Experiencing diarrhea occasionally is a common issue, often resolving within a few days. However, when diarrhea persists, it can be concerning and significantly disrupt your daily life. If you find yourself frequently asking, “Why Do I Keep Having Diarrhea?”, it’s essential to understand the potential reasons behind this persistent digestive problem. This article will explore the symptoms, differentiate between acute and persistent diarrhea, delve into the various causes of ongoing diarrhea, and highlight when it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms
Whether it’s a short-term bout or a recurring issue, the symptoms of diarrhea are generally consistent in both adults and children. These can include:
- Loose, watery stools occurring three or more times a day, or more frequently than your usual pattern.
- An urgent need to rush to the bathroom.
- Abdominal cramps or pain.
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence).
- Nausea.
- Unexplained weight loss, particularly with chronic diarrhea.
In some cases, diarrhea caused by infections can present additional symptoms like:
- Bloody stools.
- Fever and chills.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Vomiting.
It’s also important to be aware that diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malabsorption, which are serious complications that require attention.
Image alt text: Person clutching stomach in pain, illustrating abdominal cramps associated with diarrhea.
Dehydration and Malabsorption: Serious Diarrhea Complications
Diarrhea can deplete your body of fluids and nutrients, leading to dehydration and malabsorption. Recognizing the symptoms of these conditions is crucial for timely intervention.
Dehydration Symptoms
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration may include:
- Intense thirst or a dry mouth.
- Reduced urination.
- Fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Dark urine.
- Skin that slowly returns to normal after being pinched (decreased skin turgor).
- Sunken eyes or cheeks.
Infants and young children experiencing dehydration may also exhibit:
- No wet diapers for three hours or more.
- Absence of tears when crying.
- A sunken soft spot on the top of the head (fontanelle).
- Excessive drowsiness.
Malabsorption Symptoms
Malabsorption refers to the body’s impaired ability to absorb nutrients from food. Symptoms of malabsorption can include:
- Bloating.
- Changes in appetite.
- Increased gas.
- Loose, greasy, and foul-smelling stools.
- Weight loss or, in children, poor weight gain.
When to Seek Medical Help for Persistent Diarrhea
While occasional diarrhea might resolve on its own, persistent diarrhea warrants medical attention. Diarrhea can become dangerous if it results in severe dehydration, or it could be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
Consult a doctor promptly if you or someone you are caring for experiences any of the following:
- Changes in mental state, such as confusion or lethargy.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
- Black, tarry stools or stools containing blood or pus.
- Signs of dehydration.
Additional warning signs for adults include:
- Diarrhea lasting longer than two days.
- High fever (over 102°F or 39°C).
- Six or more loose stools within a 24-hour period.
Individuals who are pregnant, over 65, taking antibiotics, or have weakened immune systems should be particularly vigilant and contact their doctor if they develop diarrhea.
For infants and children, seek immediate medical attention if they have:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
- Any fever in infants or a high fever in older children.
- Refusal to eat or drink for several hours.
- Frequent loose stools.
Diarrhea poses a greater risk to newborns and infants and can lead to severe dehydration rapidly. If your child has diarrhea, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice, especially if they are under 12 months old, were born prematurely, or have pre-existing medical conditions. Immediate medical help is necessary if a child with diarrhea cannot drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Understanding the Causes: Why Do I Keep Having Diarrhea?
To address the question, “Why do I keep having diarrhea?”, it’s important to differentiate between acute and persistent or chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is short-lived, while persistent or chronic diarrhea lasts for several weeks or longer.
Acute Diarrhea: Short-Term Causes
Acute diarrhea often stems from:
- Viral Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as the “stomach flu,” viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by viruses.
- Food Poisoning: Contaminated food or drink can lead to food poisoning, causing digestive tract irritation and diarrhea. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are common culprits.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: Consuming contaminated food or water while traveling, particularly in areas with poor sanitation, can result in traveler’s diarrhea.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, cancer treatments, and liquid medicines with sugar alcohols, can cause acute diarrhea as a side effect.
Persistent and Chronic Diarrhea: Long-Term Underlying Issues
If you’re experiencing diarrhea that doesn’t resolve quickly, the cause might be related to:
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Infections: Some infections can lead to ongoing diarrhea. Even after the initial infection clears, digestive issues and persistent diarrhea can occur, sometimes due to difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates post-infection.
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Food Allergies and Intolerances: Food allergies (like to cow’s milk, soy, eggs, or seafood) and intolerances can trigger chronic diarrhea. Common intolerances include:
- Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products.
- Fructose Intolerance: Difficulty digesting fructose, found in fruits, honey, and many processed foods.
- Sucrose Intolerance: Inability to digest sucrose, or table sugar.
- Sugar Alcohols: Found in sugar-free candies and gums, these can cause diarrhea in some individuals.
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Digestive Tract Problems: Various digestive disorders can manifest as chronic diarrhea, including:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine.
- Microscopic Colitis: Inflammation of the large intestine that is only visible under a microscope.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Excess bacteria in the small intestine.
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Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction: Previously known as functional gastrointestinal disorders, these conditions involve miscommunication between the brain and gut, leading to symptoms like chronic diarrhea. Examples include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.
- Functional Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea without an identifiable underlying disease.
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Abdominal Surgery: Surgery involving the appendix, gallbladder, large or small intestine, liver, or pancreas can sometimes lead to chronic diarrhea. Stomach or esophageal surgery may result in dumping syndrome, with diarrhea as a potential symptom.
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Long-Term Medication Use: Prolonged use of certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the gut flora and increase the risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection, a cause of chronic diarrhea.
Diagnosing Persistent Diarrhea
If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea, your doctor will likely perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This may involve:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Discussing your symptoms, medical history, and medications.
- Stool Tests: To check for infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or signs of inflammation.
- Blood Tests: To assess for electrolyte imbalances, signs of infection, celiac disease, or IBD.
- Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: Procedures to visualize the upper or lower digestive tract and take biopsies if necessary.
- Food Allergy or Intolerance Testing: To identify potential dietary triggers.
- Imaging Tests: Such as CT scans or MRIs, in some cases, to rule out structural abnormalities.
Managing Persistent Diarrhea
Management strategies for persistent diarrhea depend on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Dietary Modifications: Avoiding trigger foods for intolerances or allergies, following a low-FODMAP diet for IBS, or dietary changes to manage malabsorption.
- Medications: Antibiotics or antiparasitics for infections, anti-diarrheal medications (used cautiously and under medical advice), medications to manage IBD or IBS, or probiotics to restore gut flora balance.
- Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement: Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids to correct dehydration.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to address structural problems contributing to diarrhea.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Persistent Diarrhea
Persistent diarrhea is a signal that something is not right within your digestive system. Asking “Why do I keep having diarrhea?” is the first step towards finding relief. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical help, you can take proactive steps to address this bothersome condition. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and a personalized management plan to improve your digestive health and overall well-being.
References
Last Reviewed September 2024
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
