In addition, you also may notice cramping, abdominal pain and other flulike symptoms, such as low-grade fever, achy or cramping muscles and headache. Bacterial or parasitic infestations sometimes cause bloody stools or a high fever. Infection-induced diarrhea can be extremely contagious. You can catch a viral infection by direct contact with an infected person. Food and water contaminated with bacteria or parasites also spread diarrheal infections.
Diarrhea can be a side effect of many medications, particularly antibiotics.
The artificial sweeteners sorbitol and mannitol found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products can cause diarrhea. About 40 to 50 percent of healthy people may have difficulty digesting these sweeteners. Chronic or recurrent diarrhea may signal a more serious underlying medical problem such as chronic infection or inflammatory bowel disease. Diarrhea caused by infections typically clears on its own without antibiotics. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal.