Is It Common To Have Diarrhea First Thing In The Morning?

Watery or loose stools in the morning are completely normal and usually nothing to worry about. There may be a more serious underlying cause, however, if diarrhea occurs frequently or persistently (known as chronic diarrhea).

Short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) causes of morning diarrhea, complications that can arise, and methods for regaining digestive health are covered in this article.  

The vast majority of cases of diarrhea are short-lived and resolve on their own, or are classified as acute. This is because its root cause is frequently temporary. The aforementioned are some of the most common immediate causes of diarrhea.  

Intestinal infections caused by viruses (the clinical term for which is viral gastroenteritis) are the leading cause of diarrhea in Western countries. The vast majority of the time, this is due to a contagious virus.

Virus-caused diarrhea often comes with nausea and vomiting, and in some cases a high temperature as well. Having blood in your stool is not a common symptom of this condition.

Diarrhea can also be caused by bacteria. This may occur after eating a contaminated meal or returning from a foreign country. Getting sick from eating tainted food or getting sick from bacteria in food can lead to diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different bacteria, and other symptoms, such as fever, bloody stools, or intestinal inflammation (redness and swelling), can also be brought on by the same bacteria.

Diarrhea can also be caused by parasites, although parasitic infections are much rarer in industrialized nations. When diarrhea lasts longer than a week, a doctor may suspect a parasitic infection. Symptoms of diarrhea can include diarrhea itself, as well as vomiting, bloody or watery stools, and intestinal inflammation.

Caffeine affects many bodily functions, including the digestive system. This includes stimulating stomach acid production and relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Another possible side effect is an increase in gastrointestinal inflammation. This may result in less constipation.

People react to stress in a variety of ways. Extreme stress can trigger diarrhea in some people. Everything from final exams to a death in the family has the potential to add stress.

Medication and supplements frequently cause stomach upset and diarrhea. For information on whether or not a given medication may cause diarrhea, consult the product information or get in touch with the healthcare provider who prescribed the drug.

There are a number of potential causes of diarrhea during pregnancy. Hormonal shifts, food sensitivities, and dietary adjustments are all potential causes. Diarrhea in the third trimester of pregnancy is a possible indicator of impending labor. Diarrhea, however, may persist for some time before the onset of labor.

Diarrhea can also be caused by chronic (ongoing) health problems. In such cases, treatment may be necessary, as the diarrhea may not clear up on its own. This is especially true in the case of a potentially progressive disease.

Diarrhea is often brought on by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients who have experienced abdominal pain at least once a week and have had diarrhea in about 25% of their bowel movements in the past three months may be diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea.

Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis are all examples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stools, weight loss, and abdominal pain may be caused by these. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is diagnosed by observing the digestive tract lining for ulcerations.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of eating an allergen. Skin prick tests and blood work are the gold standards for diagnosing food allergies, but a patient's reaction to a suspected food can also be used to confirm an allergy.

Diarrhea is a common symptom of lactose intolerance. The protein in cow's milk can't be digested by everyone because their bodies don't produce the enzyme needed to do so. Symptoms are alleviated by avoiding dairy products, so this is a common condition with a straightforward treatment.

Long-term diarrhea has been linked to a variety of secondary health issues. Many people lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes (blood salts like sodium, potassium, and calcium) due to diarrhea. Getting enough fluids to replace them is challenging.  

Vitamins and minerals may also be lost in the digestive process if food is processed too quickly. Because of this, you might not get enough vitamins.

The perianal skin, which surrounds the anus, can also be irritated by persistent diarrhea. Wiping up feces, which is acidic, can cause pain, broken skin, and even bleeding.  

Persistent diarrhea may also cause hemorrhoids In the anus, varicose veins, known as hemorrhoids, can become enlarged and cause pain. Aside from the obvious discomfort, they can also provoke itching and even bleeding. Hemorrhoids can develop from constant straining and urinating in the same spot.

Keeping diarrhea at bay may be an impossible task. The good news is that there are a number of ways to avoid this situation.

The spread of infectious forms of diarrhea can be stopped by regularly washing one's hands. The CDC suggests using soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to reduce the spread of germs.

If you're going on a trip, don't eat anything that might make you sick. In order to prevent foodborne illness, it is advised to stick to cooked foods only, drink only bottled water, and not consume any ice or foods that have not been thoroughly cooked.

Diarrhea from food allergies or lactose intolerance can only be prevented by avoiding the foods that trigger the condition.

Some forms of diarrhea may benefit from treatment with antidiarrheal drugs. However, if you have an infection or persistent diarrhea, these may not be the best choice. If you are unsure whether or not you need to take antidiarrheal medication, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning treatment.

Diarrhea due to IBS may require a combination of treatments. Changes in diet (such as increasing fiber intake), psychotherapy, supplements, and medications may be used.  

Inflammation of the digestive tract is caused by IBD. Diarrhea treatment includes reducing this inflammatory response. Modifying your diet, engaging in talk therapy, taking medication, or taking supplements may all be part of your treatment plan.

Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own without medical intervention. It's important to see a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than a few days or if complications arise (like dehydration). Diagnosing and treating chronic diarrhea will require a different set of tools than those used to treat acute diarrhea.

When other symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, accompany diarrhea, the illness becomes particularly unpleasant. It's not always obvious when diarrhea warrants a trip to the doctor. The cause of diarrhea could be obvious if you were around someone who recently recovered from the stomach flu. Diarrhea that lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by severe dehydration or other complications should be evaluated by a medical professional.  

Questions & Answers

• In the absence of any other symptoms, what could be causing diarrhea?

  Diarrhea without any other signs or symptoms is often caused by an adverse reaction to a medication, an excess of caffeine, or an intolerance to a particular food. These forms typically resolve on their own, without the need for medical intervention.

• Can you expect to be awakened by diarrhea frequently?

  There is a wide range of regularity in bowel movements. Watery stools that wake you up at night, on the other hand, are not typical. Changing your diet and your stress levels, as well as keeping a food and symptom diary, may help you put an end to your morning diarrhea.

  If you have tried everything and still have diarrhea, it may be time to see a doctor, nurse, dietitian, or all three.

• Every morning when I wake up, I have a terrible stomachache.

  Daily stomach pain could be caused by nothing more sinister than an empty stomach, but it could also be an indicator of something more serious. This brain-gut connection also allows the brain to influence the digestive system.

  If you're experiencing pain first thing in the morning, it may be a sign that your morning routine needs some tweaking. If your symptoms persist despite keeping a food and symptom diary, it may be time to see a doctor.

• Is anxiety a possible cause of diarrhea?

  Some people experience diarrhea when they are anxious or stressed. This is to be expected occasionally; after all, not every traumatic experience can be prevented. It's beneficial to deal with stress in whatever way is practical for you.

  If the diarrhea is interfering with your life in significant ways, however, such as making it difficult to go out or focus on your work, it may be time to consult a doctor or therapist to see if they can help you manage your anxiety.