Diarrhea is a common disorder that affects people of all ages around the world. It is characterized by loose and frequent bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps and general malaise. Although diarrhea is usually self-limited and lasts only a few days, it can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions that require medical attention.
Types of Diarrhea
There are different types of diarrhea, each with its own causes, symptoms and specific treatments. Below are the 11 most common types of diarrhea, classified and explained in detail:
1. Acute diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts less than 14 days and is generally caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Symptoms include watery stools, fever, nausea and vomiting. The main treatment is to stay well hydrated and in severe cases, antidiarrheal medications may be prescribed under medical supervision.
2. Chronic diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is defined as the presence of loose stools for more than 4 weeks. It can be caused by diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerances or absorption disorders. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
3. Osmotic diarrhea
Osmotic diarrhea occurs when the intestine cannot absorb certain nutrients, causing an increase in the amount of water in the intestine and watery stools. It is commonly caused by food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten, or excessive intake of certain artificial sweeteners. Treatment consists of identifying and avoiding triggers and correcting the osmotic imbalance with changes in diet.
4. Secretory diarrhea
Secretory diarrhea is characterized by an increase in fluid production in the intestine, resulting in watery, large stools. It can be caused by irritating foods, intestinal infections, or certain medications. Treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause and may include stopping medications, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and, in severe cases, administering specific medications.
5. Exudative diarrhea
Exudative diarrhea is characterized by the presence of blood, mucus or pus in the stool, indicating inflammation or lesions in the intestinal lining. It can be caused by bacterial infections, such as salmonellosis or ulcerative colitis. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and includes antibiotics in the case of bacterial infections and anti-inflammatory therapies in the case of autoimmune diseases.
6. Inflammatory diarrhea
Inflammatory diarrhea is caused by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It is characterized by bloody stools, abdominal pain and fever. Treatment consists of controlling inflammation with immunosuppressive medications and biological therapies, in addition to making changes in diet and lifestyle.
7. Motor diarrhea
Motor diarrhea occurs when bowel movements become faster than normal, limiting the absorption of water and nutrients and resulting in watery, urgent stools. It can be caused by disorders such as functional diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment includes changes in diet, medications to regulate bowel movements, and stress management therapies.
8. Diarrhea associated with the intake of medications
Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, either by irritating the intestine, altering the bacterial flora or increasing intestinal motility. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and laxatives are some of the drugs associated with diarrhea. In most cases, stopping the medication is enough to resolve the problem, but sometimes additional treatments are needed.
9. Diarrhea due to food intolerances
Food intolerances, such as intolerance to lactose, gluten, or certain food additives, can cause diarrhea after eating the trigger foods. The digestive system is not able to process these components properly, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Treatment involves avoiding problem foods and carrying out intolerance tests to identify triggers.
10. Post-infectious diarrhea
Post-infectious diarrhea is a type of diarrhea that occurs after a gastrointestinal infection, such as viral or bacterial gastroenteritis. Although it is generally self-limiting, in some cases it can persist for several weeks or months. Treatment focuses on maintaining adequate hydration and sometimes medical help is required to control symptoms and prevent complications.
11. Idiopathic diarrhea
Idiopathic diarrhea is diarrhea whose cause cannot be identified, despite a thorough medical evaluation. It is considered a diagnostic challenge and may be associated with functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous disorders or undiagnosed food intolerances. Treatment is based on symptom management and support through dietary changes, symptomatic medications and complementary therapies.
In conclusion, diarrhea is a common symptom that can be associated with a variety of of conditions and triggers. It is important to consult a health care professional if diarrhea is persistent, severe, or accompanied by worrying symptoms, to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.