Diarrhea

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

• Lactose intolerance
• Pancreatic disease
• Short-bowel syndrome
• Postgastrectomy syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Cholestasis
• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
• Other malabsorption syndromes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Infectious diseases
  • Viral Infection
    • Norwalk Virus
    • Rotavirus
    • Adenoviruses
  • Bacterial Infection
    • Salmonella
    • Shigella
    • Campylobacter
    • Vibrio cholerae
    • Entero-Aggregative Escherichia coli
    • Entero-Toxic Escherichia coli
    • Yersinia enterocolitica
    • Vibrio parahemolyticus
  • Protozoal Infection
    • Giardia lamblia
    • Entamoeba histolytica
    • Blastocystis
    • Dientamoeba fragilis
    • Cryptosporidium
    • Isospora
    • Cyclospora
    • Toxoplasmosis
    • Malaria
  • Multicellular Parasitic Diseases
    • Ascaris
    • Trichuris
    • Strongyloides
    • Filariasis
    • Toxocara
    • Echinococcosis
    • Cysticercosis
    • Tapeworms
    • Trematoda - Intestinal, lung, liver flukes
    • Schistosoma
    • Hookworm, pinworm
  • Fungal Diseases
    • Candida
• Ischemic colitis
• Radiation colitis
• Neoplasia
• Secretory diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Laxative abuse
• Congenital syndromes (chloridorrhea)
• Bacterial toxins
• Drugs and poisons
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Neoplasia
• Addison's disease
• Epidemic secretory Brainerd 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.