Causes and symptoms of chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic diarrhea, characterized by loose or liquid stools lasting weeks or months, can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies if the underlying cause is not identified. Potential causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a significant category of these conditions, often involving ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, often causing urgency and bloody stools, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and may present with discontinuous inflammation, making it harder to detect.

Medical specialists from Hospital Clínic Barcelona note that while stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms, they are not the primary causes of IBD. Additionally, they clarify that a gluten-free diet is only effective for those with celiac disease and is not a universal cure for inflammatory bowel conditions.