Cold symptoms and diarrhea
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Cold Symptoms and Diarrhea: An Overview
Cold Hypersensitivity and Paroxysmal Diarrhea
Cold hypersensitivity can lead to a range of symptoms, including paroxysmal diarrhea. In one unusual case, a patient experienced severe systemic reactions, including diarrhea, following exposure to cold environments such as swimming. This reaction was not mitigated by antihistamines, suggesting a non-histamine-related mechanism 1.
Cold Urticaria and Systemic Symptoms
Cold urticaria (ColdU) is another condition where exposure to cold triggers symptoms like wheals and angioedema. Up to 30% of ColdU patients may experience systemic symptoms, including diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain. ColdU can be either familial or acquired, with the latter sometimes linked to underlying conditions like infections or drug reactions 2.
Stress, Cold Symptoms, and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Acute psychological stress is known to exacerbate gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and cold symptoms. A study on galactooligosaccharides (GOS) supplementation found that stress was positively correlated with diarrhea, indigestion, and other GI issues, as well as cold/flu symptoms. GOS supplementation helped reduce these symptoms, indicating a potential therapeutic approach for managing stress-induced GI dysfunction and cold symptoms 3.
COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, often presents with respiratory symptoms but can also include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. In some cases, diarrhea has been reported as an initial symptom of COVID-19, highlighting the importance of considering GI symptoms in the diagnosis and management of the disease 4.
Cold-Humid Stress and Intestinal Microbiota
Exposure to cold and humid environments can alter the intestinal microbiota, leading to diarrhea. Research on mice exposed to such conditions showed significant changes in intestinal enzyme activities and microbial composition. These changes were associated with increased diarrhea, suggesting that environmental stressors can significantly impact gut health and contribute to diarrhea 5.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Diarrhea
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the undigested diarrhea syndrome associated with internal cold of Yang brightness syndrome is characterized by chronic diarrhea and cold systemic symptoms. The pathogenesis involves a lack of stomach-Yang and inner cold retention, leading to digestive disorders. Treatment focuses on activating Yang-Qi and using purgatives to manage the symptoms 6.
Invasive Escherichia coli and Gastroenteritis
An outbreak of invasive Escherichia coli gastroenteritis on a cruise ship highlighted the role of bacterial infections in causing diarrhea. Passengers who consumed food from cold buffets, particularly potato salad, were significantly more likely to develop diarrhea and other symptoms like nausea, abdominal cramps, and chills. This underscores the importance of food safety in preventing gastroenteritis outbreaks 7.
Conclusion
Cold exposure and stress can significantly impact gastrointestinal health, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. Conditions such as cold hypersensitivity, cold urticaria, and stress-induced GI dysfunction illustrate the complex interplay between environmental factors and gut health. Additionally, infections like COVID-19 and invasive Escherichia coli can present with GI symptoms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches. Understanding these connections can help in developing effective management and treatment strategies for diarrhea associated with cold symptoms.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
An unusual case of hypersensitivity to cold complicated by paroxysmal diarrhea.
This unusual case of hypersensitivity to cold, with paroxysmal diarrhea, may not be due to a hypersensitive reaction to histamine, as Benadryl hydrochloride failed to modify the response to cold.
Case ReportLocalized cold urticaria: an unusual form of cold urticaria
Localized cold urticaria is a rare and atypical form of cold urticaria, characterized by cutaneous lesions and systemic symptoms, often affecting the face and neck.
Rigorous JournalGalactooligosaccharide supplementation reduces stress‐induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and days of cold or flu: a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial in healthy undergraduate students
GOS supplementation reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and cold/flu symptoms in healthy undergraduate students, potentially reducing cold/flu days by 40%.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Very Rigorous JournalSARS-CoV-2 induced diarrhoea as onset symptom in patient with COVID-19
COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms should be evaluated for virus infectivity, especially during the outbreak period.
Case ReportRigorous Journal
Highly CitedAlterations in intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities under cold-humid stress: implications for diarrhea in cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome
Exposure to cold and humid conditions increases intestinal enzyme activities and shifts microbial composition, favoring the growth of rare bacterial species, potentially contributing to the pathology of cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome.
RCT
Animal StudyDiscussion of undigested diarrhea syndrome with internal cold of Yang brightness syndrome
The undigested diarrhea syndrome of internal cold of Yang brightness syndrome is a long-term disease with hard dejecta in colon, affecting digestion and requiring activating Yang-Qi and catharsis for treatment.
Outbreak of invasive Escherichia coli gastroenteritis on a cruise ship.
Invasive Escherichia coli gastroenteritis was found in passengers on a cruise ship, with cold buffets and potato salad being significant contributors, but no evidence of secondary spread in household contacts.
Observational StudyThe Common Cold
A common cold in children may include symptoms like a tickle in the throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and other issues.
Diarrhea and school toilet hygiene in Cali, Colombia.
Unhygienic toilet conditions in schools can reduce diarrhea by 44% and vomiting by 34%, but not colds or head lice.
Observational StudyUnderstanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza
New knowledge of cytokines helps explain some previously folkloric symptoms of colds and flu, improving our understanding of their mechanisms.
Highly Cited