{"id":5348,"date":"2025-12-08T17:07:35","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T22:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/?post_type=chapter&p=5348"},"modified":"2026-01-12T18:38:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:38:38","slug":"diarrhea","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/chapter\/diarrhea\/","title":{"raw":"10p4 Diarrhea","rendered":"10p4 Diarrhea"},"content":{"raw":"Diarrhea and Digestive System Disorders<\/strong>\r\n

Overview of Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Definition:<\/strong>\u00a0Excessive frequency of stool with\u00a0loose, watery consistency<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • May contain\u00a0blood<\/strong>,\u00a0mucus<\/strong>, or\u00a0pus<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Can be\u00a0acute<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0chronic<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Common associated symptoms include\u00a0bloating<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0cramping<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Consequences of Prolonged Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
      \r\n \t
    • Dehydration<\/strong>\u00a0due to fluid loss.<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Electrolyte imbalance<\/strong>, leading to muscle weakness and cramps.<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Loss of\u00a0bicarbonate<\/strong>\u00a0from pancreatic secretions can cause\u00a0metabolic acidosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Excessive loss of nutrients can result in\u00a0malnutrition<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Impaired organ function<\/strong>\u00a0and overall health decline if untreated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Types of Diarrhea and Causes<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n

      1.\u00a0 Large Volume Diarrhea (Secretory\/Osmotic)<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
        \r\n \t
      • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Large water volume lost.<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Cause:<\/strong>\u00a0Rapid transit through the intestines.<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Mechanism:<\/strong>\u00a0No time for water absorption due to increased motility.<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Common causes:<\/strong>\r\n
          \r\n \t
        • Infections<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g.,\u00a0cholera<\/strong>\u00a0caused by\u00a0Vibrio cholerae<\/em>), leading to excessive secretion.<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Lactose intolerance<\/strong>:\r\n
            \r\n \t
          • Deficiency of\u00a0lactase<\/strong>\u00a0enzyme.<\/li>\r\n \t
          • Unabsorbed\u00a0lactose<\/strong>\u00a0draws water into the intestines via osmotic pressure.<\/li>\r\n \t
          • Symptoms include\u00a0bloating<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0diarrhea<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
          • Managed with\u00a0lactase supplements<\/strong>\u00a0(Lactaid pills).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

            2.\u00a0 Small Volume Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
              \r\n \t
            • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Less water, often bloody or mucus-laden.<\/li>\r\n \t
            • Associated with:<\/strong>\u00a0Inflammatory bowel diseases<\/strong>\u00a0like\u00a0Crohn's disease<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0ulcerative colitis<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
            • Symptoms:<\/strong>\u00a0Cramping, urgency (tenesmus), and visible blood or mucus.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

              3.\u00a0 Fatty Diarrhea (Steatorrhea)<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
                \r\n \t
              • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Greasy, foul-smelling stools rich in fat.<\/li>\r\n \t
              • Cause:<\/strong>\u00a0Malabsorption<\/strong>\u00a0of fats.<\/li>\r\n \t
              • Conditions associated:<\/strong>\r\n
                  \r\n \t
                • Celiac disease<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
                • Cystic fibrosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                • Impacts:<\/strong>\u00a0Deficiency in\u00a0fat-soluble vitamins<\/strong>\u00a0and nutrients.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                  Causes of Blood in Stool<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
                    \r\n \t
                  • Lesions or ulcers<\/strong>\u00a0in the GI tract.<\/li>\r\n \t
                  • Bleeding sources<\/strong>:\r\n
                      \r\n \t
                    • Red (frank) blood<\/strong>: Near the rectum\/anal canal.<\/li>\r\n \t
                    • Occult blood<\/strong>: Hidden, detected microscopically.<\/li>\r\n \t
                    • Melena<\/strong>: Dark, tarry stool indicating upper GI bleeding (stomach\/duodenum).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSignificance of Blood in Stool<\/strong>\r\n
                        \r\n \t
                      • Indicates\u00a0lesions, tumors, or inflammation<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
                      • Upper GI bleeding (e.g., ulcers) produces\u00a0melena<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
                      • Lower GI bleeding (e.g., hemorrhoids) produce\u00a0bright red blood<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClinical Considerations<\/strong>\r\n
                          \r\n \t
                        • Infection<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0tumors<\/strong>\u00a0can cause bleeding.<\/li>\r\n \t
                        • Persistent diarrhea or blood in stool warrants medical evaluation.<\/li>\r\n \t
                        • Severe blood loss<\/strong>\u00a0can lead to anemia and shock.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                          Causes of Gas in the Digestive System<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nSources of Gas<\/strong>\r\n
                            \r\n \t
                          • Swallowed air<\/strong>\u00a0is the primary source.<\/li>\r\n \t
                          • Commonly occurs during:\r\n
                              \r\n \t
                            • Talking<\/li>\r\n \t
                            • Eating<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                            • Gulping air<\/strong>\u00a0unknowingly, especially when eating or drinking quickly, increases swallowed air.<\/li>\r\n \t
                            • Drinking from a straw<\/strong>\u00a0can draw more air into the intestines.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBacterial Production<\/strong>\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Intestinal bacteria<\/strong>\u00a0ferment undigested food.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • This fermentation produces\u00a0gas<\/strong>, contributing to discomfort and flatulence.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSymptoms and Sounds<\/strong>\r\n
                                  \r\n \t
                                • Burping (eructation):<\/strong>\r\n
                                    \r\n \t
                                  • Release of gas upward through the esophagus.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                                  • Rumblings (borborygmus):<\/strong>\r\n
                                      \r\n \t
                                    • Grumbling sounds caused by movement of gas and fluid in the intestines.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                                    • Flatulence:<\/strong>\r\n
                                        \r\n \t
                                      • Release of gas through the anus.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAdditional Notes<\/strong>\r\n
                                          \r\n \t
                                        • Gas accumulation can cause\u00a0abdominal bloating<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                        • Managing gas involves eating slowly, avoiding swallowing air, and sometimes adjusting diet to reduce fermentation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                                          Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
                                            \r\n \t
                                          • Different types of diarrhea have distinct causes and mechanisms.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                          • Prolonged or severe diarrhea leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                          • Recognizing the type and cause is essential for appropriate treatment and management.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"

                                            Diarrhea and Digestive System Disorders<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            Overview of Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                              \n
                                            • Definition:<\/strong>\u00a0Excessive frequency of stool with\u00a0loose, watery consistency<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                            • May contain\u00a0blood<\/strong>,\u00a0mucus<\/strong>, or\u00a0pus<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                            • Can be\u00a0acute<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0chronic<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                            • Common associated symptoms include\u00a0bloating<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0cramping<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Consequences of Prolonged Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                \n
                                              • Dehydration<\/strong>\u00a0due to fluid loss.<\/li>\n
                                              • Electrolyte imbalance<\/strong>, leading to muscle weakness and cramps.<\/li>\n
                                              • Loss of\u00a0bicarbonate<\/strong>\u00a0from pancreatic secretions can cause\u00a0metabolic acidosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                              • Excessive loss of nutrients can result in\u00a0malnutrition<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                              • Impaired organ function<\/strong>\u00a0and overall health decline if untreated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Types of Diarrhea and Causes<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                1.\u00a0 Large Volume Diarrhea (Secretory\/Osmotic)<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                  \n
                                                • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Large water volume lost.<\/li>\n
                                                • Cause:<\/strong>\u00a0Rapid transit through the intestines.<\/li>\n
                                                • Mechanism:<\/strong>\u00a0No time for water absorption due to increased motility.<\/li>\n
                                                • Common causes:<\/strong>\n
                                                    \n
                                                  • Infections<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g.,\u00a0cholera<\/strong>\u00a0caused by\u00a0Vibrio cholerae<\/em>), leading to excessive secretion.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Lactose intolerance<\/strong>:\n
                                                      \n
                                                    • Deficiency of\u00a0lactase<\/strong>\u00a0enzyme.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Unabsorbed\u00a0lactose<\/strong>\u00a0draws water into the intestines via osmotic pressure.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Symptoms include\u00a0bloating<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0diarrhea<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Managed with\u00a0lactase supplements<\/strong>\u00a0(Lactaid pills).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      2.\u00a0 Small Volume Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                        \n
                                                      • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Less water, often bloody or mucus-laden.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Associated with:<\/strong>\u00a0Inflammatory bowel diseases<\/strong>\u00a0like\u00a0Crohn’s disease<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0ulcerative colitis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Symptoms:<\/strong>\u00a0Cramping, urgency (tenesmus), and visible blood or mucus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        3.\u00a0 Fatty Diarrhea (Steatorrhea)<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                          \n
                                                        • Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Greasy, foul-smelling stools rich in fat.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Cause:<\/strong>\u00a0Malabsorption<\/strong>\u00a0of fats.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Conditions associated:<\/strong>\n
                                                            \n
                                                          • Celiac disease<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Cystic fibrosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                          • Impacts:<\/strong>\u00a0Deficiency in\u00a0fat-soluble vitamins<\/strong>\u00a0and nutrients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Causes of Blood in Stool<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                              \n
                                                            • Lesions or ulcers<\/strong>\u00a0in the GI tract.<\/li>\n
                                                            • Bleeding sources<\/strong>:\n
                                                                \n
                                                              • Red (frank) blood<\/strong>: Near the rectum\/anal canal.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Occult blood<\/strong>: Hidden, detected microscopically.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Melena<\/strong>: Dark, tarry stool indicating upper GI bleeding (stomach\/duodenum).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                Significance of Blood in Stool<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Indicates\u00a0lesions, tumors, or inflammation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Upper GI bleeding (e.g., ulcers) produces\u00a0melena<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Lower GI bleeding (e.g., hemorrhoids) produce\u00a0bright red blood<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  Clinical Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Infection<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0tumors<\/strong>\u00a0can cause bleeding.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Persistent diarrhea or blood in stool warrants medical evaluation.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Severe blood loss<\/strong>\u00a0can lead to anemia and shock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    Causes of Gas in the Digestive System<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                                    Sources of Gas<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • Swallowed air<\/strong>\u00a0is the primary source.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Commonly occurs during:\n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      • Talking<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Eating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Gulping air<\/strong>\u00a0unknowingly, especially when eating or drinking quickly, increases swallowed air.<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Drinking from a straw<\/strong>\u00a0can draw more air into the intestines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                        Bacterial Production<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Intestinal bacteria<\/strong>\u00a0ferment undigested food.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • This fermentation produces\u00a0gas<\/strong>, contributing to discomfort and flatulence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                          Symptoms and Sounds<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                            \n
                                                                          • Burping (eructation):<\/strong>\n
                                                                              \n
                                                                            • Release of gas upward through the esophagus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                            • Rumblings (borborygmus):<\/strong>\n
                                                                                \n
                                                                              • Grumbling sounds caused by movement of gas and fluid in the intestines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                              • Flatulence:<\/strong>\n
                                                                                  \n
                                                                                • Release of gas through the anus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                  Additional Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  • Gas accumulation can cause\u00a0abdominal bloating<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                                                  • Managing gas involves eating slowly, avoiding swallowing air, and sometimes adjusting diet to reduce fermentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\n
                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    • Different types of diarrhea have distinct causes and mechanisms.<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • Prolonged or severe diarrhea leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition.<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • Recognizing the type and cause is essential for appropriate treatment and management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":1370,"menu_order":7,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["zoe-soon"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[60],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-5348","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry","contributor-zoe-soon","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":67,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5351,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5348\/revisions\/5351"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/67"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5348\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=5348"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=5348"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=5348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}