Diarrhea itself is uncomfortable and annoying, causing a person to make frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the day and night. Aside from loose, watery stools, he may suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, cramps and blood in the stool, as MayoClinic.com explains. Infrequent diarrhea, also known as acute diarrhea, comes on suddenly and usually clears up on its own. Its causes vary, from bacteria to bowel disorders. If it persists beyond three days, a person should seek medical advice.
Bacteria
Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are common causes of acute diarrhea. A person can easily ingest these by consuming undercooked foods such as poultry, or drinking raw milk. E.coli is in fact the leading cause of bloody diarrhea, especially among children, older people and those with weak immune systems from another illness, according to FamilyDoctor.org. MayoClinic.com adds that these bacteria are commonly found in underdeveloped countries with poor sanitation.
Certain Medications
Some medications can result in an acute case of diarrhea, either as a side effect or as a disturbance in the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines. As MayoClinic.com explains, antibiotics are one of the most common culprits. Intestines have a certain amount of good bacteria at all times. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, disturbing the natural balance. This results in acute diarrhea.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out. Vomiting, fever and abdominal pain frequently accompany diarrhea with this virus, which tends to last between three and eight days. The most common treatment for this virus, in most cases, is keeping the child hydrated, although this depends on the severity of his symptoms. For some children, especially infants and toddlers, dehydration poses the greatest danger and risk of hospitalization. MayoClinic.com adds that dehydration is a life-threatening condition regardless of its cause.
Lactose Intolerance
A person who is lactose intolerant is unable to digest milk or dairy products. These contain lactose, a sugar found only in these products. This intolerance occurs as a result of a lactase deficiency. This is an enzyme the body produces to break lactose down, making it digestible. When digestion does not occur, the lactose sits in the stomach where bacteria breaks it down instead. As it sits in the stomach, it causes bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea, according to KidsHealth.org.
