Secretory diarrhea (secretory diarrhoea)

Secretory diarrhea (secretory diarrhoea) occurs when there is active secretion of fluids and electrolytes as well as decreased absorption. Normally only approximately 1.5L's of fluid reaches the colon (from upto 9L's of fluid a day that passes into the small bowel). From this about 100-200ml of fluid is left in feces (faeces). When this absorption is interupted and secretion then occurs, the result is secretory diarrhoea. The most common reason for this worldwide is infection and the biggest killer in the 3rd world.

Causes of secretory diarrhea:

Enterotoxins (toxic substances produced by certain bacteria)eg Cholera, E-coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Shigella, Clostridium perfringens.

Bile salts - small bowel resection mainly, but can occur in alcoholism

Laxatives

Congenital

Hormonal eg Carcinoid syndrome, VIPomas, Glucagonoma, Systemic Mastocytosis

Diabetic diarrhea

Idiopathic

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.com your ibs or irritable bowel syndrome website.