For once in our lives, we have experienced an episode of diarrhea. Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools of at least 3 episodes per day. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, food intolerance and some medication. Aside from diarrhea itself, other symptoms may also come into play like abdominal pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting. This is usually self-limiting and usually lasts for a couple of days, but when it persists, it may indicate that there are other problems.
OTHER SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA
Aside from having loose stools, other symptoms may also be present like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloatedness
- Abdominal pain or Abdominal Cramping
- Bloody stool
- Fever
CAUSES OF DIARRHEA
There are many potential causes of diarrhea, but some common ones include:
- Infections
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can all cause diarrhea. Some examples include norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli.
- Food intolerance or allergy
Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and other food allergies can cause diarrhea.
- Medications
Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, including antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and cancer treatments.
- Gastrointestinal conditions
Some medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can cause diarrhea.
- Other causes
Traveler’s diarrhea, stress, and certain medical conditions can also cause diarrhea.
It’s important to note that self-diagnosis is not recommended and if diarrhea is recurrent or last more than 2-3 days, it’s best to consult with a doctor
HOW TO STOP DIARRHEA?
There are several things you can do to help stop diarrhea and alleviate its symptoms:
- Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water, clear broths and frozen water or ice pops. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat the BRAT diet
Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are all easy to digest and can help firm up your stools.
- Try over-the-counter medications
Antidiarrheal medications can help slow diarrhea and reduce stomach cramps and gas.
- Avoid certain foods
Spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods can make diarrhea worse, so it’s best to avoid them until you’re feeling better.
- Get plenty of rest
Diarrhea can be draining, so make sure to get plenty of rest while you’re recovering.
- Consult your doctor
If diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days, or if there are other symptoms such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, or weight loss, it’s best to consult a doctor. Also if you are experiencing dehydration, it’s important to seek medical attention.
It’s important to note that some cases of diarrhea may require specific treatment, such as antibiotics if caused by a bacterial infection, and it’s best to consult with a doctor to determine the cause and the best course of action.
SEVERE DIARRHEA
Severe diarrhea is a type of diarrhea that is characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements, often accompanied by other symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, and dehydration. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food intolerances, and certain medications.
In severe cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and dark-colored urine. It can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and heart palpitations.
If you experience severe diarrhea, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Rehydration
You may need to be hospitalized to receive fluids through an IV to replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to severe diarrhea
- Medications
Antidiarrheal medications can help slow diarrhea and reduce stomach cramps and gas. Antibiotics if the cause is a bacterial infection.
- Diet
Your doctor may advise you to follow a special diet while you’re recovering, to avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse and to eat foods that are easy to digest.
It’s important to be aware that severe diarrhea can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cancer, so it’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
- Drink only from potable sources of water.
- Make sure that food prepared are not in contact with insects and rats. You may a food cover.
- Always observe proper hand hygiene before and after eating and using the toilet.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.
- Eat only carefully prepared and well-cooked meals
HOW CAN EVA TELECONSULT HELP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is a common symptom we see and experience in our everyday lives. If you or a loved one experience diarrhea, it is best to ask your friendly doctors for expert medical advice. Here at EVA Teleconsult, we are always ready to help and listen to your concerns. Our patients are always guaranteed with all of these:
- Timely appointments – No more time wasted while waiting outside a doctor’s office. With us, appointments begin right when they’re supposed to, even if they’re made on the same day.
- Guaranteed 30-minute consultation times – No rushing or quickly dashing off prescriptions with no explanations. Our doctors take the time needed to give you information about your concerns and are open to answering all your questions.
- 5-star ratings for our doctors – Because our doctors know how to explain things in a way patients can understand, we frequently get positive feedback from them.
Book an online consultation today.
