No one is exempt from diarrhea. Whether it be from an infection that is making its way around your community or because of something you ate, at some point or another, you are bound to suffer from it. While definitely unpleasant, it may help to know what some of the most common causes of this condition are.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause both diarrhea and constipation, and is one of the most common causes of both acute and chronic diarrhea. In certain situations, the patient may alternate between the two symptoms. Pain, which typically occurs in the lower left area of the abdomen, presents itself in the form of cramps and can be mild or severe. Prior to the diarrhea appearing, the patient may feel an extreme sense of urgency and then usually unable to void the bowels completely.
Medications
Loose stools may also be caused by certain medications. The one type of medication that seems to be the most problematic is antibiotics. This class of drugs upsets the balance between "good" and "bad" bacteria in the body. While destroying the bacteria responsible for the infection they were prescribed for, they also have a tendency to destroy bacteria needed by the body. Herbs and dietary supplements may also be the culprit, so it's also better to speak to a doctor before beginning anything new.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions, the two most common being ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These conditions develop due the body's immune system attacking the digestive tract. Aside from diarrhea, additional symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain and cramps, fever, blood in the stools and anemia. Additional symptoms of Crohn's disease include mouth sores, weight loss, abdominal pain and fever.
Infections
Intestinal infections are yet another common cause of diarrhea and are caused by bacteria and parasites in contaminated food and water, according to the Mayo Clinic. The bacteria E. coli and salmonella are commonly found in food sources and are the bacteria frequently responsible for these infections. Intestinal infections are commonly seen among those who live in tropical areas or countries that are underdeveloped. Traveler's diarrhea is a common problem for those who travel to these areas.
