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Diarrhea or Frequent Bowel Movements – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Diarrhea, characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements, is a common symptom that can be indicative of various underlying causes and related conditions
Common Causes of Diarrhea or Frequent Bowel Movements
Gastroenteritis: Infections, often viral or bacterial, can irritate the intestines, leading to acute diarrhea. Rotavirus and norovirus are common viral culprits.
Food Poisoning: Consumption of contaminated food or water can cause acute diarrhea due to bacterial toxins like Salmonella or E. coli.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea due to intestinal inflammation.
Malabsorption Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease or lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhea when certain foods are consumed.
Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics or laxatives, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and cause diarrhea.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can affect bowel function, leading to diarrhea, especially in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
Traveler’s Diarrhea: Exposure to unfamiliar bacteria or parasites while traveling can result in acute diarrhea.
Bowel Infections: Parasitic infections like Giardiasis or Amebiasis can lead to chronic diarrhea.
Medication Side Effects: Some drugs, including chemotherapy medications or antacids containing magnesium, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
Proper evaluation of diarrhea often involves a medical history, physical examination, stool tests, and, in some cases, endoscopic procedures or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause. Emirates Hospitals offers specialized gastrointestinal care to diagnose and manage the specific condition causing diarrhea, ensuring appropriate treatment and relief for patients. Early diagnosis is crucial to address any underlying medical conditions and provide effective management.