In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore what causes diarrhea, how to manage it, and when you should seek medical attention.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It can be:
Acute: Lasting a few days (usually due to infections or food poisoning)
Persistent: Lasting between 2–4 weeks
Chronic: Lasting more than 4 weeks (often linked to underlying health conditions)
What Causes Diarrhea?
Based on the infographic from Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, here are the most common causes:
1. Infections
Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, Campylobacter
Viral infections: Rotavirus, Norovirus, Adenovirus
Parasitic infections: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica
These infections often result from:
Contaminated food or water
Poor sanitation
Close contact with infected individuals
2. Food Intolerances
Food intolerances occur when your digestive system cannot properly process certain foods. Common intolerances include:
Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, found in dairy products
Fructose malabsorption: Trouble absorbing fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits
Gluten sensitivity: Especially in celiac disease
3. Food Poisoning
Eating contaminated food can cause sudden diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps. This is commonly due to:
Improperly stored or cooked food
Cross-contamination in kitchens
Dirty water or utensils
4. Diseases Affecting the Bowels
Several chronic conditions can lead to diarrhea:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder with alternating diarrhea and constipation
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Celiac Disease: Autoimmune reaction to gluten damaging the intestinal lining
5. Medications
Some medications can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut or directly irritate the digestive system:
Antibiotics: Destroy healthy gut flora
Laxatives: Overuse can lead to dependency and chronic diarrhea
Chemotherapy drugs: Often have diarrhea as a side effect
Magnesium-containing antacids
6. Procedures on Your Bowels
Surgical procedures such as bowel resection, colostomy, or radiation therapy to the abdomen can impair digestion and cause chronic diarrhea.
Other Causes of Diarrhea
Hormonal Disorders: Such as hyperthyroidism
Pancreatic Disorders: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Artificial Sweeteners: Sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol
Traveler’s Diarrhea: From contaminated food or water in foreign countries
Stress and Anxiety: Can trigger IBS-like symptoms in sensitive individuals
Symptoms Associated with Diarrhea
In addition to loose stools, diarrhea may be accompanied by:
Abdominal cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Urgency to pass stools
Dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness)
Blood or mucus in stool (suggestive of infection or inflammation)
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
Signs of dehydration
High fever (>102°F)
Bloody or black stools
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
Recent foreign travel
Diarrhea after taking antibiotics
Diagnosis of Diarrhea
1. Medical History and Physical Exam
Your doctor will ask about:
Duration and frequency of diarrhea
Recent dietary changes
Medications
Travel history
Underlying conditions
2. Stool Tests
To identify infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
To detect blood, mucus, or fat
3. Blood Tests
To check for dehydration, inflammation, or anemia
4. Endoscopy/Colonoscopy
To visualize the bowel in chronic cases or when IBD is suspected
5. Imaging (CT/MRI)
For complications such as bowel obstruction or thickened intestinal walls
How to Treat Diarrhea
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
1. Rehydration
The most important treatment is to prevent or correct dehydration.
Drink oral rehydration salts (ORS) with water
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks
Use IV fluids in severe cases
2. Dietary Modifications
Follow the BRAT diet:
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
Also include:
Boiled potatoes
Clear broths
Avoid fatty, spicy, and high-fiber foods until recovery
3. Medications
Antibiotics: Only if bacterial infection is confirmed
Antimotility agents (e.g., loperamide): For acute non-infectious diarrhea
Probiotics: Help restore gut flora
Anti-parasitic medications: For protozoal infections
Anti-inflammatory medications: For IBD-related diarrhea
Prevention
1. Maintain Good Hygiene
Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the bathroom
Avoid sharing utensils
2. Safe Food Practices
Eat well-cooked food
Avoid raw or undercooked meat
Store perishables correctly
3. Drink Clean Water
Use filtered or boiled water
Avoid ice cubes in unsafe areas
4. Get Vaccinated
Rotavirus vaccine for children
Cholera vaccine in high-risk areas
5. Take Probiotics During Antibiotic Use
Reduces the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Managing Diarrhea in Special Populations
In Children
Children are more prone to dehydration. Use ORS and consult a pediatrician immediately if:
Diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours
Child is very irritable or lethargic
No urination in 6 hours
In Elderly People
Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and complications. Close monitoring is essential.
In Travelers
Avoid street food and drink only bottled water. Carry ORS and anti-diarrheal medications while traveling.
Complications of Untreated Diarrhea
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Weight loss
Kidney damage in severe cases
Spread of infection in communal settings
Sparsh Diagnostic Centre offer:
Advanced stool analysis
Culture tests for bacterial infections
Screening for IBD and celiac disease
Imaging to detect underlying causes
Coordination with gastroenterologists
Accurate diagnosis ensures timely and effective treatment.
Diarrhea is a common but manageable condition. While it may be temporary in most cases, persistent or chronic diarrhea should not be ignored. From infections to food intolerances and serious bowel disorders, the underlying causes are varied and require tailored treatment.
If you or a loved one are suffering from recurrent loose motions, abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, don’t delay. Get tested and treated at a trusted facility like Sparsh Diagnostic Centre.
Need Help With Digestive Issues?
📍 Visit Sparsh Diagnostic Centre
📞 Call: 9830117733 / 8335049501
🕘 Open Mon–Sat: 7 AM to 9 PM | Sunday: 7 AM to 3 PM
🌐 www.sparshdiagnostica.com
To consult a Gastroenterologist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.
#BhaloTheko
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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