Things you need to know
-Diarrhoea is of two types, acute diarrhoea lasts not more than 2-3 days, and chronic diarrhoea is when it exceeds 2-3 weeks
-Loose motion has more water, salt and mineral content than solid stools and loss of nutrients lead to dehydration
-Bloody stools and high fever can be a cause of some severe condition
Overview: Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common condition in today’s time as the food we eat is not healthy and organic, making it difficult to digest, leading to stomach issues. Diarrhoea is when your stools are watery and loose. In some cases, diarrhoea is short-lived and is caused by bacteria that still lasts not more than two to three days. And, if it does last more than usual, it indicates there is a different problem like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome etc. When diagnosed with diarrhoea, you may feel a sudden and immediate urge to visit the bathroom, making it difficult to control.
Signs and Symptoms
- Loose stools
- Sudden rumbling in the stomach
- Abdominal cramps
- Feeling feverish
- Dehydration
- Uncontrollable and urgent need to visit the washroom
- Feeling nauseated and fatigued
- Bloating
Loose motion causes
Loose stools are watery bowel movements that can be due to various causes. Loose motions are a common condition that usually does not result in any severe health risks. Below are some common causes of diarrhoea:-
Food poisoning
Food poisoning can be due to some infection caused due to something you drank or ate. Infection can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Food poisoning can be diagnosed through the following symptoms:-
- Vomiting
- Nausea and fatigue
- Discomfort and pain in the abdomen
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome affects the large intestine, which causes pain in the stomach leading to diarrhoea and constipation. If diagnosed with IBS, it is essential to take care of your health as this condition can be treated but cannot be cured.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition that can be treated but cannot be cured. It is a condition that affects the digestive system causing inflammation in the stomach. Crohn’s disease can cause pain in the abdominal area, feeling of severe cramps, losing weight and feeling fatigued during the day.
Dumping syndrome
Dumping syndrome happens when the food and other gastric juices move from the stomach to the small intestine way too fast in an abnormal manner. This condition can leave the person visiting the washroom within 30 minutes of having a meal. Dumping syndrome makes a person dizzy and nauseous.
Treatment of diarrhoea
- Take probiotics and antibiotics are recommended
- ORS (Oral rehydration solution) helps to bring back the lost electrolytes and makes a person feel less dehydrated
- Avoid food items that are creamy, deep-fried, dairy products high in fat content and sugary items
- Consume foods high in potassium and sodium
In most cases, diarrhoea usually starts to improve within three to four days but can last longer in case of some bacterial infections, which may require immediate medical attention so that the appropriate diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan can be followed as per the doctors prescription.
If your symptoms last more than usual, i.e. three to four days, it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately. Diarrhoea with a high temperature of more than 100 degrees is not normal, and if you are in a situation where you have to visit the washroom more than six to seven times, visit the doctor for the right diagnosis.
When an individual is affected with diarrhoea, they start to lose all essential nutrients like sodium and potassium. Diarrhoea makes them lose more fluids which can lead to dehydration in the body and also risk comprising intestines which are the most significant part of the immune system.
