Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common digestive illness characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. There are multiple possible causes, and it is often a symptom rather than a singular illness. Diarrhea comes in two flavors: the short-lived acute diarrhea and the long-lived chronic diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea:

Diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can result in infectious diarrhea. Common pathogens include salmonella, norovirus, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Consuming contaminated or rotten food can result in food poisoning and other gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea.

Medication: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, may cause diarrhea as a side effect and disturb the delicate balance of intestinal flora.

Food Intolerances and Allergies: Diarrhea may be caused by intolerances to specific foods, such as lactose or gluten, or by allergic reactions to those foods.

IBDs, or inflammatory bowel diseases, encompass ailments such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Prolonged diarrhea may result from the inflammation of the digestive tract caused by these illnesses.

Malabsorption Syndromes: Disorders like pancreatic insufficiency or celiac disease that impair the body's capacity to absorb nutrients can cause chronic diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is characterized by recurrent episodes of diarrhea as well as bloating, stomach pain, and irregular bowel movements.