It's hard to find someone who hasn't had a bowel movement at some point in their life, isn't it? Having to go to the bathroom several times a day and having watery stools is very uncomfortable and annoying. We often call this diarrhea. Usually, this condition subsides in about two to three days. But sometimes it can be serious. So today, let's talk about what the real causes of diarrhea or bowel movements are, and what things we should be concerned about.
First, let's see, what is diarrhea?
Simply put, diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools more than three times a day. There are two main types.
- Acute Diarrhea: This is the most common type of diarrhea. It usually resolves on its own within a few days to two weeks.
- Chronic Diarrhea: If someone has diarrhea that lasts for more than four weeks, we consider it chronic diarrhea. In such a situation, it is very important to see a doctor to find out the cause and get treatment.
The biggest concern with diarrhea is dehydration , which is the loss of water and salts from the body. This can be especially dangerous for young children and the elderly.
What are the main causes of diarrhea?
There are many causes of diarrhea, ranging from infections to certain medical conditions.
Infections
Most of the time, short-term diarrhea is caused by some kind of infection.
- Viruses: Viruses, especially those like Norovirus, can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. We also call this the "stomach flu ."
- Bacteria: Bacteria (e.g. E. coli, Salmonella) that are transmitted through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. When you get a stomach ache after eating food from a store, we call it 'food poisoning', right? That's what it is.
- Parasites: Parasites like Giardia, which come from unclean water sources, can also cause diarrhea.
These infections can be easily spread. Think about it, in places where there are small children, when they touch things and put their hands in their mouths, the virus can easily enter. Then there is a high chance that other people in the house will also get it. Also, you may have heard about "Traveler's Diarrhea" which is caused by drinking contaminated water when you travel abroad.
Does stress cause diarrhea?
This is a problem that many people have. Yes, when you are really stressed, afraid of something like an exam, or are very anxious, some people's bowel movements can change and cause diarrhea. Some people think that this is just a mental problem, but in fact, this happens because of the connection between our brain and intestinal system.
Different types of diarrhea and their causes
Diarrhea can come in many forms. Sometimes, we can get an idea of a certain medical condition based on the color and texture of the stool. Let's look at this table to understand this clearly.
| Type of diarrhea | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Chronic Diarrhea (Lasting more than 4 weeks) |
|
| Watery diarrhea | |
| Bloody diarrhea | |
| Yellow diarrhea |
The most important thing is that if you have blood in your stool, it is an emergency. In such a situation, you should not panic or delay, but immediately see a doctor or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Do medications and other things cause diarrhea?
Yes, some medications and things we take every day can cause diarrhea.
- Medications: Some antacids, laxatives, some antibiotics, chemotherapy for cancer, and radiation therapy to the abdomen can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Poisons: Diarrhea can also be caused by ingestion of poisons such as pesticides and some types of mushrooms. In such a case, it is very important to immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the National Hospital or go to a hospital.
Alcohol consumption and diarrhea
Drinking too much alcohol, especially beer and wine, can leave you feeling bloated the next day. Alcohol damages the cells in our digestive system, so the body tries to get rid of them quickly. This results in diarrhea.
Coffee (caffeine) and diarrhea
Caffeine is a stimulant. Drinking more than 2-3 cups of coffee a day can cause stomach upset in some people. Also, if you add milk or cream to your coffee and you have lactose intolerance, this can also cause diarrhea.
Take-Home Message
- Usually, diarrhea gets better in a few days. The most important thing at this time is to prevent dehydration . Therefore, drink plenty of fluids like juice, porridge, soup, and orange juice.
- If you have diarrhea for more than a few days , have a high fever, severe stomach cramps, or show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output), be sure to see your doctor.
- If you experience blood in your stool, consider it an emergency and seek medical advice immediately.
- If you experience frequent diarrhea, it is important to see a doctor to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing it.
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