What causes watery diarrhea?

Watery diarrhea, medically known as watery stool, is one of the common symptoms of digestive system diseases. Its main causes can be summarized as follows:

1. Infectious factors: The most common cause is intestinal infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. For example, rotavirus, norovirus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and amoeba can all cause acute diarrhea, presenting with large amounts of watery stool.

2. Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or water may allow bacteria or toxins to enter the body, irritating the intestines and causing watery diarrhea. Food poisoning is usually accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Drug reactions: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may disrupt the balance of normal intestinal flora or directly irritate the intestines, leading to diarrhea.

4. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients may experience watery diarrhea under conditions of mental stress or improper diet.

5. Malabsorption: Conditions such as lactose intolerance and gluten-sensitive enteropathy cause osmotic diarrhea when substances that are not absorbed in the small intestine pass into the large intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption.

When watery diarrhea occurs, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly.