Diarrhea & Constipation

Diarrhea and constipation are common digestive issues that can cause significant discomfort. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management of these conditions is key to finding relief and maintaining digestive health.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It can be acute (lasting a few days) or chronic (lasting longer than four weeks).

Causes:

Infections:

• Viral Infections: Such as norovirus or rotavirus.
• Bacterial Infections: Such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter.
• Parasitic Infections: Such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium.

Food Sensitivities:

• Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
• Gluten Intolerance: Sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Medications:

• Antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut.
• Laxatives or certain cancer treatments.

Digestive Disorders:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition that affects bowel function, leading to diarrhea, constipation, or both.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the digestive tract.

Symptoms:

• Frequent, loose, and watery stools.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Urgency to have a bowel movement.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dehydration, characterized by dry mouth, dizziness, and dark urine.

Constipation

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week, or difficulty passing stool.

Causes:

Dietary Factors:

• Low Fiber Intake: A diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can make stool hard and difficult to pass.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Lack of physical activity.
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.

Medications:

• Opioids, certain antacids, antidepressants, and iron supplements.

Digestive Disorders:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Can cause constipation.
• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid can slow down metabolism, leading to constipation.
• Neurological Disorders: Such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, can affect bowel function.

Symptoms:

• Infrequent bowel movements (less than three times per week).
• Hard or lumpy stools.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation.
• Abdominal bloating or discomfort.