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What should you know about infectious diarrhea causes?

Where Diarrhoea is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Diarrhoea is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Infectious diarrhea causes include viruses, bacteria and parasites acquired through contaminated food, water or close contact.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible sources
Food, water, surfaces or close contact
Key concern
Fluid loss and dehydration
Useful history
Travel, meals, medicines and illness contacts

How causes are separated

Diarrhoea happens when the bowel contains excess water or moves its contents too quickly. Infection may also bring cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever or feeling unwell. [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) and [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) are common labels, but the exact germ is not always identified.

A longer-lasting or recurring pattern can have a non-infectious explanation, such as [Food Intolerance](/conditions/food-intolerance/), [Coeliac Disease](/conditions/coeliac-disease/), [Crohn's Disease](/conditions/crohns-disease/) or [Irritable Bowel Syndrome](/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/). [Giardiasis](/conditions/giardiasis/) is a parasitic infection that can persist after exposure to unsafe water or food. Symptoms from [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/) can also include frequent bowel movements, so duration and associated features matter.

What you can do

Replace fluid regularly with water, oral rehydration solution or clear fluids, taking small sips if nausea is present. Continue light meals as tolerated and wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid preparing food for others while unwell. A clinician may ask about travel, untreated water, meals shared with others, medicines and contact with illness; testing is considered when the pattern or exposure makes it useful.

When to seek care

Seek prompt care for blood or black stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, marked weakness or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and a dry mouth. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with significant medical conditions may need advice sooner.

Contact a clinician when diarrhoea is not settling, follows recent travel or antibiotics, or keeps returning. Urgent assessment is needed if you cannot keep fluids down or feel faint.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your symptoms suggest infection, whether a stool sample is useful, how to replace fluids safely, and which medicines should be avoided or considered.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Does every episode of diarrhoea come from an infection?

No. Food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and thyroid problems can also alter bowel movements.

When might testing be needed?

A clinician may consider testing when symptoms are severe, prolonged, bloody, linked to travel or an outbreak, or occurring in someone medically vulnerable.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.