Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection in the small intestines and stomach. It has symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea, which last approximately 3 days. Rotavirus is the most common virus contracted by kids that causes diarrhea. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Other symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and nausea. See your doctor if you think a virus might be the cause of diarrhea.
Did you recently eat at a new restaurant or have food that tasted funny? Think back over your last few meals. Other symptoms of food poisoning include headache and vomiting. The illness usually resolves itself in a couple of days. If symptoms of food poisoning persists, see your doctor.
People who travel to foreign countries often experience this problem, but it usually goes away after 12 hours or so. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source If your symptoms don’t resolve in a day or two, see your doctor.
IBS can usually be managed by making changes to your diet and other lifestyle changes. IBS is exacerbated by stress. Determine whether this may be a factor for you.
Medical conditions such as AIDS/HIV, Crohn’s disease, hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, and colon cancer cause diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to receive a diagnosis and treatment.
Foods that lead to chronic gas, such as beans and other legumes, cabbage, broccoli, and nuts, may cause diarrhea if you’re eating them in large quantities. Try eliminating caffeine from your diet. Caffeine stimulates the gastrointestinal system and leads to more frequent bowel movements. [6] X Research source Fats can also cause diarrhea, especially saturated fats found in fried food and snack foods. Artificial sweeteners found in soft drinks and candy cause diarrhea. Some people find red meat difficult to digest, so try cutting back on it. Alcohol can irritate the system and lead to diarrhea.