Diarrhea, while certainly not pleasant, generally clears up on its own after one or two days. However, during this time, it is normal to experience abdominal cramping, as you make frequent trips to the bathroom. A variety of causes are responsible for this condition, and being aware of these causes may help prevent this condition from afflicting you.
The Food You Eat
Many times, the food you eat can cause diarrhea to occur. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology states that some people are allergic to milk and dairy products, otherwise known as lactose intolerance. Ingesting even small amounts of the sugar lactose found in these products can result in episodes of diarrhea.
Others may experience the same problem when eating large amounts of fatty foods or when eating foods containing the chemical capsaicin, such as hot peppers. In these cases, diarrhea may strike the morning after.
Viruses
One of the most common causes of diarrhea is one of the various viruses that cause infections in the intestinal tract. The most common viruses responsible for these infections, as stated by the Mayo Clinic, are norwalk virus, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus and the herpes simplex virus. In children, the most common virus is the rotovirus, which is responsible for the stomach flu.
Medications
Both Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology and the Mayo Clinic concur that certain medications can contribute to spells of diarrhea, the most common type of medication being antibiotics. This is because antibiotics destroy both the good and bad bacteria in the body, disturbing the natural balance in the intestines. The result is diarrhea. Beware, it can take up to one month for diarrhea to develop after taking antibiotics.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions affecting the intestines may also be responsible for diarrhea. These include ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, colon cancer, Crohn's disease and celiac disease. These are all serious disorders that require medical attention and treatment before the diarrhea will end. While other symptoms accompany these diseases, if you experience diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, seek the advice of your doctor.
