The most common causes of acute and persistent diarrhea are infections, travelers’ diarrhea, and side effects of medicines.
Infections
Three types of infections that cause diarrhea include
Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including norovirus NIH external link and rotavirus NIH external link. Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of acute diarrhea.
Bacterial infections. Several types of bacteria can enter your body through contaminated food or water and cause diarrhea. Common bacteria that cause diarrhea include Campylobacter NIH external link, Escherichia coli NIH external link (E. coli), Salmonella NIH external link, and Shigella NIH external link.
Infections in the digestive tract that spread through foods or drinks are called foodborne illnesses.
Infections lasting more than 2 weeks and less than 4 weeks can cause persistent diarrhea.
Travelers’ diarrhea
Travelers’ diarrhea External link is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Travelers’ diarrhea is most often acute. However, some parasites cause diarrhea that lasts longer. Travelers’ diarrhea can be a problem for people traveling to developing countries.
Travelers’ diarrhea can be a problem for people traveling to developing countries.Side effects of medicines
Many medicines may cause diarrhea. Medicines that may cause diarrhea include antibiotics NIH external link, antacids NIH external link containing magnesium, and medicines used to treat cancer.