Diarrhea is defined as a change in bowel movements characterized by an increase in frequency and fluidity of the stool which is not within normal limits for your particular bowel habits. Normal patterns of bowel habits differ from person to person and so it is important to know what is "normal" for you. This will allow you to note changes in the pattern.
Often caused by either bacterial or viral gastrointestinal (GI) infections, diarrhea can also be caused by a change in diet or illness. When the food we eat is passed through the GI system, the colon is responsible for absorbing fluid from the liquid matter to which food has been broken down. What is left behind after the colon absorbs the fluid is a soft, semi-formed bulk stool which is normally passed without difficulty. However, when the colon doesn't get it right and fails to absorb the appropriate amount of liquid, well, then diarrhea results.
Diarrhea has many causes, but the primary cause still remains bacterial or viral infection. The highly contagious viral infections can be rapidly passed from one person to another. It is very important to maintain sanitary conditions and observe good hand washing techniques while experiencing diarrhea.
It is quite possible that you may never know the exact cause of an episode of diarrhea as most cases resolve without intervention within a few days. However diarrhea can be deadly especially to children, the elderly and those already fighting other serious health conditions. The dehydration which results because of diarrhea is one of the most serious complications.
Salmonella, shigella, e. choli and campylobacter are the most common types of bacterial infection which cause episodes of diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by bacteria must be treated by a physician. If left untreated serious complications could result and the diarrhea could go on for weeks or even months.
Other causes of diarrhea include food, such as milk products in someone with lactose intolerance, prescription medications, laxatives, stress, health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, colitis, and even colon cancer.
Yes, the causes of diarrhea can certainly be varied and one of the most challenging issues is that often you have no idea of the cause before the diarrhea is gone and you are back to normal!
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Frequently Asked Questions
I periodically have a burning, acidic sensation in ...
By: Nyssa | 21-08-2008
I periodically have a burning, acidic sensation in my stomach, and when I burp, it feels like a small amount of stomach acid is coming up. I do not experience burning in my chest like heartburn. It can happen whether I am hungry or have just eaten, and I haven't noticed any foods that correlate with the burning. What could this be? Could this be serious enough to see a doctor?
Help Identify Problem with 7 Year Old Please!
By: Keith | 16-08-2008
My seven year old woke up at crying and in severe pain at 2:00 AM last night (early Saturday morning) with diarrhea, very sore stomach (maybe cramping), fever around 101, very bad headache...... back of head hurt as well as the front of his head (forehead and temples).
Today he has had a low grade (100) fever, headache, and some stomach ache, and periodic diarrhea about 2 1/2 hours apart. He has had no nausea or vomiting. Treating fever and headache with Tylenol and Ibuprofen as directed.
His brother, mother, and myself have no symptoms at all.
He had chicken salad at 11:00 AM on friday at school and grilled pork ribs with the family for dinner around 6:30 PM. Notheing else to drink before bed.
What could have caused this.... most of what I have read and experienced suggests that if he has food poisoning he would most likely be nauseated and/or vomiting.
Parasites, vomiting and diarhhea
By: wmndavis | 24-07-2008
What kind of internal parasite can cause projective vomiting and diarrhea?
What alcohol is the least bad to drink with acid reflux
By: Billy Ray | 06-06-2008
What alcohol is the least bad to drink for someone who suffers from Acid Reflux/GERD? I know abstaining from alcohol is often recommended but I'm asking for something to drink in social situations where an alcoholic drink is nice. I know red wine is terrible for me.
My daughter has MS and on a feeding tube. For 2 ...
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My daughter has MS and on a feeding tube. For 2 years she has had a lot of stomach pain caused by gas. Has had a lot of test done and everything has turned up negative. Any suggestions as to what I can give her to get rid of the gas and pain
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my husband has acid reflux really bad and none of the meds that he has taken helps not even percription he has had this problem for about 15 years please help.
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