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What are potential causes of diarrhea?

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Topics (Tags):

Bowel Movement Loose Stools Pepto-bismol Diarrhea Loose Bowels Side Effects Hydrocortisone Cream Lactinex

Topics:

Bowel Movement X Loose Stools X Pepto-bismol X Diarrhea X Loose Bowels X Side Effects X Hydrocortisone Cream X Lactinex X

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Answers (4)

JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 11 / 08 / 2010

2 vote(s) by member7472 , murray

Potential causes of diarrhea are:
- cancer medications
- bacteria, viruses, parasites
- some foods
- diseases that affect the digestive system.

Consult a physician if you are dehydrated, have abdominal or rectal pain, have a fever, or blood in your stool.

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member4203 (Nurse (Verified) ) - 01 / 12 / 2011

1 vote(s) by murray

All of the answers by (JKJones) and (ThorAssociates) noted and should be kept in mind. One of the most severe causes of diarrhea that can lead to rapid dehydration, especially in older and younger patients is caused by "C.diff" or Clostridium Difficile. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_difficile

The most common tests in the hospital for C. diff is the (EIA)(enzyme immunoassay) and the (tissue culture assay)Both are reliable but the (EIA) turns up more false positives. Hospitals I work in have both tests and when a C. diff is ordered, we usually send a sample for both (but not consistant)

With so many causes of diarrhea, it is most important to find the cause instead of just treating with Lomotil etc. As JKJones said, it is also important to tell patients in the home to "Consult a physician if you are dehydrated, have abdominal or rectal pain, have a fever, or blood in your stool"

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1 Reply

member5237 (Current Patient) - 12 / 01 / 2010

1 vote(s) by member7472

Diarrhea or loose bowels is often associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If your loose bowels persist, make sure you know the cause as it may not be food specific but general food habit related.

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member2145 (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 01 / 22 / 2011

Too much hot water may damage GI tract soft lining.

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Latest Activity: 03 / 23 / 2011
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