Diarrhea is a very common digestive system disorder which involves frequent passing of watery stools. It may be acute or chronic, depending on the duration of the episode.

It can happen due to multiple reasons, such as infections, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and other medical conditions. Discovering the reasons for diarrhea can help us treat and prevent the condition better.

Infections

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is an infection due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These infections can happen due to consuming contaminated food or water or through contact with infected persons.

Some of the common infections that can cause diarrhea are:.

Rotavirus

This is a highly contagious virus that can cause diarrhea in infants and children. This virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person or object.

Healthcare professionals recommend rotavirus vaccination for infants to reduce the risk of infection.

Escherichia coli

E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines of humans and animals. But certain strains of E. coli can cause diarrhea. This infection can happen due to consuming contaminated food or water or through contact with infected people or animals.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, which results in diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This virus can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected people, or touching contaminated surfaces.

Allergies and Food Intolerance

Another reason for diarrhea can be allergies and intolerances to certain foods. When people consume such foods, their immune system reacts, leading to diarrhea. Some common allergies and intolerances that can cause diarrhea are:.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. When lactose-sensitive people consume dairy products, they may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas.

Gluten Sensitivity

People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other digestive problems when they consume foods containing gluten, such as wheat, rye, and barley.

Food Allergies

Some people may have allergies to certain foods, such as nuts, eggs, and seafood. These allergies can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other allergic reactions.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of autoimmune conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. These conditions can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and other symptoms. The two major types of IBD are:.

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Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease can cause inflammation in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. This condition can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and other symptoms.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the colon and rectum. This condition can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and other symptoms.

Medications and Supplements

Some medications and supplements can cause diarrhea as a side effect. These include:.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. This condition is known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Magnesium Supplements

High doses of magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea as it acts as a laxative.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium, can cause diarrhea, especially when taken in high doses or for a long time.

Other Medical Conditions

Other medical conditions that can cause diarrhea are:.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea.

Thyroid Disease

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause diarrhea.

Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause diarrhea as a side effect.

Conclusion

Diarrhea can happen due to various reasons, such as infections, allergies, IBD, medications, and other medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause of diarrhea is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of the condition.

Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience diarrhea that persists for more than two days or if you have other symptoms such as fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, and dehydration.