Watery diarrhea can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances or allergies, medication, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and malabsorption. It is important to seek medical help if it lasts longer than a few days.
There are many different causes of watery diarrhea. The most common reasons include viral or bacterial infections. Some medications and food intolerances can also cause this condition. Also, some medical problems, such as malabsorption, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes can cause diarrhea. People who abuse laxatives or alcohol can also have bouts of diarrhea.
Viral and bacterial infections affecting the stomach and intestines are the main causes of watery diarrhea. For example, viral gastroenteritis, or “stomach flu,” usually causes diarrhea, among other symptoms. There are a handful of viruses, such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, that can cause the all-encompassing illness, the stomach flu. Some viruses, such as rotaviruses, primarily affect children, while others, such as noroviruses, affect people of all ages.
Food poisoning is the generic name for bacterial infections caused by a wide range of bacteria. For example, campylobacter is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea when a person drinks unpasteurized milk that has been contaminated. Salmonella is another type of bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea when a person eats raw poultry or eggs contaminated with bacteria. With bacterial infections, diarrhea is the body’s mechanism for getting harmful bacteria out of the body.
Food intolerance and food allergies are also causes of watery diarrhea. People may be intolerant to dairy products, yeast, gluten or even sugar. Also, some people may have a food allergy to a specific food. In these cases, the person can avoid diarrhea and other problems by avoiding the offending foods.
Sometimes starting a new medication or taking a certain drug or supplement can cause diarrhea. For example, antacids and magnesium-containing supplements are common culprits of watery diarrhea. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high blood pressure drugs can cause diarrhea.
Other causes of watery diarrhea include certain medical conditions. For example, people with substance abuse problems, such as those who abuse alcohol and laxatives, may have diarrhea. Other medical conditions that can cause a person to have diarrhea include diabetes and intestinal problems. In particular, hypothyroidism and malabsorption can cause intestinal disorders, such as diarrhea.
As with any medical condition, any concerns about watery diarrhea should be addressed by a doctor. In some cases, the substance causing the diarrhea simply needs to be flushed out of the body. In other cases, medicine may be needed to help the stool become firmer. Regardless, in most cases, diarrhea should only last a few days. If it lasts longer, you need to seek medical help.
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