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Osmotic diarrhea is caused by ingesting something that draws water into the intestines, often due to an intolerance to certain sugars. Symptoms include frequent watery stools, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Treatment involves avoiding the trigger and replenishing lost fluids. Infants, young children, and the elderly are at higher risk of dehydration and should seek medical help if necessary.
Diarrhea is the presence of frequent loose and mostly watery stools. This is a very common gastrointestinal condition and generally most people experience it at one time or another. There are different types of diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is a type that generally occurs as a result of something a person ingests. Most commonly diarrhea of this type occurs due to a type of intolerance to certain sugars.
Osmotic diarrhea commonly occurs when something swallowed draws water into the intestines, producing watery, loose stools. In many cases, this happens when a person is unable to absorb particular types of sugar properly. Artificial sweeteners, commonly found in food products like chewing gum, can cause this problem. Additionally, fructose, which is used in a variety of products such as fruit juices and beverages, can cause this problem. Sugar commonly found in dairy products such as milk can also cause this type of diarrhea.
In addition to a sudden change in stool frequency and consistency, individuals with this type of diarrhea may also experience abdominal cramps. Sometimes, an individual will also experience general abdominal pain. There may also be visible stomach distention or swelling. Occasionally, ongoing diarrhea can lead to other symptoms. For example, some people may develop a fever or start seeing bloody spots in their stools after a while.
Osmotic diarrhea can affect anyone, especially if they have a sugar intolerance. It’s important to pay special attention to infants, young children, and the elderly with this condition, because they can become dehydrated more quickly. For this reason it is important to look out for signs of dehydration, particularly with an infant or young child. Parents of a baby with diarrhea who notice a decrease in the number of wet diapers, a lack of tears when crying, and an especially sluggish or sleepy behavior should seek medical help right away.
A professional diagnosis of osmotic diarrhea can be made by a doctor. He or she can make the official diagnosis after performing a comprehensive exam. Patients may also be asked questions about their condition which can help pinpoint this particular type of diarrhea. Some doctors may conduct certain tests as well. For example, stool output may be tested for the presence of blood.
In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own. With osmotic diarrhea, this typically occurs once the sugar-containing product is completely evacuated from the system. However, diarrhea in the elderly and very young may need to be treated, as the condition can become dangerous more quickly in these individuals. If ongoing or chronic diarrhea leads to dehydration, the first method of treatment will generally be to replenish lost fluids in the body. In an emergency, this can be done intravenously. To get relief from osmotic diarrhea in a standard case, it’s generally a good idea to avoid food items that may have caused the condition.
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