Diarrhea, medically referred to as “diarrhea” or “diarrhoea,” is a common symptom of various intestinal disorders. Diarrhea is defined as having loose or watery stools more than three times a day. Acute diarrhea begins suddenly and is usually caused by an infection, while chronic diarrhea persists for a longer period and requires further diagnostic testing.
Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease in itself, but rather an indication of a disorder in the gastrointestinal system. It is often caused by an infection with a virus, bacterium, or other pathogen. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can also cause diarrhea. In gastroenterology, a distinction is made between acute, chronic, inflammatory, osmotic, and secretory diarrhea.
What are the possible causes of diarrhea?
Infections are very common causes of diarrhea (gastrointestinal infections). About one-third of all cases of diarrhea are caused by viruses, primarily
- rotaviruses,
- noroviruses, and
- adenoviruses.
Bacteria such as
- E. coli,
- Salmonella,
- Shigella, and
- Yersinia
can also cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea can also be caused by the side effects of medications (especially antibiotics). The misuse of laxatives can have equally negative effects.
Food allergies (e.g., sprue/celiac disease) can manifest as diarrhea, among other symptoms.
It also frequently occurs in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as
.
Food poisoning can also cause diarrhea.
But psychological disorders such as
- stress,
- anxiety, and
- nervousness
can cause diarrhea in some people.
What should you do if you have diarrhea?
In general, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. This helps the body replenish the fluids it has lost. Special electrolyte solutions are available at the pharmacy to replenish minerals.
If you have mild diarrhea, you can eat anything. If it’s more severe, you should avoid eating anything at first. Rest and warmth are often helpful as well.
Infants, toddlers, and weakened patients with diarrhea should see a doctor; otherwise, life-threatening dehydration could set in very quickly in these cases.
You should also see a doctor if you have very severe symptoms or if your diarrhea lasts longer than 3 days or contains blood.
Common Symptoms of Diarrhea—How to Avoid or Prevent Diarrhea
Prevention of Diarrhea
Effective prevention depends on the cause of diarrhea, as common causes range from infectious diarrhea to intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease. Acute infectious and acute diarrhea can be reduced through consistent hygiene, clean drinking water, and careful food preparation, which can also help prevent watery diarrhea. The German Society for Gastroenterology also recommends education about digestive and metabolic diseases, as chronic diarrhea should be detected early and treated appropriately.
Since diarrhea is a symptom and can be a leading symptom of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, potential causes should be evaluated by a doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than three days or occurs more than three times a day. In cases of watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or acute diarrhea with severe fluid loss, early treatment is crucial to positively influence the course of the condition. According to the MSD Manual Professional Edition, a differential diagnosis should be made in cases of chronic diarrhea or paradoxical diarrhea, as diarrhea is classified into osmotic diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, and inflammatory forms.
If symptoms such as watery diarrhea, bloody stools, or early signs of an underlying condition occur, diarrhea should be taken seriously and specific treatment initiated, especially if it recurs or is caused by a chronic condition.
FAQ
When is diarrhea medically defined?
Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools more than three times a day. Diarrhea is a symptom and can be acute or chronic. The volume of stool may be increased, accompanied by abdominal pain or vomiting.
What are common causes of acute diarrhea?
Acute diarrhea is often infectious and is caused by viruses, bacteria, or their toxins. Acute infectious diarrhea is frequently caused by bacterial pathogens such as Shigella or following antibiotic use. Certain medications can also cause diarrhea.
When is diarrhea considered chronic?
Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts longer than three days or even several weeks. Chronic diarrhea can occur in intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease. Osmotic diarrhea or a secretory disorder in the large intestine may also be possible causes.
When should you see a doctor?
Bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, fever, or diarrhea lasting longer than three days should be evaluated by a doctor. Older adults and people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are at increased risk for complications. Diagnosis involves a medical history, clinical examination, and, if necessary, laboratory testing for infectious pathogens.
How is diarrhea treated?
Treatment for diarrhea depends on its cause. It is important to ensure adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to prevent fluid loss. For acute infectious forms, symptomatic treatment with loperamide is often sufficient, while in severe cases of bacterial diarrhea, antibiotics are used. For chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, specific treatment is administered in consultation with a gastroenterologist.
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Sabine Schneider
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