Most Common Causes of Diarrhea

Most people experience diarrhea from time to time. In many cases, diarrhea symptoms are mild and last for a short period. But sometimes, diarrhea can linger for days or happen so frequently that it causes serious disruptions to your life.

Untreated, frequent diarrhea can lead to more significant problems–and it can change the way you live your life. You don’t have to simply live with diarrhea. Get the treatment you need to get relief by contacting the Gastroenterology of the Rockies team today.

What are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Having diarrhea means having loose, watery bowel movements. Most people experience periods of diarrhea several times a year, and symptoms last just a couple of days. But some have diarrhea more often due to medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and others.

The symptoms of diarrhea include:

• Thin, watery, or loose stool
• Urgency when needing to have a bowel movement
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating in the abdomen

Sometimes, diarrhea symptoms become more serious. People may become dehydrated if they have diarrhea that lasts for several days and cannot maintain adequate fluid intake. Bloody, mucusy stool and weight loss are other more severe complications of diarrhea.

Adults with frequent diarrhea or those whose symptoms last longer than three days should see their doctor for guidance.

What Causes Diarrhea?

Most people experience bouts of diarrhea several times throughout the year. In many cases, diarrhea is the result of a viral infection in your gastrointestinal system. People may refer to diarrhea and other related symptoms as the stomach or intestinal flu.

Other things can cause diarrhea. Here are some of the most common causes of diarrhea.

Food allergies

Some people’s systems cannot tolerate certain foods. If they ingest a food their body can’t process, they may have diarrhea until the food is completely eliminated from the system.

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other intestinal diseases

Intestinal diseases can have a significant impact on the way your GI system functions. People with these conditions may experience frequent bouts of diarrhea.

Bacterial infections

Food poisoning or ingesting bacteria through other means can lead to diarrhea and other GI symptoms.

Laxative abuse

Misusing laxatives can cause frequent, severe episodes of diarrhea. People may take laxatives in higher doses or more frequently than recommended to lose weight or for other personal reasons, but this can disrupt the functioning of the GI system.

Cancer

Some types of cancer and cancer treatments can affect the GI system and cause frequent bouts of diarrhea. Other medical conditions and procedures, including surgeries on the stomach and intestines, can also cause loose stool.

Malabsorption

Certain conditions can cause the failure to absorb vital nutrients. This can lead to frequent, sometimes dangerous diarrhea.

Find Diarrhea Treatment Now

If you have frequent loose or watery bowel movements that disrupt your life, the diarrhea treatment you need is just a phone call away. Don’t wait another day for the relief you deserve. Reach out to the team at Gastroenterology of the Rockies today to explore your treatment options and get started toward feeling better today.