On average, people suffer from diarrhea approximately four times a year, and the cause is usually a viral or bacterial infection, or perhaps a food intolerance. This is referred to as acute diarrhea and usually passes within one or two days. Those who suffer from diarrhea longer than this are said to have chronic diarrhea, a condition that may be caused by a chronic disease. In these cases, once the underlying problem is treated, the diarrhea usually will end.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease and develop when the body's immune system begins to attack certain parts of the digestive tract. This disease is one of the most common reasons for chronic diarrhea.
The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease, according to Up To Date, include mouth sores, stomach pain, fever and weight loss.
Additional symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody stools, cramps, fever and abdominal pain.
Medications
Some medications, including over-the-counter herbs and supplements, may be the underlying cause for your incessant diarrhea. The Mayo Clinic states that antibiotics are the most common culprit when medications are involved, due to the fact they destroy both good and bad bacteria. This in turn disturbs the normal balance of bacteria in your intestines, sometimes resulting in diarrhea that seems never-ending and can be severe.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Another common cause of chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) not only causes diarrhea but constipation as well. In fact, you may find that your body is alternating between the two. What's worse, just prior to having the diarrhea, you may experience a sensation of urgency, and then when you reach the bathroom, you may feel as though you have not completely finished. You may also feel cramping in your lower left abdominal region that ranges in severity.
Infections
These can include both bacterial and viral infections, which are more common causes of chronic diarrhea in countries still developing. While this may reduce the risk for those living in the United States, if you travel to tropical areas or to underdeveloped countries, you may become infected, especially when drinking contaminated water or milk that is not pasteurized.
