Diarrhea is a condition many experience at some point in life. It is characterized as an increase in the volume, frequency and fluid in bowel movements. The explosive form of diarrhea is more violent with loud passage of watery stool as it is being eliminated with excess gas.
Infections, drastic changes in the diet, medications or health conditions can trigger explosive diarrhea. Depending on the precise cause, it might resolve on its own but some symptoms might require further assessment by a doctor.
Excessive intake of fiber
If the individual has explosive diarrhea, the diet might be responsible. Any increase in the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains or bran cereals adds more indigestible fiber which softens the stool and hasten the movement of fecal matter via the intestines.
Excessive intake of fiber can cause gas as well as explosive diarrhea. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains might also contain some poorly digested sugars and starches.
GI tract infections
One of the usual reasons of brief diarrhea is a GI tract infection due to certain viruses, bacteria or parasites. Most of the infections are triggered by food or water-borne ailments and settle after a few days.
The bacterial infections triggered by E. coli, salmonella, clostridium, shigella or campylobacter can cause explosive diarrhea. If due to a parasite, giardia lamblia is the usual cause. Several viral ailments can also result to diarrhea including rotavirus.
Medications
Various medications can affect the bowel habits and some of these can trigger explosive diarrhea. Laxatives can lead to excessive diarrhea especially if overused.
The antacids that contain magnesium along with drugs given for cancer, diabetes or heartburn are also linked to diarrhea, but not the explosive form.
Health conditions
Several chronic or ongoing ailments can trigger inflammation of the colon including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Even though most of these conditions can cause explosive diarrhea, it is often seen in ulcerative colitis.