What is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)?
April 7, 2025What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder caused by various factors. It is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. The symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Knowing the cause of diarrhea helps in its prevention and proper treatment. Below, we outline the main causes of diarrhea and offer insights into how to manage and avoid this condition.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter are leading causes of diarrhea. These bacteria are often contracted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of bacterial infections may include severe stomach pain, fever, and vomiting in addition to diarrhea.
Viral Infections
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Other viruses that cause diarrhea include Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Hepatitis A. These infections are very infectious and acquire a wide source through contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.
Protozoal Infections
The bacteria includes Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica. These lead to diarrhea when ingested through contaminated water or food. Such infections are also prevalent in areas where sanitation is poor and often associated with travel-related diarrhea.
Food Poisoning
Foodborne illnesses come from eating improperly prepared food carrying harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Often, symptoms take place quickly after consumption and present with nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, and diarrhea. Common food culprits include undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, and improperly stored foods.
Lactose Intolerance
People with lactose intolerance have insufficient amounts of lactase, the enzyme required to break down lactose, which is found in dairy products. This causes bloating, gas, and diarrhea when one consumes dairy.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract and usually results in alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Stress, diet, and hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis lead to chronic inflammation of the intestines, resulting in persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These are medical conditions that require long-term care.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics upset the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Sometimes, it leads to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In some cases, the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria leads to severe diarrhea and colitis.
Artificial Sweeteners and Additives
Other sugar-free gum, candies, and drinks contain sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, which is a laxative and will result in diarrhea when taken in high amounts.
Stress and Anxiety
The psychological effects of stress and anxiety can cause damage to digestive health. Stress-diarrhea results from the production of hormones in the body, which promotes fast bowel movement.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Some food allergies will cause diarrhea during an allergic reaction. For instance, people suffering from gluten allergies, nut allergies, shellfish allergies, and egg allergies are prone to having diarrhea. For others, individuals suffering from celiac disease develop diarrhea after the intake of food that contains gluten.
Medications
Antacids with magnesium in them, chemotherapy drugs, and laxatives have diarrhea as side effects. Also, excessive vitamin C intake can cause diarrhea while taking iron supplements.
Alcohol Overload
Alcohol irritates the gut and causes diarrhea when taken in large amounts. It upsets the gut flora and increases the speed of bowel movement.
Contaminated Water and Traveler's Diarrhea
Consumption of untreated or contaminated water while traveling can result in traveler's diarrhea due to entry of bacteria, parasites, or viruses into the gut.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal changes that may occur in women during menstruation, pregnancy, and other diseases like hyperthyroidism cause increased frequency of bowel movement and diarrhea.
Chronic Disorders and Malabsorption Syndromes
Some of the disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and bile acid malabsorption, disrupt normal digestion and absorption of nutrients and lead to chronic diarrhea.
Surgical Effects
Certain surgical procedures, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract, for example, gallbladder removal or gastric bypass, can disrupt digestion and lead to diarrhea.
Cancer and Radiation Therapy
Gastrointestinal cancers, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may lead to devastating diarrhea due to the effect of the therapy itself.
Impacted Feces
Sometimes, obstruction in the intestines leads to diarrhea due to leakages of liquid stool around the impaction.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases include lupus and scleroderma which affect the digestive system and lead to chronic diarrhea.
Prevention and Management
- Maintain Hygiene Practice: Wash your hands and sanitize preparation food handling areas to prevent infections.
- Consume Safe Food and Water: Avoid raw or undercooked foods and drink purified water when traveling.
- Watch Diet: Recognize and exclude offending foods that cause intolerance or allergy.
- Take Probiotics: Probiotic Food sources or supplements are essential to improve the gut
- Hydrate: To avoid dehydration, lost fluids and electrolytes must be replaced.
- Seek a Doctor: In the event of persistent, severe, and other concerning symptoms, medical attention should be sought.
Conclusion
Diarrhea can be caused by such a wide range of things - infections, food intolerances, chronic medical conditions. Most people are able to get rid of the problem themselves, but some cases require medical attention if they become constant or severe. Proper management and prevention of diarrhea depends entirely on identifying what is causing it and why.
To learn more about healthy digestion, come to Gastroenterology Associates of New York.
