Acute diarrhea is the sudden onset of a loose, watery stool that may be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Chronic diarrhea is ongoing and usually related to an underlying disease or medication regimen. Chronic or acute diarrhea has the potential to cause dehydration or an electrolyte balance.
Acute Appendicitis
When the appendix becomes inflamed, the first symptom is usually abdominal pain that begins subtly and increases to extremely sharp. As the appendicitis progresses, the pain localizes above the appendix on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Symptoms that appear with the delay in removal of an infected appendix include nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea.
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, reports that removal of the appendix is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in the United States. Recovery is usually quick, if the appendix has not ruptured. In a ruptured appendix, possible complications include an abscess and infection of the wound site.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a source of motivation when it is at a level to inspire productivity. When stress elevates to unrelenting, it can lead to anxiety. Symptoms that often accompany stress and anxiety include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and dry mouth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Efforts to reduce the effects of stress include rest, exercise, limited caffeine and a healthy diet. Emergency care is needed if thoughts of suicide, crushing chest pain, or dizziness and a rapid heartbeat accompany the stress and anxiety.
Antibiotics
The type of antibiotic used depends on the specific type and location of the bacterial infection. Antibiotics contain bacteria that target the microorganisms causing the infection. Cultures may be required to identify the antibiotic most likely to destroy the infection.
Common side effects of antibiotic treatment include diarrhea, upset stomach and inflammation of the colon, reports Merck Manual, an online medical library. Abdominal distress and diarrhea are a listed side effect of all cephalosporins, penicillins, sulfonamides and clindamycin.
Food Allergy
Food allergy symptoms occur because of the immune system overreacting to a food with symptoms that range from mild and uncomfortable to severe and life threatening. The most common food allergens, as reported by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, include the proteins in eggs, soy, cow's milk, wheat, tree nuts and shellfish.
Diarrhea and vomiting may accompany food allergies. The AAAAI also reports that about 20 percent of children with peanut allergies and 9 percent with tree nut allergies will outgrow the allergy.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis, a highly contagious inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is the result of a virus such as rotaviruses, adenoviruses and noroviruses. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Treatment consists of maintaining adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best prevention for viral gastroenteritis infection includes frequent hand-washing and disinfection of contaminated surfaces.
References
- MedlinePlus: Appendicitis Is Common
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain From Stress and Anxiety
- Merck Manual: Antibiotics and Diarrhea
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Common Food Allergies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Viral Gastroenteritis Prevention
