Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS may cause diarrhea, and IMODIUM® can help treat symptoms of diarrhea. Consult your healthcare professional if you think you may have IBS.
From the food you eat to life’s stresses to catching the stomach flu, there are many causes of diarrhea. Most diarrhea triggers are from everyday events or common viruses; however, some cases may signal an underlying medical condition.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Stomach Flu Menstruation Stress
Food Poisoning Eating Habits and Food Medications
Diarrhea can be caused by various factors. Temporary diarrhea usually lasts one to two days and can be a result of food ingested, a viral or bacterial infection, or even traveling. If you have diarrhea lasting more than two days, or recurring diarrhea, we recommend seeking advice from a professional.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common answers to what causes diarrhea and how you can manage and cope with the symptoms.
Stomach Flu
Diarrhea can be a symptom of the stomach flu (more frequently known as Acute Gastroenteritis), which is fairly common in the United States, the virus can result in what is also often called flu diarrhea and can be treated with IMODIUM® products. IMODIUM® contains an active ingredient called loperamide, which works to help restore your digestive tract’s natural rhythm when you have diarrhea.
Menstruation
Period diarrhea can make an already possibly painful experience worse. It’s not completely clear why menstruation can cause diarrhea, though hormonal shifts are said to be the reason some women feel gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. MOTRIN® can help with the pain from menstrual cramps, but you can also use IMODIUM® to manage or treat diarrhea per labeled indication during your cycle.
Stress
Can stress cause diarrhea? Believe it or not—yes, it can. A study revealed that 25% of the study’s U.S. frequent diarrhea sufferers cite anxiety, stress or nerves as the root of the issue. We talk about how to deal with stress in the long-run, and how IMODIUM® can help in the short term with the diarrhea.
Food poisoning
The ingestion of contaminated food or water can cause gastroenteritis, which inflames the stomach and intestines. The virus or bacterial toxin can cause the small intestine to secrete excess water that can lead to diarrhea. IMODIUM® can help relieve symptoms until you’ve rid yourself of the virus.
Eating habits and food
What you eat affects your digestive health, so certain food and drinks can cause diarrhea. Anything from alcohol to fatty foods to sweeteners can disrupt digestion. Once you’ve realized the common trigger you’re consuming, it’s best to steer clear. Find out more food and drink triggers here.
Medications
By now, you’ve noticed the reasons for diarrhea have a wide range, with one being medication. Whether it is a new long-term medication or a short-term solution to another ailment, medication can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics are one example of this. No matter the medication, consult your healthcare professional if side effects occur, including diarrhea.
Got a question?
If you’ve just started your journey to finding the cause of your diarrhea, or if you’d like to know more about the condition, use our diarrhea FAQ section as a quick guide to the most commonly asked questions about diarrhea