I have terrible diarrhea after I eat -- so bad that I sometimes or most mess up my clothes it just starts immediately after I eat if I don't get to the bathroom immediately it just comes out

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER.

Acute diarrhea is a sudden onset of diarrhea episodes. Diarrhea due to any cause may occur after eating, as the simple act of eating stimulates muscle movement within your large intestine to empty your bowels. But when you have an underlying cause such as an infection, food poisoning, or IBS, these contractions may be stronger and more painful than usual and come with a sense of urgency. These may be causes of acute diarrhea:

Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella or E. coli
Food poisoning
Viral infections, such as are commonly referred to as the "stomach flu"
Parasites, such as Giardia
Medications, such as antacids, antibiotics, chemotherapy
Lactose intolerance (may also be a chronic cause)
IBS-D, irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (may also be a chronic cause)

Please speak with your primary care physician,
Maryann