Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when the digestive system is upset. There are many causes for this, from eating bad food to the presence of an infection or parasite in the digestive tract. Sometimes digestive disturbances are a reaction to emotional stress. For example, someone who is nervous about a dreaded upcoming meeting at work may experience sudden and repeated urges to go to the bathroom.

These are all common causes, none of which are chronic--though some are certainly serious and require medical treatment. However, diarrhea can be an indicator of a chronic intestinal problem, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis, or diverticular disease (infection and inflammation of herniated portions of the colon wall). This is why, if the problem doesn't go away, you should see a doctor about it. If left untreated, it could cause severe dehydration and further health problems.

Treatment for Diarrhea

Treatment is determined by the diagnosis of its cause, of course. However, many doctors in the colorectal field are increasingly relying on colon cleansing techniques as both a preventive measure and treatment of an array of digestive disorders, many interrelated--including diarrhea.

For instance, this problem sometimes goes hand-in-hand with constipation. An effective flushing out of built-up plaque on the colon walls can get the colon in good working order once again. Plus, it can head off future digestive tract problems that may spread to other internal organs and systems. A condition called "toxic bowel syndrome" is receiving more attention these days because of its ability to threaten the surrounding vital organs with toxic wastes that accumulate in the constipated bowel.