Diarrhea: An in-depth analysis of cause, symptoms, prevention and cure

What is Diarrhea

Diarrhea as we know it is a common medical condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements.

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors in your body like infections, viruses, bacteria, parasites, food poisoning, medications, food intolerances, and gastrointestinal disorders.

As we all have experienced it sometimes in our lives, the main symptom of diarrhea is the passage of loose or liquid stools more frequently than is typical for an individual.

What are the types of Diarrhea?

When we suffer from Diarrhea we think that it’s just one type of Diarrhea we are suffering from.

But Diarrhea can be categorized into several types based on the causes and characteristics.

Let’s explore a few of those types because understanding them helps better recognise the cause of Diarrhea.

Acute Diarrhea: Acute diarrhea is a sudden case of diarrhea that typically lasts for a short period, usually less than two weeks. This is the most common diarrhea you and I had in our lives.

This type of diarrhea is usually caused by infections, such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, and may also result from food poisoning.

Chronic Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea is identified by a non stop and recurrent diarrhea that lasts for three weeks or longer.

It may be due to various medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), malabsorption disorders, or chronic infections.

If you know someone in your family who suffers from diarrhea freaquently, well these could be the reason.

Traveler’s Diarrhea: Another very common type of diarrhea, Traveler’s diarrhea is a type of acute diarrhea that affects people traveling to regions with different food and water conditions.

Think of anyone who has ever traveled to Asia or Africa. There’s a high chance they got this embarrassing case of diarrhea but forgot to mention it.

It is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can be due to various pathogens. Unhygienic environment can also contribute to this.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Some antibiotics can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, leading to diarrhea as a side effect.

This type of diarrhea is often caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).

So if you are suffering from diarrhea, check if you are taking any anti-biotics before blaming the taco you ate two days ago.

Inflammatory Diarrhea: Ufff, these are nasty and terrifying. Inflammatory diarrhea is characterized by the presence of blood and mucus in the stool.

It is often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and can be more severe and long-lasting than other types of diarrhea.

Definitely go see a doctor if you are suffering from these issue because reading blogs can’t help you here.

Osmotic Diarrhea: Osmotic diarrhea occurs when the amount of unabsorbed solutes or nutrients in the intestines draws water into the bowel, leading to watery stools.

It can be caused by conditions like lactose intolerance or ingestion of poorly absorbed substances like sorbitol or magnesium.

Cut out the cheese my friend, long term diarrhea can be dangerous.

Secretory Diarrhea: Secretory diarrhea results from an abnormal increase in fluid secretion in the intestines, which leads to watery stools.

Causes may include infections, some medications, and certain hormonal disorders.

It’s best to consult a doctor if diarrhea continues for more than one week.

Fatty Diarrhea (Steatorrhea): Fatty diarrhea occurs when the body cannot properly digest and absorb dietary fats.

Yes, that’s a thing. The human body sometimes can have a hard time digesting and absorbing fats.

This often results in greasy, foul-smelling stools and may be associated with conditions like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, or bile acid malabsorption.

Stress-Induced Diarrhea: High levels of stress and anxiety can sometimes lead to diarrhea.

Yes, stress can cause diarrhea, the gift that keeps on giving.

This is often temporary and related to the “fight or flight” response, which can affect the digestive system. Gives new meaning to “Scared sh*tless”

So if you are suffering from sudden diarrhea, it can be hehlpful to look at your day to day activities and see if there’s any event that is causing extreme stress and anxiety.

Toddler’s Diarrhea: Toddler’s diarrhea is a type of chronic diarrhea that primarily affects young children between the ages of 1 and 5.

It is often related to dietary factors, such as excessive fruit juice consumption.

I’m way too familiar with these because I suffered from it when I was a child, or so I have been told.

Causes

Now that we understand all the wonderful varities of diarrhea (forgive the sarcasm), it’s time to look at the causes of this annoying condition we call diarrhea.

Infections (most common):

Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections are a significant cause of diarrhea. Bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Campylobacter can contaminate food and water sources, leading to food poisoning and acute diarrhea. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes fever.

Viral Infections: Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. These infections are highly contagious and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Parasitic Infections: Protozoa like Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica are responsible for parasitic infections that can cause diarrhea. These infections are often contracted through contaminated water sources and can result in prolonged diarrhea.

Foodborne Illness (second most common):

Eating contaminated or undercooked food can lead to food poisoning, which causes acute diarrhea, think sudden blast and splash. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can multiply in improperly prepared or stored food and cause diarrhea.

Medications (ignored by most):

Some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota. This disruption can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection being a potential complication. So the next time you have diarrhea, don’t ignore the medications you are taking, they could be the hidden culprit.

Dietary Factors (Watch what you eat):

Conditions like lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose in dairy products like milk, cheese), gluten sensitivity (celiac disease), and fructose malabsorption can lead to diarrhea when individuals consume foods or drinks containing these substances. So think before you eat your nachos.

Foods that are excessively spicy or greasy can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea in some people. No wonder why white people avoid seasoning, it causes diarrhea.

Stress and Anxiety (name a better duo)

High levels of stress or anxiety can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, which affects the digestive system. This can lead to stress-induced diarrhea in some individuals

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. They often result in diarrhea, along with other symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) is one subtype. Sadly there’s no cure for IBS.

Symptoms

How to determine if you have diarrhea, this is by no means the best method of detecting your main issue so we recommend consulting a doctor as soon as you can.

Frequent Bowel Movements (Most Common): You may find yourself rushing to the bathroom more often than usual, experiencing the need for multiple bowel movements throughout the day. This is usually the first symptom people experience.

Abdominal Cramps and Pain: Alongside your diarrhea, you may experience varying levels of discomfort or pain in your stomach area. These sensations can range from mild, nagging cramps to more severe, gripping pain that may be felt in different areas of your abdomen.

Urgency: One of the first sign of diarrhea you will see is the immediate and frequent urge to have a bowel movement. This powerful sensation can be difficult to control and often necessitates quick action to avoid accidents.

Watery Stools: Your stools will become visibly loose and watery, lacking the usual solid form of regular stools. The consistency of your stools may vary in color, ranging from green, yellow, to brown, and at times, they might contain mucus or traces of blood. If you see traces of blood, you suggest you immediatly consult a doctor.

Increased Bowel Sounds: Your abdomen may produce increased gurgling or rumbling sounds, known as borborygmi. These sounds reflect heightened intestinal activity and can be quite noticeable during diarrhea.

Nausea: You may experience a feeling of queasiness and a strong inclination to vomit. Nausea adds to your overall discomfort and can be quite uncomfortable, making you feel unwell.

Fever: In some cases, you might notice an increased body temperature, which is often a response to a bacterial or viral infection causing the diarrhea.

Dehydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and you may experience a dry or sticky mouth, an increased thirst, dark yellow urine, dry skin, and fatigue as signs of dehydration.

Blood in Stool: Occasionally, you may notice visible blood or mucus in your diarrhea, and you should be quickly evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Malaise: Diarrhea often makes you feel generally unwell, with symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, and a lack of energy.

Flatulence (Gas): Increased gas production can accompany diarrhea, leading to frequent flatulence and abdominal bloating, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable as you can imagine.

Complications

Yes, complications are also a risk with diarrhea. Let’s take a look at how diarrhea can get even worse.

Dehydration: If you experience severe or prolonged diarrhea, it can lead to dehydration. During dehydration, your body loses an excessive amount of fluids and vital electrolytes. As a result, you may notice a persistently dry mouth, an insatiable thirst, urine that appears dark yellow, dry and parched skin, fatigue, and in severe cases, you might even experience confusion or dizziness. This state can be particularly harmful for infants, young children, and older individuals.

Electrolyte Imbalances: Diarrhea can disrupt the balance of critical electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, and chloride. Such imbalances can lead to muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and other health issues.

Malnutrition: Prolonged or severe diarrhea can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. As a result, you may become at risk for malnutrition. This is especially concerning for young children and can lead to developmental problems.

Kidney Problems: The ongoing dehydration caused by severe or persistent diarrhea can place a considerable strain on your kidneys, potentially resulting in kidney problems, including acute kidney injury.

Weight Loss: Chronic diarrhea can cause substantial weight loss, which may be alarming, especially if it is not related to changes in your diet or physical activity.

Acid-Base Imbalances: Diarrhea can disrupt the balance of acids and bases in your body, possibly leading to conditions such as acidosis (excess acidity) or alkalosis (excess alkalinity). These imbalances can affect various bodily functions.

Secondary Infections: Frequent bowel movements and a weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to secondary infections. This is especially true when the root cause of your diarrhea is an infectious agent. Bacterial or viral infections can potentially spread to other parts of your body.

Hemorrhoids: The straining associated with diarrhea can lead to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in your rectal and anal area. Hemorrhoids can bring pain, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flares: If you have a pre-existing condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, diarrhea can trigger disease flares, worsening your symptoms.

Prevention

What can you do you to prevent diarrhea? Well let’s explore a few measures and methods.

Practice Proper Hand Hygiene: Ensure you thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, before preparing or consuming food, and after contact with animals. Effective handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of picking up infectious agents that can cause diarrhea.

Safe Water and Food Handling: Be diligent about the safety of your drinking water and food. When traveling to areas with different water standards, use bottled or boiled water for drinking and avoid consuming ice or uncooked foods. Ensure that food is prepared and stored properly to prevent contamination. In particular, steer clear of undercooked meat, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.

Vaccination: Make sure you and your family are up to date with necessary vaccinations. Some vaccines, like those for rotavirus and certain travel-related illnesses, can help prevent diarrhea.

Proper Food Preparation: When cooking at home, practice safe food handling. Thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood to appropriate temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Avoid Raw or Unwashed Produce: When consuming fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly under running water or peel them to remove potential contaminants. Refrain from eating raw produce that may have been washed in untreated water.

Limit Consumption of Street Food: While street food can be enticing, it may not always meet the same hygiene standards as established restaurants. Exercise caution when consuming street food, especially in areas with uncertain food safety practices.

Practice Good Personal Hygiene: Maintain personal hygiene by keeping your fingernails trimmed and avoiding close contact with individuals who are ill with diarrhea. Be mindful of what you touch, especially when in crowded or public places.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, utensils, or cups with individuals who may have diarrhea, as some infections can be easily transmitted through such items.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of safe, clean water to stay well-hydrated, especially in hot or humid conditions. Adequate hydration can help reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea if you do become ill.

Safe Swimming Practices: Be cautious when swimming in pools or natural water bodies. Avoid ingesting pool water, and in natural waters, be aware of potential contamination from human or animal waste. After swimming, shower to remove any contaminants from your skin.

Travel Precautions: When traveling to regions with different sanitation standards, be extra cautious. Consume bottled or boiled water, avoid ice in beverages, and choose well-cooked, hot foods. Consider using hand sanitizers when soap and water are not readily available.

Hand Sanitizers: Carry a portable hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content when you’re on the go. This can be especially useful in situations where handwashing facilities are limited.

When to see a doctor?

Here are some of the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for.

Duration and Severity: If your diarrhea is severe, persistent, or lasts longer than two days, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Severe diarrhea may involve frequent, watery stools, abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms.

Signs of Dehydration: If you experience signs of dehydration, such as a persistently dry mouth, extreme thirst, dark yellow urine, dry skin, or feelings of weakness and dizziness, you should consult a doctor promptly. Dehydration can be a dangerous complication of diarrhea.

Blood in Stool: If you notice visible blood in your diarrhea or stools that appear dark and tarry, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Blood in the stool can be a sign of underlying medical issues that require evaluation and treatment.

High Fever: If your diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever (above 102°F or 38.9°C) or if you experience chills, it may indicate a more serious underlying infection. A doctor’s assessment is essential in such cases.

Persistent Abdominal Pain: If you have persistent and intense abdominal pain along with your diarrhea, or if the pain is worsening, medical evaluation is warranted. This pain may indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.

Travel or Recent Antibiotics: If you have traveled to a region with different sanitation standards or have recently taken antibiotics and develop diarrhea, consult a doctor. Certain infections, including traveler’s diarrhea or antibiotic-associated diarrhea, can require specific management.

Chronic or Recurrent Diarrhea: If you experience chronic or recurrent diarrhea over an extended period (more than a few weeks), it’s essential to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of underlying conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Recent Hospitalization: If you’ve been recently hospitalized and develop diarrhea, particularly if it is watery and severe, contact your healthcare provider. Hospital-acquired infections, such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), can lead to diarrhea.

Severe Discomfort: If your diarrhea is causing severe discomfort, affecting your daily life, and you are unsure of the cause, consult a doctor for guidance on managing your symptoms and determining the underlying issue.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations: Infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems should receive prompt medical attention for diarrhea, as they are at higher risk of complications.

Remember that timely medical assessment can help identify the cause of your diarrhea and ensure appropriate treatment, which may include fluid replacement, medications, or other interventions to address the underlying condition. Don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you have concerns about your diarrhea or its associated symptoms.