results in loose, watery stools that can come with cramps, urgency, and dehydration. Knowing the causes helps you identify the right treatment and avoid triggers.
Infectious Causes of Diarrhea
Infections are the most frequent reason for diarrhea worldwide. They can come from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Each type affects your digestive system differently.
Bacterial Infections
Certain bacteria can invade your intestines and cause diarrhea by producing toxins or damaging the lining of your gut. Bacterial diarrhea often comes with fever, abdominal pain, and sometimes blood in the stool. It usually lasts a few days but can be severe in some cases. Common bacterial culprits include:
Escherichia coli (E. coli): Some strains cause traveler's diarrhea or food poisoning.
Salmonella: Often linked to contaminated poultry, eggs, or dairy.
Campylobacter: Found in undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk.
Clostridium difficile (C. diff): Usually occurs after antibiotic use disrupts normal gut bacteria.
Viral Infections
Viruses are a leading cause of diarrhea, especially in children. They spread easily through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Viral diarrhea tends to resolve on its own within a few days but can cause dehydration if not managed properly. Common viruses include:
Rotavirus: A major cause of diarrhea in infants and young children.
Norovirus: Causes outbreaks in crowded places like cruise ships and schools.
Adenovirus: Can cause diarrhea along with respiratory symptoms.
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Parasitic Infections
Parasites can live in contaminated water or food and cause prolonged diarrhea. Parasitic diarrhea may last longer and require specific treatment. Examples include:
Giardia lamblia: Causes giardiasis, often from drinking untreated water.
Entamoeba histolytica: Leads to amoebic dysentery, which can cause bloody diarrhea.
Cryptosporidium: Common in contaminated water and can be severe in people with weakened immune systems.
Non-Infectious Causes of Diarrhea
Not all diarrhea comes from infections. Several other factors can disrupt your digestive system.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Your body may react to certain foods by speeding up digestion or causing inflammation. If you notice diarrhea after eating specific foods, consider testing for intolerances. Common triggers include:
Lactose intolerance: Difficulty digesting milk sugar leads to diarrhea after consuming dairy.
Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease: Gluten causes damage to the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea.
Fructose intolerance: Poor absorption of fructose can cause loose stools.
Medications
Some medicines can cause diarrhea as a side effect by irritating your gut or altering gut bacteria. If diarrhea starts after a new medication, talk to your healthcare provider. These include:
Antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of good bacteria.
Laxatives, which speed up bowel movements.
Certain cancer treatments and antacids containing magnesium.
Chronic Conditions
Several long-term health problems can cause ongoing diarrhea that require medical diagnosis and management.:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Causes changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation and diarrhea.
Malabsorption syndromes: Conditions like pancreatic insufficiency prevent proper digestion and absorption.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress can affect your gut by speeding up digestion or causing inflammation. Poor diet, excessive alcohol, and lack of fiber can also contribute to diarrhea.
How to Identify the Cause of Diarrhea
Knowing the cause helps you choose the right treatment. Here are some tips to help you figure it out:
Duration: Acute diarrhea (less than 2 weeks) often points to infections, while chronic diarrhea suggests underlying conditions.
Associated symptoms: Fever, blood in stool, or weight loss may indicate serious infections or chronic disease.
Recent exposures: Travel history, new foods, or medications can provide clues.
Stool tests: Sometimes needed to identify bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
How to Prevent Diarrhea
You can reduce your risk by following these practical steps:
Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.
Drink clean, safe water or use water purification methods.
Cook food properly and avoid raw or undercooked meats.
Avoid sharing utensils or food with sick individuals.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
Be cautious with new medications and discuss side effects with your doctor.
Managing Diarrhea at Home
If you develop diarrhea, focus on staying hydrated by drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods until you recover. Over-the-counter medicines can help but use them cautiously, especially if you have fever or blood in stool. Seek medical help if you experience:
Severe dehydration signs like dizziness or dry mouth.
High fever or bloody stools.
Diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
Severe abdominal pain.
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Understanding When to See a Doctor
Persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to complications. Your healthcare provider can run tests to find the cause and recommend treatment, which may include antibiotics, antiparasitic drugs, or other therapies depending on the diagnosis.
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