5 Common Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

No matter who you are, diarrhea is never a pleasant experience. Dealing with it occasionally is horrible, but some of us may experience it chronically. Not only is it a worrying occurrence, but it is an occurrence that makes it hard to function normally. Nobody wants to be worried that they will be unable to go out without finding themselves stuck in a restroom. 

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There are a variety of causes for chronic diarrhea, some of which can be treated. Most of these causes require a change in diet or a particular medication. You don’t have to worry that your chronic diarrhea will always occur. It might be due to one of the reasons below. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea. IBS causes crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS can sometimes develop after having an infection. Irritable bowel syndrome can also be caused by your nervous system, muscle contractions in the intestine, inflammation in the intestines, or from changes in bacteria in the intestines. There is no cure for IBS, but it can be regulated with changes to the diet and certain medications. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

While there are many different types of inflammatory bowel diseases, the two most common are Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions develop when the body’s immune system attacks part of the digestive tract. Inflammatory bowel disease can cause diarrhea, fever, fatigue, cramping, bloody stool, reduced appetite, and unintended weight loss. Sometimes, surgical treatment can help with inflammatory bowel diseases, like ulcerative colitis, but others may require a lifestyle change or medication. 

Infections

Intestinal infections are another cause of chronic diarrhea. These infections can develop after eating contaminated food, contaminated water, or raw milk. These can also occur from an infection like bacterial stomach flu. The stomach flu is often treated with antibiotics, but with other types of infections, a person may need a different type of medication. An infection may cause a person severe cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. A person may feel that they are unable to eat at all during these types of infections due to the resulting vomiting or diarrhea. 

Excess Sugar or Caffeine 

Diarrhea is often due to something in the diet being taken in excess, like excess sugar or caffeine. Caffeine-containing drinks have the potential to act as a laxative. Two or more cups of coffee, tea, or soda will usually cause diarrhea. Even decaffeinated drinks could still contain the chemicals that loosen stool.

Certain sugars can also cause diarrhea. The artificial sugar sorbitol is often used as a sweetener. Sorbitol is used in diet gums and candy, as well as in sugar substitutes for coffee and tea. Even though it has no calories, it can still act as a laxative in large amounts. 

Lactose Intolerance 

Lactose intolerance can be the cause of chronic diarrhea for certain people. Lactose is a sugar that is found in cow’s milk. In order to properly digest lactose, the body requires the presence of an enzyme (lactase) in the small intestine’s wall. Without this, a person may find that dairy products cause chronic diarrhea and upset their stomachs. Treating lactose intolerance usually means eliminating lactose products from the diet. 

Find out Why You Have Chronic Diarrhea 

Do you think that your chronic diarrhea may be linked to one of the reasons above? Do you still have no clue why you are experiencing chronic diarrhea? A medical professional can help you find out what is causing your diarrhea and how to help stop it. BASS Urgent Care has quick help available for you. With our services, we can help you understand the root of your chronic diarrhea and supply you with the proper treatment.  With BASS Urgent Care, we are always on alert and ready to help you feel better. 

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