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The most common cause of acute diarrhea is infection of the digestive system, which includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The infection could be caused by a wide range of sources, ranging from bacteria, viruses, parasites, to certain medicines and food that pose harm to the gastric system. Normally, the infection lasts for about two days and it is known as the “stomach flu”.

Infectious Sources of Acute Diarrhea

--Viruses

Viral infection of the stomach and small intestine is by far the most common type of acute diarrhea in the nation. Symptoms of viral infection include abdominal cramp, nausea, and vomiting leading to acute diarrhea. Viral infection is generally transmitted through person to person contact.

--Bacteria

Bacterial pathogens such as E.Coli and Salmonella cause watery or bloody diarrhea by invading the small intestines. Food-borne bacterial infections are more common in underdeveloped countries.

· --Parasites

Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium are usually transmitted by through contaminated drinking water. However, parasitic infections do not commonly cause diarrhea.

Non-infectious Sources of Acute Diarrhea

--Food poisoning, allergies or intolerance

Bacteria found in the food or the digestive system can release chemicals that may result in food poisoning. These chemicals can cause stomach discomfort, cramps and vomiting.

Food intolerance and food allergies to spicy or fatty food can also provoke diarrhea.

--Medications

The medications that most frequently cause diarrhea include antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that have magnesium.

· --Malabsorption

If the colon is not able to absorb liquids from the foods you eat, then loose and watery stools may form.

Other causes of diarrhea include:

Radiation therapy
Hyperthyroidism
Laxative or alcohol abuse
Diabetes

Chronic Diarrhea

There are four forms of chronic diarrhea:

1. --Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain and cramping, and constipation. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known. However, it is believed that irritable bowel syndrome may result if food passes too quickly through the colon. IBS can occur at any age and it is found to be twice as common in women as in men.

2. --Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, which result from the inflammation of the small intestine and colon. While ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon, Crohn’s disease involves inflammation in any part of the digestive tract. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, anemia, and bloody diarrhea.

3. --Colon cancer

People who have inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

4. --Endocrine diseases

Diseases affecting endocrine glands that secrete hormone may result in diarrhea.

References:

1. Fiscella, Richard and Michael Kirk Jensen. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 17 Diarrhea. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.

2. Louise Chang, MD. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diarrhea-10/symptoms-serious, 2011

3. Mayo clinic staffs, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diarrhea/DS00292, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010

4. MedlinePlus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19659.htm

5. http://www.drugs.com/cg/acute-diarrhea.html, 2010-2011

6. NDDIC (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse) http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/, 2011

7. WebMD.http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_and_medical_reference/digestive_disorders/diarrhea.jpg, 2011

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