What is Diarrhea? Causes and Types of Diarrhea and How to Treat it

Diarrhea is a symptom of disruption to your digestive system, and you might be surprised how easy it is to tip the sensitive balance.

The term diarrhea, refers to loose and watery stools three or more times in one day, lasting typically 2 to 3 days. Types of diarrhea differ from acute, persistent or chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea lasts a short time and is considered a common problem. If symptoms of diarrhea last more than a few days, it could be a sign of a more severe and continual problem.¹

Diarrhea is usually a symptom of an intestinal tract infection, and can be caused by a variety of bacterial, parasitic and viral organisms. Contaminated food or drinking-water are some of the main reasons for infections to spread, or from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene.²

 What causes Diarrhea? 

Sometimes the cause of Diarrhea can not be inferred, especially if it lasts only a few days. 
Finding the cause of diarrhea is only necessary if the issue persists. Here are five of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea.

• Bacteria and parasites from the consumption of contaminated water or food can result in diarrhea.²

• Flu, Rotavirus and other viruses can cause heat-induced diarrhea in children.³

• Food sensitivities and intolerances like lactose intolerance cause problems digesting particular foods or ingredients, which can lead to diarrhea.⁴

• Colon, small intestine, irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases that affect the stomach are also common causes of diarrhea.⁴

• Some foods like fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods and greasy foods can aggravate symptoms of diarrhea in children.⁴

• Some antibiotics, cancer treatment drugs and antacids that contain magnesium.⁵

 How does digestion work? 

To understand more about Diarrhea, you first need to know a bit about your digestive system and how it works, as well as what happens when we tip the balance of a sensitive digestive system and cause an upset stomach.

When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluid pass regularly from the stomach into the small intestine. Food is then broken down, and nutrients are absorbed along with most of the fluid. The remaining waste and some water pass into the colon (large intestine) where more water is absorbed, and finally, the waste is passed in the form of stools.

When the cells in your small intestine or colon are irritated, the coordinated and regular movement of your intestines can become overactive. Essential salts and fluids end up being passed through the colon too quickly, with less fluid being absorbed by the body. The result is loose or watery stools, commonly known as diarrhea.

IMODIUM^® for diarrhea contains an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works in harmony with your body to calm the intestines and help restore the natural rhythm and movement of your digestive system. This enables the body to start absorbing fluids, salts, and nutrients as it normally would, helping you get back on track to feeling like yourself again.  

 Infections and Diarrhea 

 Infectious Diarrhea 

There are many infections that can cause Diarrhea. One of the most common causes of diarrhea is Norovirus, a form of gastroenteritis that is often referred to as the winter vomiting bug. This form of Diarrhea can also occur if you eat or drink contaminated food or water, so it’s important to keep an eye on good hygiene, especially when travelling. Children are susceptible to a similar virus called Rotavirus.

 Non-infectious Diarrhea 

This form of Diarrhea is more common, as it’s caused by many of the triggers that we face every day, like certain foods or even stress. While most people only experience Diarrhea from time to time, some people can get it rather more often and persistently, so it’s important to find a treatment that works fast. It’s also a good idea to discover the food and lifestyle tips that work for you to help strengthen your overall digestive health.

 Other Types of Diarrhea 

According to the World Health Organization, there are three clinical types of diarrhea: acute watery diarrhea, acute bloody diarrhea and persistent diarrhea. Acute diarrhea lasts several hours or days, and it includes cholera. Other types include persistent diarrhea, which lasts 14 days and acute bloody diarrhea– also referred to as dysentery.²

 How to prevent and treat Diarrhea? 

There are main measures that can help prevent diarrhea. Some of which are using refined sanitation, drinking safe and clean water, rotavirus vaccination and practising proper personal and food hygiene.² The good news is, whatever type of acute diarrhea you have and whatever the cause is, you can treat it - and fast. Know how IMODIUM^® helps you manage Diarrhea. It works in harmony with your body to quickly restore the natural rhythm and process of your digestive system, so you can start to feel better and get on with your day.

References:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea... - November 2016
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease - May 2017
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5858916/ - Nov 2017
https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/ - October 2002
http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/diarrhea-and-chemotherapy... - May 2020