Diarrhea Causes
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Introduction
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Diarrhea is characterized by frequent watery bowel movements. Additional problems that can occur from having diarrhea are severe dehydration, and the loss of salts, nutrients and electrolytes. In some cases, if the symptoms are severe, lasting and the body becomes dehydrated enough, diarrhea can result in death.
Lactose Intolerance
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Diarrhea can be caused by lactose intolerance, a common ailment which affects a large contingent of the population. However, many people are not even aware they suffer from this condition. If your diarrhea symptoms begin 30 minutes to two hours after consumption of a dairy product, this may be the cause of your diarrhea. If you suspect you are lactose intolerant, see your doctor to find out what you can do to control it, besides avoiding dairy products.
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Food Poisoning
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If you have diarrhea from eating out -- and you find someone else has the same symptoms, then you both may have food poisoning. Additional symptoms of food poisoning include fever, headache, weakness, and chills. In most cases, if you have food poisoning, the diarrhea and other symptoms will cease within 12 to 48 hours. If it lasts longer or you are truly uncomfortable, contact your physician.
Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis
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If along with the diarrhea, you have pain in the lower left portion of your abdomen, particularly after you have eaten a food or foods that are difficult to digest, then you may have diverticulosis or diverticulitis. If you believe you are afflicted with this condition, contact your doctor. A diet high in fiber may be able to relieve the symptoms of diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
Bacterial Diarrhea or Parasites
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Bacterial diarrhea, or parasites, is accompanied by symptoms that include severe stomach cramps, watery diarrhea followed by greasy stools, and gas. In this instance, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine, and call your doctor right away to begin a treatment regime.
Traveler's Diarrhea
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Traveler's diarrhea is caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated beverages while traveling. Over-the-counter medicines may help, as will drinking plenty of water, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. If your symptoms persist, contact your physician.
Gastroenteritis or the Stomach Flu
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If you have a headache, low-grade fever, and muscle aches, along with watery bowel movements, then you most likely have the stomach flu. To combat stomach flu, drink plenty of clear fluids, eat bland foods, and wait for the symptoms to abate. If they persist for more than 10 days, or you begin running a high fever, contact your doctor.
Intestinal Obstruction
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If you are bloated and experiencing lower abdominal cramping, then you may have an intestinal obstruction that is causing your diarrhea. If you think you have an intestinal obstruction, you should go to the emergency room or see your doctor immediately.
Medications
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Some medications, in particular antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. If you think your medication is causing your diarrhea symptoms, don't stop taking it. Instead, call your doctor and see if he can prescribe another medication that does the same thing, but won't cause diarrhea. In most cases, there are alternatives.
Gall Bladder Disease or Pancreatitis
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Diarrhea caused by gall bladder disease causes pain in the middle or upper abdomen that travels to your back, and fever. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing this particular set of symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Irritable bowel syndrome is another potential cause of diarrhea. Additional symptoms that accompany this condition include both constipation and diarrhea and stomach cramping. It is recommended to increase the amount of fiber in your diet slowly, and to drink plenty of fluids daily. If you notice blood in your stool, contact your doctor.
Crohn's Disease
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Crohn's disease is accompanied by diarrhea as well as blood and mucus-infused bowel movements, as well as abdominal cramping and pain. Drink plenty of fluids and stay away from foods that worsen your symptoms.
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