infections center

What Causes Diarrhea?

Reviewed on 5/3/2022
Woman in jeans grabbing her behind due to having diarrhea
Causes of diarrhea include eating certain foods, viral infections (norovirus, rotavirus, viral gastroenteritis, COVID-19), bacterial infections, parasitic infections, digestive problems and diseases, some medications, long-term use of medications, laxative use, caffeine intake, alcohol use, food allergies and intolerances, and complications due to past abdominal surgeries.

Diarrhea is defined as loose stools occurring three or more times in a day. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that is persistent or lasts from two to four weeks. 

There are many possible causes of diarrhea, such as:

What Are Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a symptom of many different conditions. Signs of diarrhea may include: 

  • Urgent need to use the bathroom
  • Loss of control of bowel movements 
  • Abdominal cramps/pain

Symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include: 

Diarrhea may cause: 

  • Dehydration
    • Thirst
    • Urinating less than usual
    • Dark-colored urine
    • Dry mouth
    • Tiredness 
    • Decreased skin turgor
    • Lightheadedness or fainting
    • Sunken eyes or cheeks
  • Malabsorption
    • Bloating
    • Gas
    • Changes in appetite
    • Loose, greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements
    • Weight loss

What Is the Treatment for Diarrhea?

Dietary changes may help treat diarrhea. Foods that can help stop diarrhea are those that are easy-to-digest and binding, such as:

  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Crackers
  • Bananas
  • Potatoes
  • Oatmeal

Other home remedies for diarrhea include:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Liquids with sugar and salt, such as juice and broth, are the best choices
  • Consume soups
  • Eat salty foods to help prevent dehydration
  • Increase fiber intake
  • Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medicines
  • Take probiotics
  • Avoid food and drinks that are triggers such as milk or eggs

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. Dietary changes and home remedies are usually adequate and diarrhea will go away on its own with rest, hydration, and a bland diet. When medical treatment is needed it may include: 

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat and prevent dehydration
  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Antibiotics, if diarrhea is caused by certain bacterial infections
  • Treating any underlying medical condition 
  • Stopping or changing medications 
    • Do not stop or change any medications without first talking to your doctor

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Reviewed on 5/3/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.htm

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diarrhea-in-adolescents-and-adults-the-basics?search=diarrhea&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=4

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes