Causes of diarrhea
Diarrhea results from an imbalance in the absorption and secretion properties of the intestinal tract.
There are four types of diarrhea:
Osmotic diarrhea occurs when ingested solute, which is not fully, absorbed draws fluid into the small intestine as seen in lactose intolerance.
Secretory diarrhea occurs when the intestine secrete rather than absorb electrolytes and water as that seen with bacterial toxins.
Exudative diarrhea observed in inflammatory diseases when mucosal inflammation and ulceration cause outpouring of plasma, mucus and blood into the stool.
Motility disorder caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.
Next page: Symptoms of Diarrhea
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: May 10,2012