Pooping water, or watery diarrhea, occurs when the colon is unable to properly absorb water from the stool or is secreting excess water. This can be caused by several factors including infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), food intolerances, certain medications, or underlying digestive health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Common causes include:
- Gastrointestinal infections from viruses like norovirus, adenovirus, or rotavirus, bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, and parasites like Giardia.
- Food intolerances to sugars (e.g., lactose or fructose) or artificial sweeteners.
- Side effects from medications including antibiotics, antacids, or laxatives.
- Health issues affecting the digestive tract that impair water absorption or increase secretion, including chronic diseases or inflammation.
If watery diarrhea is persistent, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, severe pain, or blood in stool, urgent medical attention is recommended to avoid dehydration and address any serious underlying causes.