Published on: 5/22/2025
What Factors Can Make Diarrhea Symptoms Worse?
Diarrhea can get worse due to certain medications like antibiotics, problems with absorbing bile acids, and conditions like celiac disease and lactose intolerance.
Explanation
Diarrhea can be made worse by several factors.
Medications: Some medications, such as oral antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
Bile Acid Malabsorption: When the body doesn't properly absorb bile acids in the intestines, it can lead to diarrhea. This condition is known as bile acid malabsorption.
Dietary Intolerances: Conditions such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance can also make diarrhea symptoms worse. In celiac disease, consuming gluten can damage the small intestine, leading to diarrhea. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, which can also result in diarrhea.
Understanding these factors can help in managing and reducing diarrhea symptoms.
(References)
- Goldstein F, & DiMarino AJ Jr. (2000). Diarrhea as a side effect of mesalamine treatment for .... Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 10914779.
- Westergaard H. (2007). Bile Acid malabsorption. Current treatment options in gastroenterology, 17298762.
- Jankowiak C, & Ludwig D. (2008). [Frequent causes of diarrhea: celiac disease and lactose .... Medizinische Klinik (Munich, Germany : 1983), 18548211.
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