Watery diarrhea refers to debilitating symptoms that can make people extremely dehydrated. Sometimes, an infection can reach the intestines and lead to this symptom. In some instances, the bowels can become inflamed and lead to watery diarrhea. Fortunately, the causes of watery diarrhea can be managed.
Celiac Disease
The Mayo Clinic says that celiac disease refers to a condition in which individuals cannot process gluten within their body. Gluten is a protein found in such foods as pizza crusts, bread, pasta, wheat and rye.
Celiac disease symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach pain and bloating. It can also lead to muscle cramps, mouth sores, stomach problems and tingling in the feet and legs. Other symptoms of this disease include depression, irritability, anemia, joint pain and a skin rash.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of celiac disease is not known but it is an inherited disease. Treating celiac disease involves avoiding foods containing gluten. This will decrease the inflammation that occurs in the intestines.
Cholera
MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that cholera is an infection of the small intestine associated with sudden watery and profuse diarrhea, a lack of tears, fatigue and decreased urine output. Cholera can also lead to quick dehydration, vomiting, a lack of tears, dry skin and dry mucus membranes. This condition can also lead to a rapid pulse, sleepiness, excessive thirst and nausea.
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae causes cholera. Treating cholera involves rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics can also be taken to treat cholera.
Crohn's disease
The Mayo Clinic says that Crohn's disease refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disease associated with such symptoms as watery diarrhea, stomach cramping and stomach pain. Sometimes, Crohn's disease can also lead bloody stool, ulcers, reduced appetite, fever and delayed growth in children.
Unfortunately, the cause for Crohn's disease is not known but mutations in the gene NOD2 and a bacteria or virus can lead to Crohn's disease.
Treating Crohn's disease involves taking such drugs as corticosteroids, mesalamine or sulfasalazine. These medications are utilized to decrease inflammation. Crohn's disease can also be treated with infliximab, azathioprine or adalimunab. These medications work to decrease the activity of the immune system. Antibiotics such as metronidazole and ciprofloxacin can also be used to manage Crohn's disease. Sometimes, anti-diarrheal medications and surgery may be needed to manage Crohn's disease.
