Why have I been having diarrhea and passing watery stools constantly?
Nov 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, watery diarrhea refers to diarrhea. Persistent diarrhea may be caused by improper diet, exposure to cold, bacterial infection, food poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, or other factors. Cold temperatures, spicy foods irritating the intestines, and consumption of unclean food carrying pathogens can all interfere with normal intestinal function, stimulate excessive fluid secretion in the intestine, and accelerate intestinal peristalsis, potentially leading to diarrhea.
Generally speaking, terms like "diarrhea" or "watery stools" refer to diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea may be caused by improper diet, getting chilled, bacterial infection, food poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, and other factors. If discomfort persists, please seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Consumption of cold or spicy foods can irritate the intestines, and ingestion of unhygienic food may introduce pathogens. Both can disrupt normal intestinal function, leading to excessive secretion of intestinal fluids and accelerated peristalsis, which may cause diarrhea. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits, avoid irritant foods, ensure food hygiene, and consume mild, easily digestible foods such as porridge and noodles in moderation.
2. Getting Chilled
If the abdomen is not properly kept warm and is exposed to cold air for a prolonged period, it may cause excessive contraction of intestinal smooth muscles, affecting normal digestion and potentially leading to diarrhea. It is important to stay warm, especially in the abdominal area. Symptoms can be relieved by applying heat compresses.
3. Bacterial Infection
Invasion of the intestines by bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli can cause intestinal bacterial infections, potentially leading to bacterial infectious diarrhea. This may result in symptoms like abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions to take medications such as Piperacillin Sodium for Injection, Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, and Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection.
4. Food Poisoning
Toxins acting on the intestinal mucosa can cause excessive secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine, exceeding the intestine's absorption capacity, thus causing diarrhea. This may also be accompanied by severe abdominal pain and fever. Patients may take medications such as Bifidobacterium Triple Live Capsules, Niuhuang Detoxification Tablets, and Levofloxacin Capsules under the guidance of a professional physician.
5. Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis can be triggered by unhygienic eating habits, traveling, and other factors. After pathogens invade the digestive tract, they release toxins or directly damage the intestinal mucosa, stimulating increased intestinal motility. This may lead to diarrhea due to insufficient water absorption in the excreta, and may also be accompanied by abdominal pain and nausea. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Enteritis Ning Tablets, Compound Berberine Tablets, and Smectite Powder.
During episodes of diarrhea, avoid consuming irritating foods such as spicy, greasy, raw, or cold dishes to prevent further burden on the intestines.
