When Digestion Goes Wrong—Why Diarrhea Happens and How to Treat It

By Roberta H. Anding, MS, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital

Edited by Kate Findley and proofread by Angela Shoemaker, Wondrium Daily

Diarrhea is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Professor Anding describes the mechanism of this disorder as it relates to the digestive system, which will give you a new perspective on why it takes place and what you can do to lessen the impact.

One of the most common GI disorders is diarrhea, which involves the digestive system and the small and large intestines. Photo by Fizkes / Shutterstock

Why Diarrhea Impacts Digestion

In order to understand how diarrhea occurs and how to better cope with it, you first need to gain an understanding of the small and large intestines. The small intestine is the workhorse of digestion, and when unraveled, is about 23 feet long. 

The surface area is increased by villi—small, finger-like projections that stick out of the small intestine lining. Any disorder of the small intestine often results in malabsorption (poor absorption) because you lost some of that absorptive surface area. 

On the tips of the villi are enzymes. Some digest sugar, while lactase digests milk sugar (lactose) into its most basic form so it can be absorbed. 

If you’ve had diarrhea, you shave off the tips of your villi. Temporarily, you may not be able to digest milk at all. The villi will regenerate over time—typically three to five days—but in the meantime, you may have to stay away from milk sugar.

Within the deepest recesses of the villi are Peyer’s patches, which are immune-secreting lymphoid tissue. Most people do not realize this, but a good percentage of your immune system lies in your small intestine.

Because your normal food supply contains a large amount of bacteria, whatever escapes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach can now be taken care of by immune-secreting lymphoid tissue within the small intestine. Due to this connection to the immune system, diseases of the small intestine actually increase the likelihood that you end up with some other form of infection.

Causes: Food Poisoning, Antibiotics, Etc.

The large intestine, which is connected to the small intestine by a series of one-way valves, finishes the work of digestion in about 12 hours. Its primary role is to control fluid balance; so if you’re dehydrated, your large intestine pulls water out of waste products to increase the amount of water that you have in your blood. 

Often, people end up with diarrhea within the large intestine. Diarrhea can be caused by GI irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods. 

The loss of fluid can be excessive, and if the diarrhea is caused by food poisoning, it can be more than you can make up voluntarily. That’s why people with significant diarrhea often have to go to the emergency room and get “rescue fluids,” or intravenous fluid therapy.

Diarrhea can have causes other than food poisoning. Any concentrated solution that is dumped into the small intestine faster than it can be processed can cause what is known as “dumping syndrome. ” 

Literally, food is dumped from the stomach to the small intestine in a super-concentrated form. When this happens, the body’s job is to pull in water to dilute it. All along the GI tract, and particularly in the large intestine, fluid is added in an attempt to keep that concentrated solution in a manageable form for the gut. 

Individuals who’ve had gastric bypass—a weight-loss surgery where your stomach is rearranged so you feel full faster—often face challenges with GI issues. If they eat more food than they should, the concentrated solution in the stomach is dumped into the small intestine. Water is pulled in, and they can have significant diarrhea. 

Inflammatory bowel disease can cause diarrhea, as well. Additionally, antibiotic use can cause diarrhea for two reasons. For one, it can irritate the villi of the small intestine, which leads to malabsorption.

Secondly, antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria in the large intestine that help to process food and digest fiber. If you are on antibiotics, you should eat kimchi or yogurt, which are great sources of probiotics—live bacteria and yeast containing beneficial bacteria.

Solutions

If you have significant diarrhea, your first line of defense is fluid. Adequate amounts of fluid should have some electrolytes, which could come from an oral electrolyte replacement fluid or a sports drink.

When the diarrhea is from malabsorption, you can eat light carbohydrates to replace lost nutrients. The carbohydrates should come from easily digested sources such as white rice, potatoes, or plain pasta. You may also want to eliminate substances and foods that are not absorbed well—for example, certain fibrous foods such as wheat if they’re irritating you.

The challenge lies in the fact that there’s an individual basis for the tolerance of fat, fiber, and lactose. If, as part of your GI disorder, you’re malabsorbing fat and losing fat in your stool, a specialized product called medium-chain triglycerides can help.  

Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed and utilized in your body a bit differently than regular fats. A common example is coconut oil. They can be a valuable adjunct in keeping your calories high enough if you’ve got a chronic gut disorder that’s causing diarrhea.

This article was edited by Kate Findley, Writer for Wondrium Daily, and proofread by Angela Shoemaker, Proofreader and Copy Editor for Wondrium Daily.

Professor Roberta H. Anding is a registered dietitian and Director of Sports Nutrition and a clinical dietitian at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. She also teaches and lectures in the Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine and Sports Medicine, and in the Department of Kinesiology at Rice University.

Is Food Going Right Through Me?

Pooping after eating can be part of the natural process of digestion. How long digestion takes can vary by individual.

Do you ever have to rush to the bathroom after eating? Sometimes it can feel like food “goes right through you. ” But does it really?

In short, no.

When you feel the need to relieve yourself right after eating, it’s not your most recent bite that sends you rushing to the toilet.

Digestion time varies from person to person. Your age, sex, and any health conditions you may have also affects digestion.

Generally, it takes about 2 to 5 days from eating for food to pass through your body as stool, estimates the Mayo Clinic.

However, since multiple factors are involved in the digestive process, it’s difficult to give a good estimate of digestion time. Women also tend to digest their food slower than men.

The entire digestive system can be up to 30 feet long in adults — much too long for food to pass right through you. What’s most likely happening to you is something called the gastrocolic reflex.

The gastrocolic reflex is a normal reaction the body has to eating food in varying intensities.

When food hits your stomach, your body releases certain hormones. These hormones tell your colon to contract to move food through your colon and out of your body. This makes room for more food.

The effects of this reflex can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can also vary from person to person.

Some people experience this reflex more frequently and more intensely than others.

Research has shown that certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), speed up the movement of food through the colon after eating.

Certain foods and digestive disorders may trigger particularly strong or long lasting effects of gastrocolic reflex. These include:

• anxiety
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• greasy foods
• food allergies and intolerances
• gastritis
• IBS
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

When these disorders worsen your gastrocolic reflex, you’ll usually experience some other symptoms, like:

• abdominal pain
• bloating that’s relieved or partially relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement
• frequent need to pass gas
• diarrhea or constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation
• mucus in stool

Sometimes you might feel an urgent need to poop that isn’t related to your gastrocolic reflex. This could be the case when you have diarrhea.

Usually, diarrhea lasts just a few days. When it lasts for weeks, it could be a sign of an infection or digestive disorder. Common causes of diarrhea include:

• viruses
• bacteria and parasites, from eating contaminated food or by not properly washing your hands
• medications, such as antibiotics
• food intolerance or allergies
• consuming artificial sweeteners
• after abdominal surgery or gallbladder removal
• digestive disorders

Fecal incontinence can also cause an urgent need to poop. Those with incontinence can’t control their bowel movements. Sometimes stool leaks from the rectum with little to no warning.

Incontinence could range from leaking a bit of stool when passing gas to a complete loss of control over the bowels. Unlike with gastrocolic reflex, a person with incontinence might unexpectedly poop at any time, whether or not they’ve recently eaten.

Some common causes of incontinence include:

• Muscle damage to the rectum. This can happen during childbirth, from chronic constipation, or from some surgeries.
• Damage to the nerves in the rectum. It could either be the nerves that sense stool in your rectum or those that control your anal sphincter. Childbirth, straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injuries, stroke, or certain diseases like diabetes can cause this nerve damage.
• Diarrhea. It’s harder to keep in the rectum than loose stool.
• Damage to the rectal walls. This reduces how much stool can be retained.
• Rectal prolapse. The rectum drops into the anus.
• Rectocele. In females, the rectum sticks out through the vagina.

While it’s not possible to prevent gastrocolic reflex, there are things you can do to make it easier to live with.

First, take note of when you experience the gastrocolic reflex and what you’ve eaten before it happens.

If you notice a pattern between eating certain foods and your gastrocolic reflex becoming stronger, chances are that avoiding those foods will help reduce its intensity.

Some common trigger foods include:

• dairy
• high fiber foods, like whole grains and vegetables
• greasy and fatty foods, such as fries

Stress is another common trigger for gastrocolic reflex. Managing your stress can help you manage your gastrocolic reflex. Try these 16 ways to relieve stress.

Most people experience the effects of the gastrocolic reflex from time to time.

See your doctor if you experience an ongoing change in your bowel habits, or if you’re constantly running to the toilet after eating. They can figure out the underlying cause and get you the right treatment.

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what is it and how to deal with it?

Contents

• 1 Explosive diarrhea: causes, symptoms and treatment, what you need to know
  • 1.1 Explosive diarrhea: basic information
    • 1.1.1 What is explosive diarrhea?
    • 1.1.2 Possible causes of explosive diarrhea
    • 1.1.3 How to deal with explosive diarrhea?
  • 1. 2 What is this disease?
  • 1.3 Causes of diarrhea
  • 1.4 Symptoms associated with diarrhea
  • 1.5 Types of medicines for diarrhea
    • 1.5.1 Medications that reduce intestinal motility
    • 1.5.2 Regulators of intestinal motility
    • 1.5.3 Medications that increase the pH of the gastrointestinal tract

  90 005 1.6 Proper nutrition for explosive diarrhea

  • 1.6.1 Avoid foods that are difficult to digest
  • 1.6.2 Pay attention to water and electrolytes
  • 1.6.3 Try rice, bananas, yogurt
  • 1.6.4 Watch your diet
  • 1.7 Home remedies for diarrhea
  • 1.8 Prevention of diarrhea
    • 1.8.1 Maintaining hygiene
    • 1.8.2 Proper nutrition liquids
    • 1.8.4 Take probiotics
  • 1.9 When needed immediately see a doctor for explosive diarrhea?
  • 1.10 Tips for caring for the sick
    • 1.10.1 1. Maintain calm and comfort
    • 1.10. 2 2. Ensure proper nutrition
    • 1.10.3 3. Help with health care
    • 1.10.4 4. Help maintain hygiene
  • 1.11 What should not be done in case of diarrhea?
  • 1.12 Lessons learned: how to deal with diarrhea
    • 1.12.1 Isolate yourself
    • 1.12.2 Maintain good hygiene
    • 1.12.3 Drink plenty of fluids
    • 1.12.4 Avoid food that which may worsen diarrhea
    • 1.12.5 Use medication corresponding to your disease
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What is explosive diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.2 What causes explosive diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.3 What are the best foods to avoid if I have explosive diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.4 What actions can aggravate explosive diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.5 What medicines can be taken for explosive diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.6 When should I see a doctor if I have explosive diarrhea?

Find out how to recognize and treat explosive diarrhea, its causes, symptoms and steps you can take to prevent it.

A person may experience many diseases, but one of the most unpleasant is diarrhea. It is characterized by frequent, loose stools, which bring with them a feeling of discomfort and pain. But what to do when the diarrhea takes on unbearable forms, and the stools scatter “to pieces”? In this article, we will look at explosive diarrhea: what is it and how to treat it?

Explosive diarrhea is a severe variant of diarrhea that is accompanied by refusal to eat and drink, dehydration, and some symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. This condition requires urgent medical attention and diagnosis in order to determine the cause of diarrhea and prescribe the right treatment.

This article will look at how to identify explosive diarrhea, why it occurs and how to treat it, what you can eat and drink, and what to do to prevent it from returning.

Explosive diarrhea: basic information

What is explosive diarrhea?

Explosive diarrhea is an acute stool disorder that presents with sudden bouts of loose stools despite the patient showing no signs of infection, food poisoning, or other bowel disease. It can be observed in both children and adults.

Possible causes of explosive diarrhea

The causes of explosive diarrhea can range from food allergies and lactose intolerance to irregular meals and stressful situations. Also, explosive diarrhea can be associated with medications such as antibiotics and drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases.

How to deal with explosive diarrhea?

If you have explosive diarrhea, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out serious bowel disease. A doctor may prescribe treatment with symptomatic medications, such as antiseptics and nutritional supplements, to reduce diarrhea and restore the balance of probiotics in the gut. In addition, it is important to identify the cause of explosive diarrhea and make appropriate lifestyle and nutritional changes to prevent it from recurring.

What is this disease?

Explosive diarrhea is a disease characterized by extremely frequent and violent involuntary eruptions of large amounts of loose, watery stools.

This condition can be caused by various factors such as infections, malnutrition, nervous tension and many other causes.

Most cases of explosive diarrhea are temporary and disappear after the cause has been removed. However, if symptoms persist for more than one week, it is worth seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is an unpleasant condition that can have a variety of causes. In most cases, it occurs due to infections associated with poor hygiene. Also, diarrhea can be associated with the effects of antibiotic treatment, changes in diet, stress, allergies, and intestinal trauma.

To properly treat diarrhea, it is necessary to determine the cause of it. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics should be taken. If diarrhea occurs as a result of changes in the diet, it is necessary to include more fluids and foods high in protein and carbohydrates in the diet.

• Infectious cause of diarrhea:
  1. Cholera;
  2. Dysentery;
  3. Salmonellosis;
  4. Shigellosis;
  5. Escherichiosis;
  6. Rotavirus infection;
  7. Campylobacteriosis;
  8. Intestinal color.
• Non-viral causes of diarrhea:
  • Food incompatibility;
  • Disorder of the digestive system;
  • Use of drugs;
  • Food allergies;
  • Stress, nervous tension, depression;
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition in which the intestines pass large amounts of water along with feces. It is accompanied by an unpleasant posture, frequent desire to visit the toilet, painful cramps in the stomach. The person may feel drained and visibly tired. In some cases, there may be physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea may vary depending on the underlying cause. However, the most common cause of diarrhea is infection, food poisoning, or allergic reactions to food.

In infections and poisoning, diarrhea may be accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing and vomiting. With an allergic reaction to food, diarrhea may be accompanied by redness on the skin, itching and swelling of the throat.

• Common symptoms associated with diarrhea:
• Loose stools
• Painful stomach cramps
• Emotional and physical exhaustion
• Frequent visits to the toilet

If diarrhea persists after a few days, more serious symptoms such as loss of appetite may occur , dehydration and weight loss. In these cases, medical attention is needed.

Types of drugs for diarrhea

Medications that reduce intestinal motility

Loperamide is a drug used to reduce intestinal motility. Acts on intestinal receptors and accelerates dehydration of the stool, which limits the number of bowel movements. Contraindicated in intestinal obstruction.

Bowel motility regulators

Simethicone is a drug used to reduce the amount of gas in the intestines and make them easier to pass.

Gastrointestinal pH increasers

Bismuth subcitrate is a drug that creates a protective layer on the intestinal mucosa. It also helps reduce waste.

• • Adsorbents

Preparations less familiar to the general public, but extremely useful and effective in cases of diarrhea. Substances that are able to bind and remove toxins from the body.

• • Probiotics

Contains beneficial bacteria that contribute to a faster normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.

• • Electrolyte solutions

Means that help remove excess fluid from the body and prevent dehydration.

Proper nutrition for explosive diarrhea

Avoid hard-to-digest foods

For diarrhea, it is important to choose easily digestible foods, avoiding fatty and heavy foods. Avoid foods that can be difficult to digest, such as sausage and smoked meats, high-fat sour-milk products, spicy and salty foods.

Pay attention to water and electrolytes

With diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of water and electrolytes. It is recommended to drink water, tea, non-carbonated drinks, broths, coconut water. It is also important to monitor the intake of salt, potassium and other electrolytes.

Try rice, bananas, yogurt

Some foods can help with diarrhea. Rice contains quite a few fibers and is easily digestible. Bananas contain potassium, which can help restore electrolyte balance. Yogurt contains bacteria that improve bowel function and may help restore normal stools.

Watch your diet

Divide your meals into 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large meals. When you eat, make sure you chew slowly and never overeat.

Sample List of Foods for Diarrhea: Allowed Foods Undesirable Foods and

• Spicy dishes
• Smoked meats
• Fatty foods
• High-fat dairy products and cheeses
• Sweets

Home remedies for diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by frequent and loose stools. To get rid of diarrhea, you can use home treatments.

An additional measure to treat diarrhea is to increase the amount of probiotics in the diet. Probiotics help improve digestion and also have antibacterial properties. Sources of probiotics are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut.

• Rice water: Take 1-2 cups of rice, add 5-6 cups of water and cook over low heat until the rice is cooked and the water turns white. Then strain the rice, and drink the rice water.
• Black or green tea: contains tannins that may help reduce stools.

Treating diarrhea at home is a safer and cheaper way to fix the problem. However, if there is no improvement for a long time, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Diarrhea prevention

Hygiene

Good hygiene is the best way to prevent diarrhea, especially if you are traveling or in public places. It is recommended to wash your hands with warm water and soap before eating and after using the toilet, especially if you have been in contact with possible sources of infection. Also remember to brush your teeth, use only bottled water.

Proper nutrition

Avoid eating raw or undercooked fish, meat and eggs. Avoid food of questionable quality on the street. Reheat food properly to kill bacteria. To avoid dehydration (especially on long trips), eat smaller meals more frequently.

Fluid intake

Drinking enough fluids is important to prevent diarrhea. Do not drink water from unauthorized sources and from the tap. Also remember to drink sports drinks or kombucha drinks, as they help replace electrolytes in the body.

Take probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in certain foods such as yogurt, kefir, fermented baked milk, dairy products, and some supplements. Drink these foods or take probiotic supplements to help maintain a healthy gut microflora and prevent diarrhea.

When should I see a doctor immediately for explosive diarrhea?

In most cases, explosive diarrhea is caused by a viral infection and resolves without medical intervention. However, if the following symptoms are found, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• High body temperature , more than 38.5 degrees Celsius;
• Bloody discharge from the intestines or unnaturally black stool;
• Severe diarrhea , which does not stop for more than 24-48 hours;
• Severe nausea and vomiting preventing food and liquid from being retained in the stomach;
• Increased weakness and drowsiness , inability to get out of bed;
• Severe pain in the abdomen or around the navel that does not stop.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms. Medical attention may be needed to prevent further dehydration and complications such as infectious shock and sepsis.

Tips for caring for the sick

1. Keep calm and comfortable

A patient with explosive diarrhea needs a quiet environment, so provide him with a comfortable bed and a quiet place to rest. Keep the room clean and provide access to water and a toilet.

2. Get the right nutrition

Follow the diet recommended by your doctor and provide food that does not cause a heavy bowel movement. These can be broths, rice, toast, bananas and apples. Make sure the patient is drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

3. Help to monitor the condition

It is important to monitor the patient’s condition and immediately consult a doctor if signs of deterioration appear. Keep an emergency phone handy and stay vigilant.

4. Help maintain hygiene

Follow your doctor’s care instructions and help maintain hygiene. Stock up on soft towels, wet wipes and non-perfumed hygiene products. Wash the patient’s linen and clothes regularly when coming out of diarrhea.

What not to do if you have diarrhea?

Avoid dairy products. Milk is a natural laxative that can increase the number and frequency of diarrheal stools. Instead, it is better to choose fermented milk products, such as yogurt or kefir, which can help normalize the intestinal microflora.

Do not drink tea or coffee. Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate diarrhoea. Instead, drink water or decaffeinated herbal teas such as lemon balm or nettle.

Do not eat spicy, fatty or spicy foods. They can irritate the stomach and cause an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. It is better to choose light dishes, such as chicken broths, vegetable soups or rice.

Do not take medicines without medical advice. Some medicines may make the symptoms of diarrhea worse or even cause it. If you are taking medication and have diarrhea, be sure to check with your doctor.

• Do not abuse alcohol.
• Do not smoke cigarettes.
• Avoid large meals.
• Do not play sports or exercise.

Conclusions: how to deal with diarrhea

Isolate yourself

In case of explosive diarrhea, it is important to isolate yourself as soon as possible. If you are in an office or public place, immediately ask permission to go home or use the restroom. Move carefully, without unnecessary movements or aspirations, to avoid the ultimate consequences of diarrhea.

Practice good hygiene

When you have diarrhea, be sure to practice good hygiene to avoid contracting intestinal infections. Clean your hands very thoroughly and regularly using soap and water. We recommend using disinfectants such as antiseptics, hand sanitizer gel or alcohol solutions.

Drink plenty of fluids

Whatever the cause of diarrhea, fluid plays a big role in treating it. Fluid loss through diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. It is recommended to drink isotonic solutions containing electrolytes and salts to compensate for the fluid and salts that come out with constipation. Water, strong teas, and broths can also help your body regain proper fluid levels.

Avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse

Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. These can be, for example, dairy products, fatty or fried foods, spices, coffee, alcohol or sweets. During the illness, it is important to avoid these foods and opt for light meals that are rich in fiber and nutrients, such as rice, white bread, bananas, or chicken meat.

Use medicines appropriate for your condition

If diarrhea persists, antimicrobials that help kill the offending pathogen may be helpful. Antibiotics are actually not always recommended for diarrhea, so it’s important to check with your healthcare provider. What medications to use, if necessary, will be prompted by a qualified gastroenterologist.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is explosive diarrhea?

Explosive diarrhea is the rapid and sudden onset of severe and frequent diarrhea that can last from several hours to several days.

What causes explosive diarrhea?

Explosive diarrhea can be caused by infections, inappropriate diet, stress, digestive problems, certain medications, and other factors.

What are the best foods to avoid if I have explosive diarrhea?

In case of explosive diarrhea, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, dairy products, hot spices and especially carbonated drinks should be excluded from the diet.

What actions can make explosive diarrhea worse?

Continued consumption of foods and drinks that cause diarrhea, sticky or fried foods, decreased fluid levels, and stress can aggravate explosive diarrhea.

What medicines can be taken for explosive diarrhea?

Some medicines, such as imodium, can help relieve diarrhea and improve health in flare-ups, but these are best taken only on the advice of a doctor.

When should I see a doctor if I have explosive diarrhea?

If diarrhea does not stop after a few days, is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen, is bloody or mucous, with a high temperature, or leads to dehydration, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Chronic diarrhea or when diarrhea does not stop

Diarrhea is a symptom characterized by softening of the stool to the point of being watery and accompanied by an increase in the volume of feces per day and / or an increase in bowel movements. In the people, diarrhea is most often called diarrhea, less often carrying or slack. Diarrhea in cats and dogs can be accompanied by abdominal pain, pain during bowel movements, blood in the stool, discoloration of the stool, as well as vomiting, refusal of food and water, lethargy and apathy, trembling of the whole body, and weight loss. Let’s take everything in order.

Diarrhea can be acute (lasting up to 2 weeks), prolonged (lasting 2-3 weeks), and chronic (lasting more than 3 weeks). Recurrent diarrhea, that is, occurring from time to time, passing on treatment, but then returning again, is also considered chronic. Chronic diarrhea requires a special approach from both the doctor and the owner.

Most often, the causes are associated with diseases of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract in particular, but sometimes it happens that diarrhea only accompanies, for example, heart disease or systemic viral diseases and is not the leading symptom in the patient. The doctor at the appointment, based on the story of the owner and the data of the clinical examination, may suspect a particular disease and prescribe the necessary diagnosis.

Chronic diarrhea, i.e. lasting more than 3 weeks, may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Weight loss, reduction in subcutaneous fat and sometimes muscle mass
• Vomiting, which can be either episodic (every few days) or fairly regular. Also, vomiting can be unproductive, that is, the pet deliberately restrains the urge to vomit and swallows back small amounts of vomit
• Appetite changes. The pet can start eating more, eating several times more food, which is supposed to be given to him according to the feeding norm. A sharply reduced appetite is also possible when the pet eats less than half of the daily food intake for more than 2 days. In rare cases, there is a perverted appetite: a cat or dog begins to eat inedible objects or eat foods that they never liked.
• Pain after feeding. The owner may note the pet’s lethargy, unwillingness to move after the next meal. It is also possible to have a stiff gait, a gait with an arched back, and even a pet’s aggression when trying to touch his stomach.
• In severe cases, chronic diarrhea may be accompanied by ascites, which is an abnormal accumulation of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Outwardly, this can be seen in the form of an increase in the volume of the abdomen, swollen sides.

1. Inflammatory bowel disease. This is a whole group of chronic diseases associated with a violation of the interaction between the intestines and the immune system. Unfortunately, the exact cause of these diseases is unclear. Sometimes it happens that immune cells are present in the intestinal wall in excess, or insufficient special immunoglobulins (IgA) are synthesized in the body, designed to protect the mucous membranes, or there is a congenital or acquired defect in the anatomical structure of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause such diseases.
2. Diseases of the pancreas. The most common cause of diarrhea is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, that is, insufficient production of digestive juices by this organ, with the help of which food is processed and digested in the gastrointestinal tract. Food that is not properly processed by digestive juices cannot be decomposed into its components, as it normally does, and substances from food are not absorbed into the blood, and the body as a result does not receive nutrition. In addition to exocrine insufficiency, there may be pancreatitis (up to the death of the pancreas), as well as various neoplasms of this organ that disrupt its work.
3. Parasites of the gastrointestinal tract in some cases cause chronic diarrhea . This is rare, however, some helminths and protozoa are capable of long-term parasitism, for example, whipworm, Giardia, Trichomonas. It is especially important to talk about parasites when the owner neglects to carry out anthelmintic and anti-flea treatments for his pet.
4. Neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Tumors of the intestinal wall and/or stomach lead to chronic inflammation and the replacement of healthy intestinal cells with tumor cells that do not function as healthy cells and produce inflammatory substances. Tumors can be solid (that is, in the form of a bump and having clear boundaries), and diffuse (that is, to be as if spilled over the area and not having clear boundaries).
5. Diseases of organs and systems other than the digestive system. In diseases of the heart and stagnation of blood in the systemic circulation (in the abdominal cavity), sometimes a pet has a soft stool due to edema of the intestinal walls and impaired absorption of water from feces. Kidney disease can also lead to diarrhea. This is due to the fact that the breakdown products of proteins are extremely toxic, and if the kidneys cannot cope with the function of removing these products from the body, then, accumulating in the blood in excess, toxic substances have a detrimental effect on the functioning of all body systems, including intestines.