Understanding the Causes of Diarrhea
This article explores the diverse causes of diarrhea, including viral and bacterial infections, medication effects, food allergies, and other health conditions. Understanding these can aid in effective management and prevention strategies for different populations.
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What Leads to Diarrhea
Viral infections: are the leading cause of diarrhea and often result in mild to moderate symptoms such as frequent watery stools, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever. Viral diarrhea typically lasts between 3 to 7 days.
Common viral causes include:
Rotavirus: a primary cause in infants
NoroVirus: causes outbreaks in adults and children in settings like schools, care facilities, and restaurants
Adenovirus: affects all age groups
Bacterial infections: can cause more severe cases of diarrhea.
Bacterial diarrhea often follows ingestion of contaminated food or drinks, leading to food poisoning. Symptoms include watery stools, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may involve mucus, blood, or pus in the stool. Examples include infections from Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter. Less common pathogens like E. coli, Yersinia, and Listeria can also cause diarrhea. Antibiotic use may disturb gut bacteria, leading to Clostridium difficile overgrowth.
Travelers' diarrhea is common due to exposure to unfamiliar viruses, parasites, or contaminated water. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are notable causes.
Predisposing factors include:
Intestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, and celiac disease, which may cause yellowish diarrhea
Medication side effects from antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, cancer treatments, gout medications, weight loss drugs, and antacids containing magnesium
Food intolerances or allergies, such as artificial sweeteners and lactose
Alcohol consumption, including binge drinking and chronic alcoholism
Laxative misuse, often leading to diarrhea from overuse
Diabetes-related gastrointestinal issues
Radiation or chemotherapy treatments, which may result in prolonged diarrhea
Certain cancers, including carcinoid syndrome, colon cancer, lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer
Surgical procedures on the stomach or intestines
Vigorous physical activity, especially long-distance running, can trigger diarrhea sometimes called "runner's trots"
