What are the common causes of diarrhea during hot weather?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stools. Generally, diarrhea during hot weather may be caused by improper diet, environmental factors, imbalance of intestinal flora, chronic gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or other factors, and requires symptomatic management through general treatment, medication, and other methods. It is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine and ensure adequate sleep to help enhance physical immunity and reduce the occurrence of illness.

  Diarrhea refers to the condition of having loose, watery stools frequently. Generally, diarrhea during hot weather may be caused by improper diet, environmental factors, imbalance of intestinal flora, chronic gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and other factors. Symptomatic treatments such as general care and medication are needed. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

  

  1. Improper Diet

  During hot weather, people tend to prefer raw and cold foods and beverages, such as ice cream and chilled drinks. However, these foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction and subsequent diarrhea. It is recommended to adjust daily diet, avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, and irritating foods, and consume appropriate amounts of bland, easily digestible foods such as porridge, noodles, and vegetables.

  2. Environmental Factors

  Under high temperature conditions, the body sweats excessively to dissipate heat, leading to imbalances of body fluids and electrolytes. At the same time, the high temperature environment may affect normal intestinal motility, shortening the retention time of food in the intestines, resulting in incomplete digestion and absorption before excretion, thus causing diarrhea. It is recommended to replenish fluids and electrolytes promptly, such as drinking warm boiled water or sugar-salt solution. Adjust the ambient temperature and avoid staying in high-temperature environments for prolonged periods.

  3. Imbalance of Intestinal Flora

  In hot weather, the internal microbial environment of the body may change, leading to an imbalance in the intestinal flora. A decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful bacteria can damage the intestinal barrier function, reducing resistance to pathogens and increasing the risk of infectious diarrhea. It is recommended to take medications such as lactobacillus tablets, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium capsules, and Bifidobacterium capsules as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

  4. Chronic Gastroenteritis

  Patients with chronic gastroenteritis already have不同程度的 intestinal mucosal damage, with reduced tolerance to factors such as high temperatures and food irritation, making diarrhea more likely. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and a prolonged disease course. It is recommended to take medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, bismuth potassium citrate tablets, and enteritis-relieving granules under the guidance of a doctor for treatment.

  5. Food Poisoning

  In hot weather, improper food storage can easily lead to bacterial or mold growth, producing toxins in the food. These toxins act on the intestines, causing inflammatory reactions and resulting in diarrhea, which may be accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is recommended to take medications such as minocycline hydrochloride capsules, levofloxacin lactate capsules, and Niuhuang Jiedu tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

  It is also recommended to maintain a regular routine, ensure adequate sleep, and enhance physical immunity to reduce the occurrence of diseases.