Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea: Understanding the Difference

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that leads to frequent, loose, or watery stools. It can arise from multiple causes, including infections, food intolerance, or digestive conditions. Diarrhea disease symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, weakness, and dehydration. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause.

There are two main types of diarrhea: acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea. Each type has different causes and effects on health. This article discusses the differences between these two types of diarrhea, their causes, symptoms, and more.

What Is Acute and Chronic Diarrhea?

1. Acute Diarrhea Disease

Acute diarrhea begins suddenly and lasts less than two weeks, often accompanied by diarrhea disease symptoms such as nausea, fever, and stomach pain. Acute diarrheal disease is common worldwide and can affect anyone.

It is commonly triggered by infections, food poisoning, or medication side effects, with viral gastroenteritis being a common cause. This type of diarrhea is typically self-limiting, but severe cases can cause dehydration and disrupt electrolyte balance.

2. Chronic Diarrhea Disease

Chronic diarrhea lasts over four weeks, bringing persistent diarrhea disease symptoms that require medical attention for proper diagnosis and management. Chronic diarrhea disease symptoms include persistent diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies.

It can result from infections, food intolerances, digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), along with certain medications or conditions such as celiac disease. If left untreated, it can cause malnutrition and dehydration, and significant lifestyle disruptions.

What Causes Diarrhea?

The causes of diarrhea disease vary widely, but some of the most common diarrhea causes include:

1. Infections: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites from contaminated food or water can upset digestion and cause frequent loose stools.
2. Food Poisoning: Eating spoiled or undercooked food can introduce harmful bacteria and toxins, leading to nausea, cramps, and diarrhea.
3. Medications: Some antibiotics, laxatives, and antacids with magnesium can disturb gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea as a side effect.
4. Lactose Intolerance: People who cannot digest lactose in dairy products can experience bloating, gas, and loose stools.
5. Digestive Diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome can cause ongoing intestinal irritation, leading to persistent diarrhea.
6. Malabsorption Issues: Disorders like celiac disease and pancreatic insufficiency make it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, which can result in long-term diarrhea.

Who Is at Risk for Acute and Chronic Diarrhea?

Specific individuals are more vulnerable to diarrhea causes including:

1. Infants and Young Children: Their immune systems are still developing, making them more prone to diarrhea.
2. Older adults: Their immune systems weaken with age, making diarrhea more common.
3. People with Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of diarrhea.
4. Frequent Travellers: Exposure to new bacteria and viruses while travelling raises the chances of diarrhea.
5. People with Digestive Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerances can upset the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.

What Tests Are Done for Diarrhea?

A diarrhoea test is essential for diagnosing the underlying diarrhea cause. Common diagnostic tests include:

1. Stool Culture: Looks for harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the stool.
2. Blood Testsstrong> It detects signs of infection, inflammation, or dehydration.
3. Celiac Disease Test: Identifies if someone is intolerant to gluten (wheat protein).
4. Colonoscopy: Examines the intestines for conditions like IBS or colorectal cancer (rectum cancer).
5. Hydrogen Breath Test: Tests for lactose intolerance by measuring hydrogen levels in the breath.

Ignoring persistent diarrhea disease symptoms can lead to serious complications such as dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and a weakened immune system. Identifying the underlying cause early can help in managing the condition effectively.

Upon noticing diarrhea disease symptoms given here, consult a healthcare professional and book a stool test with Dr Lal PathLabs for proper diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

1. What are the common diarrhea disease symptoms?

Common diarrhea disease symptoms include loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and fever, which can vary in severity. The severity of these diarrhea disease symptoms depends on the underlying diarrhea causes and the person’s overall health.

2. Can diarrhea cause weight loss?

Yes, persistent diarrhea can lead to weight loss due to nutrient malabsorption and dehydration if left untreated. If untreated, persistent diarrhea and diarrhea causes can harm health and life quality.

3. Can dehydration from diarrhea be life-threatening?

Yes, severe dehydration, particularly in infants, older people, and as well as individuals with weakened immune systems, can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

4. What Are the Different Types of Diarrhoea Disease?

Diarrhea can be categorized into various types based on its cause:

• Osmotic Diarrhea: Happens when undigested food draws too much water into the intestines (e.g., lactose intolerance).
• Secretory Diarrhea: It occurs when the body releases excess fluids into the intestines, often due to infections or medications.
• Inflammatory Diarrhea: It is caused by inflammation in the intestines due to infections, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
• Traveller’s Diarrhea: It results from consuming contaminated food or water in unfamiliar locations while traveling.
• Fatty (Malabsorption) Diarrhea: Occurs when the body cannot absorb fats properly, often seen in celiac disease and chronic pancreatitis.

The diarrhea disease symptoms for these can vary depending upon the cause.