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Why Water Causes Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose, watery stools 1. Water plays a large role in the onset of diarrhea 1. It can be caused by drinking contaminated water or by the body absorbing too much water.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by increased water in stool. Bacteria can inflame the intestine, making food pass through faster, leading to less time for the absorption of water. Bacteria can also stimulate the lining of the small intestine, causing it to secrete fluid.
Contamination
How to Treat Diarrhea in a Four Year Old
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Several kinds of bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea can enter the body from contaminated water 1. Some examples include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella.
Significance
Ironically, water can lead to diarrhea which leads to dehydration. This is especially dangerous in developing nations with poor water standards. According to a report by the World Health Organization, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in the world 1.
Prevention/Solution
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You can prevent contracting traveler's diarrhea in an underdeveloped nation by using bottled water for everything from drinking to brushing your teeth, by boiling or filtering water, and by avoiding swimming in potentially contaminated water.
Osmotic Diarrhea
Another kind of diarrhea known as osmotic diarrhea occurs when too much water is absorbed into the bowels 1.
Related Articles
References
- The Basics of Diarrhea
- Diarrhoea: why children are still dying and what can be done
- Barr W, Smith A. Acute diarrhea. Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(3):180-9.
- Schiller LR, Pardi DS, Sellin JH. Chronic Diarrhea: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;15(2):182-193.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2016.07.028
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, diet, and nutrition for diarrhea. Updated November, 2016.
- Diarrheal Diseases – Acute and Chronic. American College of Gastroenterology.
- Minocha A, Adamec C. The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders (2nd Ed.) New York:Facts on File. 2011.
- National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. Diarrhea.
Writer Bio
James Gilmore has written professionally since 2005. Since then, he has written and proofread obituaries for "The Press & Sun-Bulletin" in Binghamton, N.Y., press releases for "Goals, Seminars and Consultants" and articles for Made Man and various other websites. He writes a good deal of music-related content and holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Ithaca College.