Diarrhea is a condition in which you have watery and loose stools and feel the urgent to go for a bowel movement several times in a day. Diarrhea – Symptoms of it and How to Treat it ?
Diarrhea can be of two types, it may be acute or it may be chronic.
Acute Diarrhea is a less sensitive condition in which you be I’ll for atleast 2 days. This may have caused because of either or viral or a bacterial infection or by something you must have eaten or drank.
Chronic disorder is a condition in a severe kind of diarrhea condition that can last upto 3 weeks or more.
There are different causes of the chronic type of diarrhea –
1- Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD)
2- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
3- Celiac Disease in which absorption of certain nutrients are disturbed.
What are the Causes of Diarrhea ?
Diarrhea may be experienced because of a number of different possibilities, most common cause of diarrhea include :
1- Bacterial Infection by bacteria such a salmonella and E. coli.
2- Viral Infection by virus such as rotavirus, norovirus.
3- Intestinal Diseases
4- Parasitic Infections
5- Food intolerance
6- Stomach or Gall Bladder injury
7- Some Medications
What are the Symptoms of Diarrhea ?
The main Symptoms of Diarrhea are loose stool, watery Stool and the feeling of going to the toilet and small intervals.
There are many other symptoms of diarrhea as well , you may experience them in different combinations or in sever cases may experience all of the symptoms.
Some of the other common symptoms are
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Cramping
- A Large volume of stool
- A frequent urge to evacuate your bowels
Dehydration and Diarrhea
When you have diarrhea you loose a lot of fluids quickly and can cause dehydration.
If not treated at the right time, diarrhea can cause severe conditions. The symptoms of dehydration include –
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rates
- Dry mucous membrane
- Increased thrist
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urination
You must contact your doctor when you are experiencing these symptoms.
Diarrhea is very common in children also, and it may be severe because their immunity is a bit less than the adults.
The symptoms in children include
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth
- Increased thirst
- Headache
- Dry skin
- Sleepiness
- Irritation
How To Treat Diarrhea
In Diarrhea we loose a lot of fluids, and it is an important component for our body, we need to immediately replace the loose by adding more and more fluids to the body.
You need to drink a lot of water added with electrolyte and some beverages such as sports drink.
In case your condition worsen and you are not able to take more fluids orally, fluid must be injected through intravenous therapy.
If the infection is caused because of bacteria, the doctor may prescribe you antibiotics.
As the cause of the diarrhea may be different the doctor may provide you with different treatments.
The treatment is given according to the following
1- the severity of diarrhea and the side symptoms
2- the frequency of having diarrhea
3- the dehydration level in body
5- your age and your health
6- Any other medical conditions
7- your ability to cope up the different treatment methods
How to Diagnose the cause of Diarrhea
Your doctor have check your medical history and will have some physical tests done.
Further more urine examinations and blood tests may also be asked to be done to investigate.
Doctor may also ask you to under some other tests according to your condition and severity that include-
1- Diet Elimination Test – this test is done to determine whether diarrhea has happened because of any diet or any allergy of food.
2- Imaging Test – generally and ultrasound to check if there is any inflammation in the intestines and abdominal area.
3 – Stool Test – to identify if the cause is a parasite or bacteria.
4- Colonoscopy – the check if there is any intestinal disease in the colon.
5- Sigmoidoscopy – to check if the is any disease in the rectum and lower colon.
How to Prevent Diarrhea ?
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of reasons but there are a few prevention steps that we can take to avoid or prevent diarrhea.
1- keeping the kitchen and cooking utensils and surrounding Clean by washing the area frequently.
2- By not Stocking food and eating after a day or so.
3- Wash all vegetables and cooking materials before cooking or using them.
4- By not eating at unhygienic outlets or restaurants.
5- Wash your hand thoroughly by water and soap before cooking or cutting vegetable.
6-Wash your hand before eating with soap and water or either sanitizers if water is not possible
When to call a Doctor ?
Most cases of Diarrhea are acute and most people treat it without visiting a doctor, but in some cases you must immediately visit or call your doctor.
While most people have normal Diarrhea symptoms, some may experience symptoms like bloody stool, frequent vomiting and high fever and pus in stool.
