KOMPAS.com – Often having diarrhea at night can be very annoying.
The reason is, this condition can interfere with sleep activities and affect quality of life.
Diarrhea itself is a disease that causes sufferers to have frequent bowel movements with watery stools.
This condition can occur acutely and last for several days or it can become chronic and continue for 4 weeks or more.
Also read: Causes of Diarrhea in Children and How to Overcome It
Basically, mild to severe diarrhea can be caused by the following:
- Infections, including those caused by viruses or bacteria
- Drug side effects
- Food
- Allergy
You can also experience diarrhea at night due to one of these causes.
However, if it is caused by any of these factors, it is unlikely that you will experience diarrhea for a long time.
Chronic nighttime diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious condition.
This condition can even help doctors make a diagnosis.
Also read: 14 Food Launcher CHAPTER to Overcome Constipation
The following are some of the health conditions that can become the cause of frequent diarrhea at night or chronic nighttime diarrhea:
1. Secretory diarrhea
Launch Medical News Today, secretory diarrhea occurs when the intestines are unable to properly absorb electrolytes.
This condition is a common cause of acute and chronic diarrhea.
Secretory diarrhea can result from:
- Alcoholism or alcohol use disorders
- Bacterial poison
- Drug side effects
- Bowel surgery
- Other health problems that interfere with bowel function
Also read: Frequent Diarrhea in the Morning: Causes, Complications, and Treatment
2. Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder, which means that the digestive tract appears disorganized but does not function properly.
Symptoms of IBS include:
- Bloated and bloated stomach
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mucus in the stool
- Stomach pain and cramps
However, rather than having diarrhea at night, most people with IBS find watery stools more often during the day, especially after eating.
Diarrhea at night is considered an “alarm symptom” in people with IBS. This means it requires immediate medical attention.
Other IBS alarm symptoms include:
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Progressive pain
- Unexplained weight loss
3. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to several chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Also read: 8 Symptoms of Appendicitis and How to Distinguish it from Other Diseases
IBD causes inflammation, unlike IBS.
It also causes changes in the gut that can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Some people with IBD experience diarrhea at night and during the day.
Other symptoms of IBD include:
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Often feel tired
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pain during bowel movements
- Experiencing stomach pain or stomach cramps
- Throw up
- Weight loss
Also read: Appendicitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, although risk factors include having a family history of intestinal conditions, being a smoker, and taking certain medications.
Most people with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 30.
4. Microscopic colitis
Microscopic colitis causes inflammation of the colon and causes persistent diarrhea.
The inflammation associated with this condition can only be observed using a microscope.
The elderly group is more likely to develop microscopic colitis, but anyone who continues to have diarrhea at night, even while fasting should be tested for this condition.
Other symptoms of microscopic colitis include:
- Fecal incontinence or the body is unable to control bowel movements
- Nausea
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Weight loss
The exact cause of microscopic colitis is not known, but taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 6 months or more can increase the risk of developing it.
Also read: 9 Types of Digestive Disorders and How to Treat Them
5. Diabetes
Launch Health Line, people with uncontrolled diabetes and insulin dependence are at risk for frequent nighttime diarrhea.
It can also affect people with nerve damage caused by diabetes, known as diabetic neuropathy.
Symptoms of diabetes that should be watched out for include:
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue and irritability
- Frequent infections
- Hunger increases
- Thirst increases
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow wound healing
- Urinary frequency increases
Also read: Digestive System: Functions, Organs, and How to Keep You Healthy
The causes of diabetes vary and depend on the type.
Type 1 diabetes is associated with an overactive immune system, whereas type 2 occurs when cells become resistant to insulin.
Meanwhile, gestational diabetes affects several people during pregnancy.
You need to see a doctor if you suspect causes of diarrhea at night being experienced is another medical condition.
Your doctor may prescribe or recommend certain medications to treat chronic diarrhea, including anti-diarrheal therapy or antibiotics.
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