What Infections & Diseases Cause Diarrhea?

A person with diarrhea passes watery, loose stools more than three times a day. Diarrhea can last a few days and may resolve without treatment, but, if prolonged, diarrhea can lead to serious side effects. Diarrhea is caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, food intolerances and intestinal diseases or disorders.

Gastroenteritis

• Sometimes referred to as the "stomach flu," gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Despite its nickname, gastroenteritis is not a type of flu but an illness spread by ingestion of contaminated water or food and contact with an infected person. Symptoms of gastroenteritis can include diarrhea, headache, vomiting, chills, fever and abdominal pain.

Food Poisoning

• Food contaminated with bacteria, parasites or viruses causes food poisoning. Contaminated food can have microorganisms on it when you buy it, can be infected during the processing or packaging, or can occur if food is not kept warm or cold enough. Symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and abdominal cramps.

Celiac Disease

• Celiac disease is a genetic disease in which your small intestine is damaged by ingesting foods with gluten. Gluten is found in many food and non-food substances including barley, rye, wheat, vitamins and the glue on envelopes and stamps. Symptoms of celiac disease differ from person to person, but can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, gas, tiredness, mood changes, weight loss, slowed growth and an itchy skin rash with blisters.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the intestines. It can be disabling due to the symptoms, but it doesn't cause permanent damage to the intestines. The main symptoms of IBS manifest in the abdomen as pain, bloating and discomfort. Additional symptoms include frequent diarrhea and constipation, sometimes alternating between the two.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is a disorder that causes irritation and swelling in the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines due to ulcer formations. The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, anemia, weight loss, skin problems and fever. In children, Crohn's disease can slow growth and development.

  In ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation occur in the colon and rectum. The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis include fatigue, anemia, weight loss, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, skin lesions and joint pain. This condition can also cause slowed growth in children. Symptoms of this disorder can range from mild to severe.

Lactose Intolerance

• Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest foods containing lactose because you do not have enough lactase enzyme, necessary for the breakdown of lactose. Milk, butter, cheese, cream and whey all contain lactose. After you ingest foods containing lactose you may experience diarrhea, upset stomach, gas and swelling of your stomach.

Warnings

• Contact your physician if your diarrhea is accompanied by a fever of greater than 102 ̊ F, if you have blood in your stools, if your diarrhea persists for more than three days, or if you develop severe pain in your rectum or abdomen.

  Drink plenty of fluids to replace those fluids lost with diarrhea because dehydration is a potentially serious side effect. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, fatigue, decreased urination, lightheadedness and dark-colored urine.

  This article is meant as an educational tool, not to diagnose symptoms.