Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors including infections (viruses, bacteria, parasites), food intolerances (such as lactose or fructose intolerance), certain medications (like antibiotics), digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease), dietary changes, stress, and even surgery affecting the intestines. It can be short- term due to infections like viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning, or persistent and chronic due to underlying medical conditions or long-term medication use.

Common infections causing diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli, and parasites like Giardia. Food poisoning from contaminated food or water is also frequent. Medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt the gut’s natural bacteria balance leading to diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may be linked to diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other factors like artificial sweeteners, excessive alcohol consumption, or malabsorption issues can also cause ongoing diarrhea.

If diarrhea persists, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.