Diarrhea: everyone has experienced it, and no one likes it. You may know what it’s like, but do you know why it happens? Do you struggle with constant bouts of diarrhea? If so, you’re not alone, and it may help to know what you can do to avoid this pesky intestinal symptom. In this post, we’ll discuss the answers to the following questions: what are the main causes of diarrhea, how long should diarrhea last, and how do you get diarrhea to go away?
What Are the Main Causes of Diarrhea?
#1: Digestive Disorders
Disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and irritable bowel disorders (IBDs) like celiac disease, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis can all cause diarrhea symptoms.
#2: Parasites, Bacteria, and Viruses
Food poisoning from parasites and bacteria is a very real threat to everyone – this is why there are guidelines and standards in place for cooking meats and cleaning vegetables. When cooked or handled improperly, raw meat and vegetables can make us incredibly sick, passing harmful bacteria and parasites into the digestive system. Diarrhea can be a sign that your body is trying to get rid of harmful bacteria or parasites.
Viruses can also cause diarrhea; for example “Norwalk virus (also known as norovirus), enteric adenoviruses, astrovirus, cytomegalovirus[,] and viral hepatitis.” - Diarrhea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
#3: Traveler’s Diarrhea
While the exact cause isn’t known, it is suspected that, when traveling abroad, visitors will become ill and have diarrhea symptoms due to a dramatic change in gut flora from eating local foods. This may also be due to classic food poisoning, as mentioned above, depending on how your food was prepared or handled. This condition doesn’t usually last more than a week.
#4: Fructose and Lactose Intolerances
Some people have a hard time breaking fructose (compound sugars found in fruits) and lactose (compound sugars found in dairy) into its multiple glucose strains. For these people, irritation in the bowels might lead to an increase in digestion speed and a reduced absorption in an effort to expedite the defecation process.
Some people also have difficulty “digesting” certain artificial sweeteners. These molecules do not get absorbed by the body, so they should pass through the intestines without issue. However, if these sweeteners cause inflammation in your body, the end result could be – you guessed it – diarrhea.
#5: Medications, Specifically Antibiotics
Certain medications that have the following effects on the body tend to cause diarrhea:
Reduced water absorption
Intestinal irritation and inflammation
Increased stress and anxiety
Upset of the balance of beneficial microbes in the intestines
Bowel stimulation, leading to increased expulsion
#6: Unknown, Irregular Occasions
It’s completely normal to have diarrhea every once in a while and not be 100% sure why. Sometimes our bodies react to stress and food in a way that they don’t usually do; this doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
How Do You Get Diarrhea to Go Away?
While over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication is always an option, it’s usually better to monitor your symptoms without medicating – this way you’ll know whether your symptoms are getting better or worse. You can help your body recover by using the following techniques and contacting your doctor if these do not help:
Drink plenty of fluids – keep your urine light-colored and flowing
If you don’t have a bowel condition, eating a bland diet of high-fiber starches (brown rice) and lean meats can help; for example, brown rice and minimally seasoned chicken
Keep an eye out for blood in your diarrhea
Wipe gently (use a dabbing motion) or use disposable wipes
If your anal opening becomes irritated, hemorrhoid treatments work well
Take a probiotic with many different species of beneficial bacteria
But above all, know when to call your doctor.
How Long Should Diarrhea Last?
As mentioned above, some bouts of diarrhea will last up to a week. However, if you have unexplained diarrhea (you can’t place where it came from), you should contact your doctor after two days of no improvement or worsening of symptoms.
When to Call Your Doctor:
If you have bloody or black, tarry diarrhea
If you have severe abdominal pain, too
You also have signs of severe dehydration:
Excessive thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, minimal or no urination, weakness, feeling dizzy, extremely fatigued, or unable to stay awake
If you have a fever, specifically if it exceeds 102 degrees