Common Causes and Remedies For Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common condition characterized by runny or watery stools that occurs in many individuals once or twice per year. This condition is typically not serious and does not require medical treatment and can be treated effectively by increasing the intake of fluids or over-the-counter medications.

There are three categories that medical experts typically use to classify diarrhea that are primarily based upon its cause. "Osmotic" diarrhea is when a substance in the bowel is causing excess water to be drawn into the bowel from the body. This can occur from certain foods that are consumed such as foods that contain the sugar substitute sorbitol, certain medications, and other disorders or conditions such as lactose intolerance.

Secretory diarrhea is defined by medical experts as the abnormal release of excess water by the body into the bowel and can be caused by numerous types of infections or medications, as well as other conditions.

Diarrhea is typically classified as exudative diarrhea when there is blood and pus present within the stool. This can be caused by several types of infections and diseases of the bowel including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. While there are numerous causes of diarrhea, the most common is that of a virus that infects the digestive system.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

While the most common cause of diarrhea is that of a viral infection also commonly called a stomach or intestinal flu, there are many other conditions that can cause diarrhea including a bacterial infection which is most commonly caused by food poisoning. Other organisms such as parasites can also cause diarrhea.

The symptom of diarrhea is also common among individuals who have food allergies or food intolerance. Diarrhea can also be a side effect of certain medications including antibiotics, antacids that contain magnesium, cancer drugs, and blood pressure medications. Diarrhea is also a symptom of diseases and disorders of the bowel including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease.

Common Types of Treatment for Diarrhea

The most common form of treatment that is recommended for diarrhea is replacing the fluids that were lost by increasing the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration. In most cases, no other form of treatment is needed; however, there are over-the-counter medications such as Imodium AD that are effective in controlling diarrhea.

These medications are not recommended, however, for diarrhea that is caused by a parasite or bacterial infection as stopping the diarrhea may cause the organisms to become trapped within the intestines causing the condition to last longer. For these types of infections, a physician will typically prescribe an antibiotic as the primary form of treatment.

Foods that can cause the symptom of diarrhea to worsen and should be avoided until diarrhea subsides include milk products, fatty or greasy foods, sweets, caffeine, and foods that contain a high amount of fiber. Bland foods such as toast, plain rice, bananas, crackers, baked skinless chicken, and boiled potatoes, are the recommended foods to be eaten when the diarrhea begins to lessen.

While diarrhea is a common condition that typically does not cause any serious health issues when experienced from time to time, if you have diarrhea that is prolonged or accompanied by a fever lasting for a period of longer than twenty four hours you should contact your physician for advice.