Diarrhea is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the main causes of diarrhea include:
Gastrointestinal infections: The most common cause of diarrhea is an infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. These types of infections can be contracted through contaminated food or water, or by person-to-person contact.
Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and laxatives.
Food intolerances or allergies: Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance can cause diarrhea. Also, some people may have an allergic reaction to certain foods.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diarrhea can cause chronic diarrhea.
Hormonal disorders: Some hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause diarrhea.
Malabsorption: In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by malabsorption, which is when the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from food properly.
It's important to know that diarrhea can have different causes, and sometimes the cause is not clear. A healthcare professional will be able to evaluate your symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.