Diarrhea is a problem that can range from a minor inconvenience to a symptom of serious health problems.While acute diarrhea that lasts a few days often resolves on its own, chronic diarrhea that lasts a few weeks or longer usually signals the presence of an underlying disease.
Diarrhea, or diarrhea, is a disease characterized by frequent emptying of liquid or watery stools, often more than three times a day. It can range from mild and short-term to severe and potentially life-threatening, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Significant fluid loss can lead to dehydration, and excretion of large amounts of electrolytes (potassium, sodium and chloride ions) can lead to disruption of vital processes.
! Did you know that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal diseases were ranked as the 7th leading cause of death globally in 2021? This alarming statistic highlights the importance of understanding the causes of chronic and acute diarrhea. (1)
Acute diarrhea: causes and associated disorders
Acute diarrhea is a short-term condition characterized by the sudden onset of thin, watery stools that usually lasts less than two weeks. It is a common health problem that can affect people of all ages.
Common causes may include:
1. Infectious causes
- Viral infections: the main causative agents of acute diarrhea are noroviruses, rotaviruses and adenoviruses. Viral diarrhea is characterized by a combination of stool disturbance with fever and dyspepsia - a feeling of heaviness, abdominal distention, belching, heartburn and nausea.
- Bacterial infections: causative agents are Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridia difficile, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus. They enter the body through undercooked or contaminated food.
- Parasitic infections: caused by parasites such as Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium. Possible long-term diarrhoea.
2. Non-infectious causes
- Food poisoning: exposure to toxins in spoiled or contaminated food can cause sudden, severe diarrhoea, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Food intolerance and allergy: When the body is intolerant to any food or its components, such as lactose, gluten, casein or other allergens, the body is unable to digest certain ingredients.
- Medication side effects: Diarrhoea can be a side effect of certain medications, including antibiotics (which can disrupt the gut flora), magnesium-containing antacids and some chemotherapy drugs.
Chronic diarrhea: causes and associated disorders
Chronic diarrhoea is diarrhoea that lasts for more than two to four weeks and in which there are frequent bowel movements (more than 3 times a day). It is often a sign of an underlying health problem rather than an independent disease.
Living with chronic diarrhoea is very unpleasant as the urge to pass stools can occur at the most inopportune time, for example when travelling, at an important meeting or during a performance at the theatre.
Such diarrhea may signal a more complex problem that requires careful examination and treatment.
1. Gastrointestinal disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): especially with predominant diarrhoea (IBS-D). The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include recurrent abdominal pain and cramps, bloating and changes in stool frequency and consistency.
- Microscopic colitis: This inflammatory bowel disease cannot be detected without a biopsy because it does not show up on standard imaging. Symptoms include chronic watery diarrhea and is common in middle-aged adults, especially those taking non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO): Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is an absorption disorder that can also be associated with malabsorption.
- Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - GI tract (colitis, enterocolitis, Crohn's disease, non-specific ulcerative colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis). They may be accompanied by recurrent diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue.
2. Malabsorption syndrome
- Coeliac disease is a disease of the small intestine associated with the ingestion of gluten protein. In people with this disease, gluten entering the body causes an abnormal immune response. This damages the intestinal lining, leading to problems with nutrient absorption and chronic diarrhea. In celiac disease, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss occur.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Damage to the pancreas disrupts the production of digestive enzymes, leading to fatty stools (steatorrhoea), abdominal bloating and chronic diarrhoea.
3. Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Diabetic enteropathy: Refers to a disorder of intestinal function in diabetes mellitus, manifested by diarrhoea.
- Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid activity accelerates metabolism. Excessive thyroid activity may cause diarrhea or more frequent stools.
4. Psychological and stress factors
- Anxiety and stress: Anxiety can cause disturbances in intestinal peristalsis. Chronic stress can aggravate conditions such as IBS and contribute to the development of functional bowel disorders.
Diagnostics and testing
- Analyses: general and biochemical blood tests, urine and stool tests.
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity to detect functional disorders of excretory activity of the digestive organs and inflammatory processes in the digestive tract.
- Colonoscopy. Allows you to assess the inner walls of the intestine and detect damage or inflammation.
In conclusion, in the case of chronic diarrhea, it is essential to seek medical attention in order to identify the cause, effectively address it and initiate treatment to protect overall health and well-being. Chronic conditions can have extensive effects on the body that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and other serious complications if left untreated. For shorter episodes of diarrhea, consulting a physician is recommended if symptoms persist for more than a few days to ensure early intervention and avoid complications. In both cases, taking a dose of Enterosgel before consulting a physician can provide significant relief. For chronic diarrhea, it can help relieve symptoms until medical care can be secured, while for acute cases, it can potentially fully restore normalcy and improve quality of life for those diagnosed with IBS-D.