Stool is an everyday experience, whether you name it going to the bathroom, having a bowel movement, or just pooping. However, the act of extracting waste from your body can change from time to time. Diarrhea happens when your bowel movements become loose or liquid.
Diarrhea is a typical ailment that virtually everyone experiences from time to time. It’s characterized by diarrhea that’s watery and runny, as well as cramping in the stomach.
Diarrhea normally clears up on its own within a few days, but severe or chronic diarrhea that lasts for weeks might be an indication of a significant health problem that needs medical care.
Symptoms
Diarrhea (watery stools) signs and symptoms may include:
· Constipation or pain in the abdomen
· Bloating
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Fever
· Stool containing blood
· Stool with mucus
· Abnormal bowel movement
Causes
Infection: Diarrhea is a side effect of infections caused by a multitude of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms, that are mostly spread by faces-contaminated water. A lack of proper sanitation and hygiene, as well as safe drinking, cooking, and cleaning water might increase the risk of infection.
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus and E. coli are the two most common causes in low-income countries. In addition to cryptosporidium and shigella species, other infections are likely to be significant. Additionally, it’s necessary to take into account the unique histology of each area.
Malnutrition: Children who pass away from diarrhea often struggle from underlying malnutrition, which makes them more vulnerable to diarrhea. Each attack of diarrhea worsens their malnutrition. Malnutrition in children younger than five years old is a leading cause of diarrhea.
Source: Contaminated water, such as that from sewage, septic tanks, or latrines, is a particular source of concern because of the danger it poses. Diarrhea-causing germs can be found in animal feces as well.
Chronic diarrhea caused by microscopic colitis is most common among the elderly. Because of inflammation, this occurs frequently at night.
Malabsorptive and maldigestive diarrhea: Dietary insufficiency causes the first problem, whereas intestinal dysfunction causes the second. One such condition is celiac disease.
Hormonal factors: Diarrhea can be caused by hormones at sometimes. Addison’s disease and carcinoid tumors are examples of this.
Many factors contribute to the development of cancer. A number of gastrointestinal malignancies have been linked to neoplastic diarrhea. diarrhea that is not constipated.
Medications: Antibiotics and other drugs can cause diarrhea. Because they destroy both healthy and bad bacteria, antibiotics are effective at curing diseases. Diarrhea or a superimposed infection like E. coli can result when the natural balance of bacteria in your gut is disrupted. Anti-cancer medications and magnesium-containing antacids are also known to produce diarrhea.
Lactose intolerance: Milk and other dairy products contain lactose, a sugar. Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea in those who eat dairy products. Age-related lactose intolerance can be a result of a decrease in the enzyme that breaks down lactose as you age.
Fructose: Fructose is a sugar that can be found in honey and many fruits. In other cases, it serves as a sweetener. People who have difficulty digesting fructose may experience diarrhea as a result of consuming it.
Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, erythritol, and mannitol, which are no absorbable sugars, might cause diarrhea in some otherwise healthy people.
Sugary Food: Diarrhea may result from surgery to remove part of the intestine or the gallbladder.
Types Of Diarrhea
There are three general types of diarrhea. They are as follows:
· Acute diarrhea: It is the most common form of diarrhea, defined by loose, watery bowels. When enough fluid is replenished, it usually goes away on its own.
· Persistent diarrhea: Such a type of diarrhea will last for two to four weeks.
· Chronic diarrhea: One such form of diarrhea can trouble you for a significant period of time, more than four weeks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor as an adult if:
· Your diarrhea persists further than two days with no improvement
· You become dehydrated
· Intense stomach or rectal pain harms you
· You have stools that are either crimson or black.
· You have a temperature greater than or equal to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 C)
You can consult leading doctors regarding diarrhea in your city through nationwide app Marham anytime. Diarrhea, especially in young children, can quickly lead to dehydration and serious health consequences. If your child’s diarrhea does not improve within 24 hours, or if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
· Becomes dehydrated
· Has a temperature above 102 F (39 C)
· Stools that are crimson or dark in color
How Diarrhea Is Diagnosed?
The majority of people with diarrhea don’t get a formal diagnosis because it usually goes away on its own. If you’re suffering from chronic diarrhea, consult your doctor right away so they can figure out what’s wrong.
A blood test, a stool test, a colonoscopy, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy are some of the tests for diarrhea.
Diarrhea Treatment
Diarrhea treatment is determined by a variety of factors, including the severity of the illness, the degree of dehydration, the patient’s age, and any previous medical conditions. If you’re suffering from dehydration, your best bet is to drink a lot of water and fruit juice to keep your fluid levels up.
In extreme circumstances, intravenous injections are required. Controlling your bowel movement is the primary goal of the drugs. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your diarrhea is caused by bacteria. If there is an underlying digestive problem, the treatment method will be determined by that.
Conclusion
Constipation and dehydration are the most serious side effects that can occur as a result of diarrhea, which might be the result of an acute infection. Even though risk of chronic is rare, it is possible.
The most prevalent cause of diarrhea is a viral or bacterial infection.
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including food intolerances, drug interactions, and underlying medical disorders.
If you experience symptoms for more than 2 days, you should see a best gastroenterologist.
FAQs
1.What other symptoms come with diarrhea?
Diarrhea Symptoms include:
· Stomach bloating.
· Cramps.
· Stools that are too thin or squishy.
· Foul-smelling feces
· An urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement.
· Vomiting and feeling sick.
2.How does diarrhea affect the body?
Even more fluids are lost as a result of diarrhea. Toxins and minerals such as potassium are also flushed out of the body with the water. Your body’s ability to retain water is affected by the presence of certain salts and minerals. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.
3.When is diarrhea serious?
Diarrhea persists for more than two days. This includes excessive thirst, dry mouth, no urination, severe dizziness and fainting or lightheadedness, as well as urine that is black in color. Intense bowel or rectal pain. Stools that are bloody or black in color.
