Diarrhea is a very common condition affecting the digestive system. It shows up as watery or loose stools at least three times a day. Usually it resolves on its own in a day or two, but if it lasts more than a few days, it might be a sign of a more serious health problem.
In this article, we will look at diarrhea symptoms, causes, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.
Types of diarrhea
Most diarrhea cases are mild and don't last long. Mild diarrhea usually goes away without treatment after a few days and is mostly of unknown cause.
Severe diarrhea lasts more than four days and needs treatment. It can also go on for weeks and might require IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
Also, there's chronic diarrhea which lasts weeks or more. It can be caused by some infections or food allergies Or digestive problems or surgery complications or long-term medication use.
Causes of diarrhea
There are many possible reasons for diarrhea, ranging from mild to serious, andPossible causes of diarrhea include:-
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Viral infections.
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Bacteria.
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Lactose intolerance.
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Food allergy.
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Food intolerance, like fructose intolerance.
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Parasitic infections.
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Some medications (antacids, antibiotics).
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Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
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Abdominal surgeries.
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Digestive system problems.
Diarrhea can be a main symptom of many common digestive problems that cause diarrhea episodes, including chronic digestive disorders like Celiac disease Crohn's disease andIrritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms of diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition causing loose watery stools, cramps, and belly pain, plus a strong need to use the bathroom, andInfectious diarrhea can have symptoms like:-
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Blood in the stool.
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Vomiting spells.
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Dizziness and lightheadedness.
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Fever and chills.
If diarrhea is caused by malabsorption issues, it causes these symptoms:-
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Bloating.
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Gas.
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Changes in appetite.
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Weight loss.
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Greasy, foul-smelling stool.
The link between diarrhea and dehydration
Ongoing dehydration for a few days can make the body lose more fluids than it takes in, causingdehydration, and it can Symptoms of dehydration include:
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Extreme thirst.
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Dry mouth.
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Less tear production.
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Urinate less often or in smaller amounts.
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Dark-colored urine.
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Skin loses elasticity.
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Episodes of dizziness.
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Tiredness and fatigue.
Also, dehydration symptoms in babies and young kids can include:-
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No diaper changes for three hours or more.
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No tears when crying.
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A soft sunken spot on the head.
How to diagnose diarrhea
Most diarrhea cases last two days, but if it doesn’t get better on its own, it’s important to see a doctor to find the cause and check for dehydration. The doctor will ask about when the diarrhea started, worsening symptoms, and any recent diet or routine changes.
Other tools to diagnose diarrhea can include:
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Stool tests.
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Colonoscopy.
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Sigmoidoscopy.
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CT scan.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
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Fasting tests.
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Blood tests.
How to treat diarrhea
As mentioned before, most diarrhea cases get better on their own without treatment. But if someone has diarrhea for more than two to three days, they might need treatment to avoid dehydration. The treatment plan depends on the type, cause, severity, and overall health.
Diarrhea treatment options can include:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
You can treat diarrhea at home, start withHydration As much as possible, and some over-the-counter medicines like Imodium can slow down the digestive system and reduce diarrhea frequency.
2. Prescription Medicines
Prescriptions might be needed for severe diarrhea episodes. If the doctor is worried about dehydration, they may suggest IV fluids. Antibiotics can be prescribed if infection causes diarrhea. Parasite infections are treated with antiparasitic drugs.
3. Diet
Replacing fluids lost from diarrhea is important to treatment, so you should drink more fluids and eat soft, gentle foods.
Adults can rehydrate using these types of drinks:-
- Water.
- Fruit juice.
- Sports drinks.
- Salty broth.
Also, the healthcare provider may recommend kids drink oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids.
4. Treating infants and young kids
Dehydration is serious for infants and young kids. Treating diarrhea and watching for dehydration signs in this group is very important.
To prevent dehydration in infants and young kids, give small, frequent doses of oral rehydration solution. For infants, breastfeeding. Wash hands often.
Kids and babies should avoid sports drinks and fruit juices because they're high in sugar and can upset the stomach. They also shouldn't take anti-diarrhea meds unless a healthcare provider says so.
Preventing Diarrhea
Diarrhea is very common and can’t always be prevented. But there are plenty of ways to lower the chance of getting it.These ways include:
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Washing hands often.
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Using hand sanitizer.
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Cleaning and cooking food safely.
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Keep up to date on virus vaccines.
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Clean door handles and surfaces that get touched a lot.
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Use cleaners that kill viruses.
Getting healthcare
Most diarrhea cases can be safely treated at home. But if someone has a weak immune system or is elderly, they should see a healthcare provider if they have bad diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, fever, vomiting, or need to pee six times or more a day.
Also, see a healthcare provider if you have diarrhea with any of these symptoms:
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Severe belly or rectum pain.
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Diarrhea gets worse.
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Seeing blood in the stool.
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Black, tarry stool.
In the end, diarrhea is a common and natural condition that everyone gets once or twice a year, but knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help prevent serious risks.
