The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse defines diarrhea as loose watery stools that pass at least three times per day. Persistent diarrhea can eventually lead to dehydration and cause the body to function improperly. Acute diarrhea, which lasts one to two days, usually indicates a type of viral, bacterial or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea, which lasts more than two days, is usually caused by a more serious chronic condition.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a food-borne illness that occurs as a result of eating food that is contaminated with infectious organisms, such as bacteria, fungi or parasites. The infectious organism gives off a toxic substance that causes sickness when ingested. Meat, poultry and ready-to-eat produce are common carriers of infectious organisms and cross-contamination---the transfer of organisms between surfaces---is the most common method of transmission, according to Mayo Clinic. Someone experiencing food poisoning will have watery diarrhea, along with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue and fever. Symptoms can last from one to 10 days, depending on the type of infection. Most cases of food poisoning do not require treatment and resolve within a couple of days. Water and electrolyte intake should be increased. Certain type of food poisoning may require a series of antibiotics. In rare cases, an infected individual must stay at the hospital and receive intravenous fluids until symptoms resolve.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and most dairy products. In order to digest lactose, the enzyme lactase, which is made by the small intestine, must be present in the body. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the small intestine does not make enough lactase. Lactose intolerance is usually a natural process that affects millions and occurs as a result of increasing age. Occasionally, lactose intolerance develops as a result of other digestive diseases or after bowel surgery, according to Medline Plus. Those whom are lactose intolerant experience symptoms after ingestion of a food or beverage containing lactose, such as milk or yogurt. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, malnutrition, nausea and weight loss. Removing milk and dairy products from the diet is usually sufficient in treating the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Because dairy products are the highest source of calcium and contain other important nutrients, such as vitamin D, riboflavin and protein, it is important to add other sources of these nutrients or take a supplement.
Celiac Disease
The small intestine is lined with small hair-like projections called villi. Villi allow for nutrients to be absorbed through the small intestine and into the bloodstream. In those with celiac disease, the villi in the small intestine are damaged. In addition to this, the body responds abnormally to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and cannot tolerate it. Symptoms of celiac disease occur after the ingestion of foods that contain gluten. These symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, joint pain, fatigue and numbness in the hands and feet, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A gluten-free diet is the only way to treat celiac disease.
