Diarrhea: Difference between revisions

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* Functional bowel disorders. Diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.
* Functional bowel disorders. Diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.


==The Complete List of Causes of Diarrhea==


* [[Lactose intolerance]]
* [[Lactose intolerance]]
* [[Pancreatic disease]]
* [[Pancreatic disease]]
* [[Short-bowel]] syndrome
* Short-bowel syndrome
* Postgastrectomy syndrome
* Postgastrectomy syndrome
* [[Hyperthyroidism]]
* [[Hyperthyroidism]]
* [[Cholestasis]]
* [[Cholestasis]]
* [[Celiac]] disease (gluten intolerance)
* [[Celiac disease]] (gluten intolerance)
* Other [[malabsorption]] syndromes
* Other [[malabsorption]] syndromes
* [[Inflammatory bowel disease]]
* [[Inflammatory bowel disease]]
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* Epidemic secretory [[Brainerd]] diarrhea
* Epidemic secretory [[Brainerd]] diarrhea


=References=
===References===
{{cite journal |author=Kruszka PS, Hall LW |title=Clinical inquiries. What is the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in immunocompetent patients? |journal=The Journal of family practice |volume=51 |issue=3 |pages=212 |year=2002 |pmid=11978230 |doi=}}


[[Category:Medical lists|Diarrhea]]
* {{cite journal |author=Kruszka PS, Hall LW |title=Clinical inquiries. What is the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in immunocompetent patients? |journal=The Journal of family practice |volume=51 |issue=3 |pages=212 |year=2002 |pmid=11978230 |doi=}}
 
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]

Revision as of 14:46, 7 January 2009

Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements.

Many things can cause diarrhea, which can make diagnosis complex. Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

  • Bacterial infections. Several types of bacteria consumed through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
  • Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis.
  • Food intolerances. Some people are unable to digest food components such as artificial sweeteners and lactose—the sugar found in milk.
  • Parasites. Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium.
  • Reaction to medicines. Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, cancer drugs, and antacids containing magnesium can all cause diarrhea.
  • Intestinal diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease often lead to diarrhea.
  • Functional bowel disorders. Diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

The Complete List of Causes of Diarrhea

References

  • Kruszka PS, Hall LW (2002). "Clinical inquiries. What is the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in immunocompetent patients?". The Journal of family practice. 51 (3): 212. PMID 11978230.