Why do I get diarrhea whenever I'm hungry?

May 14, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Diarrhea occurring on an empty stomach may be caused by hunger-related diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, or chronic gastritis, and requires targeted treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows: Hunger-related diarrhea commonly occurs in infants and is usually due to improper feeding practices or overfeeding by caregivers, leading to intestinal flora imbalance in infants, which results in symptoms such as diarrhea, milk regurgitation, and irritability.

Diarrhea occurring on an empty stomach may be caused by hunger-related diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, chronic gastritis, or other conditions, requiring targeted treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Hunger-related diarrhea

Hunger-related diarrhea commonly occurs in infants and is usually caused by improper feeding practices or overfeeding, leading to intestinal flora imbalance. Symptoms may include diarrhea, milk regurgitation, and frequent crying. Treatment may include medications such as Bifico (Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis) granules or smectite powder, taken under medical guidance.

2. Acute gastroenteritis

Consuming expired or unhygienic food can cause aseptic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms may include gastric acid reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used under medical supervision.

3. Chronic gastritis

Long-term irregular eating habits or excessive alcohol consumption may lead to chronic gastritis, often causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, gastric acid reflux, and diarrhea. Under medical guidance, medications like compound acetylsalicylic acid tablets or ranitidine tablets may be prescribed for treatment.

In addition to the above, conditions such as peptic ulcer, multiple colonic polyps, pancreatic diseases, and hepatobiliary diseases may also cause diarrhea when hungry. Patients should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying optimal treatment.