Diarrhea is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Although it is usually not serious, diarrhea can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for many people. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and other complications.
In this health blog, we will see all the causes and risk factors associated with diarrhea as well as the precautions and the available treatment options.
“Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years, and is responsible for killing around 525,000 children every year.” – WHO
According tothe Cleveland Clinic, there are many different causes of diarrhea, including viral infections, bacterial infections, food poisoning, and gastrointestinal disorders. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. A change in diet:
If you have recently started eating a lot of new foods or changed your diet in some way, that can be the cause of your diarrhea. When your digestive system is not used to a certain type of food, it can react in unexpected ways.
If you are concerned that your diet is the cause of your diarrhea, try eliminating new foods or drinks one at a time to see if your symptoms improve.
2. Food intolerance:
Some people are intolerant to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten. If you eat something you are intolerant to, it can cause diarrhea.
If you think you may have a food intolerance, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and come up with a dietary plan to avoid the foods that trigger them.
3. Infections:
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can all cause diarrhea. Some common examples are norovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli. Some of the most common types of infections include:
Viral gastroenteritis: It is the most common type of infections that can cause diarrhea. It is usually caused by the norovirus and can be passed from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces or food.
Bacterial gastroenteritis: This type of infection is usually caused by bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella and can be passed from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces or food.
Parasitic infections: These types of infections are caused by parasites, such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium and can be contracted through contact with contaminated water or food.
4. Medications:
Some medications can also cause diarrhea, according to Alberta Health Services. For example:
Antibiotics: A class of medications used to treat infections. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole.
Diuretics: A class of medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Commonly prescribed diuretics include furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Medicines used to treat conditions like arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines include celecoxib, diclofenac, and ibuprofen.
Antidepressants: These are used to treat mental health disorders like depression.
Antacids: For heartburn and acidity.
Proton pump inhibitors: PPIs such as omeprazole and lansoprazole.
Chemotherapy drugs: They are administered via IV as a part of the treatment plan in cancer.
If you are experiencing diarrhea after starting a new medication, it is best to tell your doctor about it.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
There are many different Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), each with its own set of symptoms. The three most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
These conditions have no cure, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. If you have any of these conditions, please consult a doctor so they can make a diagnosis and start you on the road to treatment.
Other causes of diarrhea:
Other than the common causes of diarrhea mentioned above, some other conditions might be causing diarrhea, including:
Metabolic conditions
Pregnancy
After surgery for the stomach or gallbladder
What are the risk factors for diarrhea?
Many different factors can contribute to diarrhea, according to a study conducted in 2014. Some of the most common ones include:
Consuming contaminated food or water
Being infected with a virus, bacteria, or parasite
Certain medications or supplements
Changes in your diet or eating habits
An underlying medical condition
How can you prevent diarrhea?
Here are some other simple steps you can take to prevent the onset of diarrhea, like:
Eat a fiber-rich diet:
The best way to prevent diarrhea is to eat a diet that is rich in fiber. Fiber helps to keep the stool soft and bulky, which makes it easier to pass. Some good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Take probiotics:
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. They are called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy. Probiotics can be found in supplements, yogurt, and other fermented foods.
What to do if you have diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea, it is crucial to prevent dehydration.
Please take notice of the following points to combat dehydration in diarrhea:
Water is the best choice for dehydration, but you can also drink clear liquids like broth or sports drinks.
You should avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can make dehydration worse.
Eating a diet high in fiber can also help prevent diarrhea by keeping the stool soft and bulky. Some good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Anti-diarrheal medications
If you have diarrhea, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications can help to relieve symptoms. However, speaking with a healthcare provider before taking any medicine is important, as some may cause side effects or interact with other medicines.
When to consult a doctor for diarrhea?
You should consult a doctor if you have watery, loose stools for more than three days or your diarrhea is accompanied with a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, blood in your stools, or severe abdominal pain.
Dehydration from diarrhea can pose serious health risks, especially for young children and the elderly. If you are unable to keep fluids down or are passing large amounts of watery stool, you should go to the hospital immediately.
A few points that can increase your risk of developing diarrhea are; eating contaminated food or water, taking certain medications, or a recent change in diet.
2. What are the reasons for diarrhea?
Some causes of diarrhea include bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, certain medications, food intolerances or allergies, changes in diet, and intestinal diseases.
3. What are the six factors that contribute to diarrheal disease?
The six factors contributing to diarrheal disease are age, lifestyle choices, taking medications, underlying medical conditions, and contaminated food or water.
Dania Irfan is a distinguished Urdu writer with a prolific portfolio of blogs and articles that delve into the intricacies of language and culture. With years of experience in the field, her expertise is sought after by readers and institutions alike.