Running, loose stool, clinically known as diarrhea, affects most people at some point in their lives. Aside from watery stool, other symptoms of diarrhea include stomach cramps, severe stomach pain and bloating. When a stomach infection is present, people with diarrhea may develop a fever. Diarrhea generally lasts for one or two days, but can last longer if a chronic medical condition is present in the body.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Diarrhea is often due to the onset of bacterial and viral infections, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Viruses and bacteria can enter the body through food, water and open wounds. Poor hygiene and sexual contact also cause bacteria and viruses in the body. Salmonella, E. Coli, Campylobacter and Shigella are bacteria that people consume through contaminated food, and loose stool is a primary sign that one of these types of bacteria is present in the body. Rotavirus, norovirus and cytomegalovirus cause diarrhea as well, and are transmitted through food, water, and by coming into contact with contaminated objects, people and surfaces.
Drugs
Prescription, recreational and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbs can also cause running, loose stool. According to the Better Medicine website, diarrhea occurs when the stomach cannot properly absorb the substances being taken in. The stomach’s inability to absorb certain substances can cause the intestines to react by ceasing to absorb intestinal fluids. The excess water in the intestines is what leads to diarrhea. Laxatives and stool softeners cause stomach pains and diarrhea as well because they also increasing the water volume in the intestines.
Medical Conditions
Gastrointestinal medical conditions often cause loose, watery stool. Irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, appendicitis, Crohn’s disease and colitis are conditions that often cause diarrhea. Because individuals with these conditions typically have chronic diarrhea, they are often dehydrated and have continuous pain in their abdomen. They also may have an ongoing fever, rectal bleeding, electrolyte imbalances and anemia, notes Bettermedicine.com. These conditions are serious and require treatment by doctors.
Getting Help
Diarrhea typically lasts for a few days and goes away on its own. If it lasts for longer than two days, and contains pus, mucus or blood, consult your medical practitioner. Infants and children with diarrhea should receive immediate medical attention. Diarrhea can cause severe dehydration in children, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Doctors treat diarrhea by replacing electrolytes and lost fluids, and by prescribing medications containing ingredients that will stop it, such as loperamide, found in Imodium, and bismuth subsalicylate, which is found in Pepto Bismol.
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