Diarrhea Specialists
Common Causes of Diarrhea
The most common cause of diarrhea is a GI virus. The infection is sometimes called "stomach flu." Occasional diarrhea may also be caused by infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning), eating foods that upset the digestive system and medications. Diarrhea can also indicate a digestive condition, especially when it's persistent and/or occurs with other symptoms like bloody stools and unexplained weight loss. Potential gastrointestinal conditions that can cause persistent diarrhea include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diverticulitis and Celiac Disease
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea describes bowel movements that are loose and watery. It is common and often not serious. Many people will have diarrhea once or twice each year. Sometimes diarrhea is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic digestive conditions. Symptoms of diarrhea can be broken down into uncomplicated (non-serious) and complicated, which may be a sign of a more serious illness.
Contact Us Today About DiarrheaCommon Symptoms of Diarrhea
Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:
- Abdominal bloating or cramps
- Thin, loose, or watery stool
- Sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
In addition to the above, the symptoms of complicated diarrhea include:
- Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss or fever
Additional Risk Factors
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease, can cause chronic diarrhea due to inflammation of the digestive tract.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain antacids, chemotherapy drugs, and medications that affect bowel function, may have diarrhea as a side effect.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional factors, including stress and anxiety, can contribute to functional diarrhea, where no underlying medical cause is identified.
It's important to note that the risk factors for diarrhea can vary depending on the specific cause. Diarrhea is often a symptom rather than a standalone condition, so addressing the underlying cause is key to effective management. If someone experiences persistent or severe diarrhea, it's advisable to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Are There Any Risk Factors For Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, and certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea. It's important to note that the risk factors for diarrhea can vary depending on the specific cause. Diarrhea is often a symptom rather than a standalone condition, so addressing the underlying cause is key to effective management. If someone experiences persistent or severe diarrhea, it's advisable to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. Some common risk factors include:
Infections
Contaminated Food and Water
Travel
Age
Immune System Compromises
Antibiotic Use
Food Intolerances
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Certain Medications
Stress and Anxiety
What is The Treatment For Diarrhea?
If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can just let it run its course and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicine. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Chicken broth, tea with honey, and sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diarrhea
What are the common causes of diarrhea?
The most common cause of diarrhea is a GI virus, sometimes called "stomach flu." Other causes include bacterial infections, eating foods that upset the digestive system, medications, and underlying digestive conditions such as IBD, IBS, diverticulitis, and celiac disease.
When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?
You should see a doctor if your diarrhea is persistent, severe, or accompanied by blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or fever. Our Northeast Digestive specialists can identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Is diarrhea always a symptom of a serious condition?
Not always. Diarrhea is common and often not serious. Many people experience it once or twice a year. However, when diarrhea is persistent and/or occurs with other symptoms like bloody stools and unexplained weight loss, it may indicate a more serious digestive condition.
What risk factors increase the likelihood of diarrhea?
Risk factors include infections, contaminated food or water, travel to areas with different sanitation standards, age, compromised immune systems, antibiotic use, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, certain medications, and stress or anxiety.