What causes diarrhea?

What causes diarrhea?

The cause of most self-limited diarrhea is generally not identified. The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.”

Other possible causes of diarrhea can include:

• Infection by bacteria.
• Infections by other organisms and pre-formed toxins
• Eating foods that upset the digestive system.
• Allergies and intolerances to certain foods (Celiac disease or lactose intolerance).
• Medications.
• Radiation therapy.
• Malabsorption of food (poor absorption).