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What Causes Diarrhea?

From the food you eat to life’s stresses to catching the stomach flu, there are many causes of diarrhea. Most diarrhea triggers are from everyday events, foods that might upset the stomach, poor gut health, diet or common viruses. However, some cases may signal an underlying medical condition.

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors. Temporary diarrhea usually lasts one to two days and can be a result of food ingested, a viral or bacterial infection, or even traveling. If you have diarrhea lasting more than two days, or recurring diarrhea, we recommend seeking advice from a professional.

Below, you’ll find some of the most common answers to what causes diarrhea and how you can manage and cope with the symptoms.

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Stress & Anxiety

Find out how to deal with stress in the long-run, what foods to incorporate in your diet that might help improve your gut health, and how IMODIUM^® can help in the short term for your acute diarrhea.

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Eating Habits & Food

What you eat affects your digestive health, so certain food and drinks can cause diarrhea. Anything from alcohol to fatty foods to sweeteners can disrupt digestion. Find out more food and drink triggers here.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS may cause diarrhea, and IMODIUM^® can help treat symptoms of diarrhea. Consult your healthcare professional if you think you may have IBS.

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Food Intolerances

Find out how food intolerances cause diarrhea and how to control your diet to help prevent diarrhea symptoms.

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Menstruation

MOTRIN^® can help with the pain from menstrual cramps, but you can also use IMODIUM^® to manage or treat diarrhea per labeled indication during your cycle.

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Medications

Whether it is a new long-term medication or a short-term solution to another ailment, medication can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics are one example of this.

Female character lying in bed, looking uncomfortable and restless, struggling to find a position to relax due to diarrhea symptoms.

Stomach Flu

Diarrhea can be a symptom of the stomach flu (or Acute Gastroenteritis). The virus can result in what is also often called flu diarrhea and can be treated with IMODIUM^® products.

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Traveler's Diarrhea

Planning on traveling to other countries? Learn ways to help avoid food poisoning when traveling.

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Food Poisoning

The ingestion of contaminated food or water can cause gastroenteritis, which inflames the stomach and intestines.

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Gut Health

Poor gut health can lead to many issues, including diarrhea. Learn about ways to improve your gut health and how IMODIUM^® can ease discomfort from diarrhea.

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Managing Your Diarrhea

Find out ways you can help to manage it and get back in control. If symptoms worsen or last more than two days, contact your healthcare professional.

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Got a Question?

If you’ve just started your journey to finding the cause of your diarrhea, or if you’d like to know more about the condition, use our diarrhea FAQ section as a quick guide to the most commonly asked questions about diarrhea.