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Types and Causes of Diarrhoea1

Diarrhoea can be classified into different types below:

Acute diarrhoea
Loose, watery diarrhoea which lasts 1-2 days; most common; does not need treatment; is self-limiting (goes away after a few days)

Persistent diarrhoea
Persists for 2-4 weeks

Chronic diarrhoea
Lasts for more than 4 weeks or regularly comes and goes over a prolonged period of time

 

Causes of Diarrhoea2

Viruses
Rotavirus is common in childhood; norovirus, enteric adenoviruses, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis virus, and even SARS-CoV2.

Lactose intolerance
Inability to digest lactose leading to diarrhoea.

Bacteria and parasites
Exposure is through contaminated food or water.

Artificial sweeteners
Sorbitol, mannitol, and erythritol are commonly found in sugar free products.

Medications
Antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, magnesium-containing antacids.

Other digestive disorders
Chronic diarrhoea may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis.

 

 

References

  1. Diarrhea. Accessed on 25 Jul 2022 at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108diarrhea
  2. Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes. Accessed on 18 Jul 2022 at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241#:~:text=Diarrhea%20%E2%80%94%20loose%2C%20watery%20and%20possibly,more%20than%20a%20few%20days.