What Causes Foamy Diarrhea?

Introduction
Celiac Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment
Other Causes

Written by Thomas K. Arnold

27 July, 2017

Introduction

Foamy diarrhea can indicate a host of illnesses and diseases, but is most commonly associated with celiac disease 1. Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease in which the body attacks itself every time gluten is consumed, damaging the absorptive surface or "villi" of the small intestine 1. This makes the body unable to absorb nutrients from food, which can lead to malnourishment. In celiac disease, foamy diarrhea is often accompanied by bloating, gas and sometimes nausea 1.

Celiac Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

Celiac disease is an inherited intolerance for gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye 1. The disease can be difficult to diagnose; according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, three million Americans suffer from the disease, but only about five percent are accurately diagnosed 1 2. Many celiac disease sufferers initially receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 1. Diagnosing celiac disease requires a blood test and a biopsy 1.

The only way to treat celiac disease is to completely avoid gluten 1. This can be difficult because of the protein's presence in grains that have long been associated with a basic food group. Indeed, grains with gluten are found in everything from bread and cereals to pastas, processed meats, even Communion wafers. Dietary guidelines have been developed for the Gluten Intolerance Group and Celiac Disease Foundation and are in agreement with guidelines published by the published by the American Dietetic Association 1 2.

Other Causes

Does Wheat Cause Bloating?

Learn More

Foamy diarrhea also could indicate various other maladies, including IBS, parasitic infections and gall bladder disease. If gall bladder disease is the problem, the foamy diarrhea is often yellow or green in color and can burn coming out of the anus. This is caused by bile acid. Gall bladder disease is often accompanied by a sharp pain in the upper abdomen, generally on the right side, and can be diagnosed through a HIDA scan.

If you suffer from foamy diarrhea for more than one or two days, see a doctor immediately. In addition to being a symptom of celiac disease or other digestive illnesses, foamy diarrhea can lead to dehydration 1.

Foamy diarrhea also could indicate various other maladies, including IBS, parasitic infections and gall bladder disease.
Gall bladder disease is often accompanied by a sharp pain in the upper abdomen, generally on the right side, and can be diagnosed through a HIDA scan.