How to Identify Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by an increase in frequency of bowel movements, as well as a change in their consistency. Diarrhea is caused when excess water is passed with the stools.
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Instructions
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Think about whether food poisoning could have caused your diarrhea. Uncooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables may be the culprits.
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Rule out infectious agents, like Shigella ("traveler's diarrhea"), E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter jejuni, and intestinal irritants like Staphylococcus aureus.
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Understand that parasites can cause diarrhea. The most common are Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba hisolytica.
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Evaluate yourself for irritable bowel disease. IBD causes an increase in the wave-like motions in the intestines (peristalsis), so stool is pushed through your intestines before it has a chance to fully form.
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Understand that too much of any food or beverage can cause diarrhea, because the intestinal balance of liquid to formed particles is disrupted. For example, if you eat only lettuce, you can expect to have diarrhea.
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Be aware that the sorbitol found in many diet foods causes diarrhea.
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Consider that your diarrhea may indicate a food allergy or sensitivity. For example, yogurt and whole milk, newly introduced into a diet, can cause diarrhea.
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Take an inventory of your other over-the-counter and prescription medications. Diarrhea is a common side effect of many drugs. Overuse of laxatives will also cause diarrhea.
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Consider that puppies, hamsters and ferrets harbor bacteria that can cause diarrhea in children.
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Tips & Warnings
Mild diarrhea is classified as one to three unformed stools in 24 hours.
Moderate diarrhea is classified as three to six unformed stools in 24 hours.
Severe diarrhea is classified as more then six unformed stools in 24 hours, accompanied with fever or possibly blood in the stools.
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by upsetting the normal microbial balance in the intestine. If you need to take antibiotics, you can combat diarrhea by eating yogurt, which contains a live active culture that restores this balance and prevents infection.
Contact your doctor if you have bloody diarrhea.
Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in youngsters and the elderly. If diarrhea persists longer than 24 hours, it is prudent to check with a physician.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
