Individuals with diarrhea will have loose, watery stools, which will last for a day or two and go away on their own. However, if it lasts longer, you may have a serious problem. Diarrhea is either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). This guide will discuss its common causes to help relieve its symptoms.

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea, commonly caused by the consumption of unsafe water or contaminated food, will last for only 1–2 days. The condition may also occur if you get sick because of a virus.

Chronic diarrhea may last several weeks and could be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, another health problem. Moreover, certain parasites or celiac disease or Crohn’s disease also cause chronic diarrhea.

Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea usually happens when a virus enters your gut and is also called stomach flu or intestinal flu. Some other common causes of the condition include laxative abuse, some cancers, some cancers, allergy to specific foods, malabsorption (trouble with nutrient absorption in the body), and surgery of the digestive system.

People Vulnerable to Diarrhea

Anyone is vulnerable to diarrhea, so it’s not uncommon for several individuals to experience the condition many times a year. Since the condition is not associated with serious symptoms, it’s generally not a big concern for many people.

But diarrhea is likely to be serious in some groups of people, such as those having medical conditions, older adults, and young children. Among each of these people, diarrhea can have slightly different symptoms.

Can Antibiotics Cause Diarrhea

Another cause of diarrhea is the intake of antibiotics, as they can affect the balance of bacteria present in the intestines. This allows certain bacteria, such as C. difficult, to thrive. Once this happens, your colon may become overrun by harmful, pathologic bacteria causing colitis (colon lining inflammation).

Antibiotics causing diarrhea may begin shortly after you start taking the antibiotic. When experiencing this side effect, get in touch with your healthcare professional to discuss the most suitable option to relieve the condition.

If you’re having trouble affording your diarrhea medication, let us help you qualify for a prescription assistance program at Advocate My Meds. We offer full-service prescription assistance programs for both underinsured and uninsured individuals having health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and more. We also offer Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson prescription assistance.

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