Diarrhea
When the stool is loose or liquid, it is called diarrhea. This may be known as very common condition & usually resolves without intervention. You must watch what you or your child are eating. Frequent bowel movements can sometimes be fatal. This is why you should never take watery stools lightly.
Diarrhea is a common health problem where you need to have a bowel movement more often. It is characterized by loose, watery stools. Most diarrhea lasts one to two days. However, it can be severe or chronic and last at least four weeks. It usually goes away on its own. But sometimes if it becomes contagious, you may need to take antibiotics or antibiotics.
Diarrhea that lasts a long time indicates another underlying health condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or a persistent infection.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
The signs and symptoms of diarrhea are;
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Mucus in stool
- Loose, watery stools
- Stomach cramps
- Up hill
Nausea
- There is an urgent need that you should have a bowel movement.
If you suffer from these symptoms, you should see your best gastroenterologist.
What are the causes of diarrhea?
There are several possible causes of diarrhea like;
Viruses
Viral infections can also cause loose, watery stools. Viruses that can cause it;
- Norwalk virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Viral hepatitis
- Rotavirus in children
COVID-19 may also causes the nausea, vomiting & diarrhea.
Bacteria
Drinking water or eating contaminated food can pass bacteria into your body, which can eventually lead to diarrhea. If you travel to developing countries and suffer from diarrhea, it is called traveler’s diarrhea.
Drug promotion
Many medications cause diarrhea as a side effect. Some antibiotics like clindamycin and clarithromycin are just a few of them. This is because there are certain bacteria in your GI tract that are healthy for your body and help digest food, known as common herbs.
Because antibiotics kill bacteria, they also kill the healthy ones you need to digest your food, eventually leading to loose, watery stools. Other medications that can cause diarrhea are;
- Antacids
- Magnesium
- Corticosteroids
- Laxatives
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk that causes diarrhea. People who are lactose intolerant have a hard time digesting dairy products. This problem can get worse as you get older, because the enzymes that help digest milk are depleted over time. People with lactose intolerance should drink lactose-free milk to avoid diarrhea.
Fructose
Fructose: The sugar found in fruits can also cause diarrhea. It is sometimes used as a sweetener in various drinks and desserts, eventually leading to loose, watery stools.
Artificial sweetness
Sorbitol and mannitol are synthetic sweeteners used in gum, candy, and other sugar-free products. They can also cause diarrhea in some healthy people.
Surgery
Surgeries such as abdominal surgery, colon exam, or gallbladder removal can also cause diarrhea.
Digestive system diseases
Some diseases of the digestive system can also cause chronic diarrhea. Here are some of them:
- Inflammation of the secretory colon.
- Microscopic colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
What are the complications of diarrhea?
The biggest complication of diarrhea is dehydration, which can be fatal if left untreated. The signs and symptoms of dehydration are;
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth or skin
- Little or no urination
- Soft spot
- Dizziness
- Lightness
- Fatigue
- Dark colored urine
What are the treatment options for diarrhea?
For the treatment of diarrhea, healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics or antibiotics depending on the agent. Also, most importantly, they will ask you to rehydrate. You can drink an oral rehydration solution to replenish the lost electrolytes. Make sure to keep rehydrating, otherwise it can be fatal.
Outcome
Diarrhea is known as the most common gastrointestinal illnesses. Usually this is when you eat something infected. Therefore, you need to be vigilant about what you are eating and where.
Eating from street vendors is attractive. But then it can get very expensive. If your child has diarrhea, take him to the best gastroenterologist.
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition where you have frequent, loose, watery stools. During this condition, stool passes through the rectum and anus.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
The first symptoms of diarrhea include diarrhea, nausea, and bowel movements.
How can diarrhea be prevented?
Here are some steps you can take to prevent diarrhea:
- Get plenty of rest
- Do not rest
- Avoid to eat spicy, high-fat & sugary foods.
- Avoid caffeine.