Osmotic diarrhea (osmotic diarrhoea)

Osmotic diarrhea occurs when ingested nutrients not absorbed in the small bowel, resulting in an osmotic gradient. In basic terms this means water passes from the cells of the small bowel wall to the lumen of the bowel. This can result in malabsorption of nutrients that can lead on to significant nutritional issues in some.

Causes of osmotic diarrhea:

Lactose intolerance (Lactase deficiency)

Celiac disease (Coeliac disease) Amyloidosis

Cancer (Lymphoma)

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth

Crohn's disease

Small bowel surgery

Pancreatitis

Whipples disease

Disaccharidase deficiency

These conditions can occur alongside ibs/irritable bowel syndrome so its important not to be 'blinkered' if you have a change in your bowel symptoms. For more information go to www.ibs-help-online .