Occasional morning diarrhea (watery or loose stool) is completely normal and usually not something to worry about.
Thats because it often arises from a cause that is short term.
These are some of the acute reasons for diarrhea.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
This is most often triggered by a virus that spreads quickly from person to person.
Bacteria can also cause diarrhea.
This can happen after traveling or eating food that contains the bacteria.
Bacterial diarrhea can result fromfood poisoningor a food-borne illness.
Parasitesare also a cause of diarrhea, however, these infections are much less common in developed countries.
Along with diarrhea, there may be vomiting, blood in the stool, or inflammation in the intestine.
Too Much Caffeine
Caffeinehas an effect on body systems, including the digestive tract.
It may also increase the risk of inflammation in the digestive system.
This could mean that stools become looser.
Emotional Stress
Stressis felt differently by everyone.
For some people with irritable bowel syndrome due to visceral hypersensitivity, being under extremestress leads to diarrhea.
The cause of the stress could be anything from college exams to a death in the family.
Side Effect of Medication
Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of medications and supplements.
Pregnancy
Pregnant people may experience diarrheafor various reasons.
This can include a change in diet, food sensitivities, or hormonal changes.
You may also have diarrhea after surgery, such as a cholecystectomy.
In these situations, diarrhea may not resolve on its own but may need treatment.
This is particularly true if there is a disease that can be progressive (get worse).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)is a common cause of diarrhea.
Lactose intolerancecan also cause diarrhea.
Some peoples bodies do not make the enzyme that can break down the proteins in cows milk.
Its a common condition and is usually treated by avoiding milk and milk products.
Risks of Chronic Diarrhea
Having diarrhea for a long time can lead to other health problems.
Replacing them by drinking enough fluids is difficult.
This could result in vitamin deficiencies.
Persistent diarrhea can also be rough on the skin around the anus (called theperianal skin).
Acidic stool and wiping can break the skin down, causing pain or even broken skin and bleeding.
Constant diarrhea could also lead tohemorrhoids.Hemorrhoidsare enlarged veins in the anus.
They can be painful and cause itching and bleeding.
Straining and spending too much time on the toilet could lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
Treatment and Prevention
It may not be possible to avoid diarrhea all the time.
However, several things can be done to prevent it.
Handwashingis a way to prevent infectious types of diarrhea.
When traveling, its important to avoid foods that may contain bacteria.
Antidiarrheal medicationsmight be used for some types of diarrhea.
However, these might not be recommended in the case of infection or chronic diarrhea.
Talking to a doctor before taking antidiarrheal drugs is a good idea if youre not sure.
For diarrhea from IBS, acombination of treatmentsmight be used.
This can include changes to diet, eating more fiber, psychological therapies, supplements, and medications.
IBD causes inflammation in the digestive tract.
Stopping that inflammation is part of treating diarrhea.
Sometreatmentscan include dietary changes, psychological therapies, medications, and supplements.
Summary
Diarrhea is common, and it usually goes away on its own.
Chronic diarrhea will need to be diagnosed and treated differently than acute diarrhea.
It can be hard to know when to see a doctor about diarrhea.
These types usually will go away on their own without any treatment.
Bowel movement consistency can vary.
However,watery stools that interrupt sleepare outside of whats normal.
The digestive system is also affected by the brain via the brain-gut connection.
Pain in the morning could be a sign that something about your morning routine needs to be changed.
Anxiety or emotional stresscan lead to diarrhea for some people.
In some cases, this could be expecteda stressful event cant always be avoided.
Its worth addressing stress levels in whatever way that makes sense for you.
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