Top 10 Causes of Diarrhea

• There are several types and causes of diarrhea that adults and infants can experience. Most of the time, even severe diarrhea is harmless
• Almost everyone has at one time or another experienced green colored stool during bowel movements. Common diarrhea symptoms can include watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, acute diarrhea, and even chronic diarrhea
• Toddler diarrhea can be common and doctors are quick to investigate the child’s diet and then offering up several diarrhea remedies
• Infant diarrhea is more common than not and should be looked into further if the diarrhea symptoms occur for several days, due to dehydration

Below is a list of the top 10 causes of diarrhea and some well-known diarrhea symptoms that can occur:

1. Viral infection

Viral infections are the most common causes of diarrhea, especially that of acute diarrhea. Viral infections can include the flu or stomach flu in which case diarrhea symptoms include green colored stool or watery diarrhea. It is uncommon for bloody diarrhea to occur, although acute diarrhea is common.

2. Food poisoning

Food poisoning is leading cause of diarrhea. When someone consumes contaminated food, the body will react with a number of symptoms, including green colored stool, vomiting, and even fever. Other symptoms of food poisoning may be watery diarrhea. Seek medical attention if you experience severe diarrhea accompanied with dehydration, cramping, or fever. Toddler and infant diarrhea must be monitored closely as this can lead to dehydration, which is deadly in children and infants.

3. E. Coli

Similar to food poisoning, E. coli oftentimes affects your system adversely through the consumption of tainted or raw meat products which contain these bacteria. Bloody diarrhea can occur and medical attention may be necessary for diarrhea remedies issued by the doctor or health care provider.

4. Parasites

Although not common in the USA, infection of parasites can occur when drinking water in foreign or third world countries. Giardia is a common parasite. Diarrhea symptoms include watery diarrhea and in infant diarrhea may include green colored stool. If you notice chronic diarrhea, seek medical attention right away.

5. Bacteria

While we consume all types of bacteria on a daily basis, there are some bacteria that disrupts the body’s balance. Similar to that of E. Coli, bacteria can cause diarrhea symptoms. If you experience chronic diarrhea, which can occur with bacteria ingestion, it is wise to see your doctor right away and adhere to diarrhea remedies.

6. Antibiotics

Taking antibiotics can cause severe diarrhea in adults and children. Some people are more prone to stomach upset than others, and the only diarrhea remedies involve halting the consumption of the antibiotics or medication in the form of a shot that will off set the antibiotics.

7. Laxatives

Laxatives, especially if taken more than the recommended dose, can cause acute diarrhea. Toddler diarrhea and infant diarrhea is common when a stool softener or laxative is administered by doctor or at home. As with any symptom it is best to monitor toddler diarrhea and have your child checked by a physician if symptoms persist.

8. High fat and sugar foods

A diet rich in fat and sugar is one of the leading causes of diarrhea in adults and children alike. Toddler diarrhea can be caused by the diet and foods rich in fat. A doctor should be contacted any time bloody diarrhea occurs in children; adults should also monitor the condition and contact a physician if it persists for more than one or two days and the diet was changed.

9. Irritable bowel syndrome

IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome can cause a wide variety of diarrhea symptoms. IBS can occur due to stress, travel or diet. The symptoms can include constipation as well as diarrhea. There are a variety of medications as well as diet plans that can assist in the elimination of the symptoms.

10. Colon cancer

One of the symptoms of colon cancer may be chronic diarrhea. This severe diarrhea may occur when the patient is undergoing various forms of cancer treatment, in addition to the cancer disease.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.