What causes Diarrhea? What can be done to prevent it from happening again?
Diarrhea refers to a condition where you have loose or watery stool more than 3 times per day. This is due to an infection of the intestinal linings caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. This is a painful condition which can either be short-term (lasting for a few days) or long-term (lasting for many years). It can lead to Malnutrition and dehydration.
What Are the Common Causes of Diarrhea
Different causes can cause diarrhea. These are the most frequent causes of diarrhea:
- Salmonella and E.coli Infections
- Parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia Lamblia are known to exist.
- Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus
- Some Medications such as antibiotics and antacids may be restricted.
- Allergies and intolerances to certain foods
- Celiac Disease and inflammatory bowel diseases are examples of intestinal disease.
According to estimates, up to 70% cases of severe diarrhea can be attributed bacteria, parasites or viruses. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 250,000 people die each year from diarrhea.
Diarrhea Treatments
Replacing electrolytes and fluids is the main way to treat diarrhea. Oral rehydration products (ORS) are an option. They can be purchased without prescription. ORS is a combination of sugar and salt that helps to replenish electrolytes and fluids. You may also be able to take antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medication, as well as probiotics and diet changes.
To treat diarrhea-causing bacterial infections, antibiotics can be used. Loperamide and other anti-diarrheal medication can reduce the frequency of intestinal movements. The probiotics that contain good bacteria may restore balance in your gut. It may be necessary to make dietary changes, like avoiding certain foods and increasing your fiber intake.
Diarrhea Experts and Professionals' Opinion
Medical professionals and experts agree that it is crucial to treat diarrhea quickly in order to prevent dehydration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that most people who have diarrhea are able to recover on their own. However, some situations may require medication. A bacterial infection may also be causing diarrhea. In these cases, antibiotics might be necessary. If the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, you should seek medical attention.
Lenox Hill Hospital emergency medicine physician Dr. Robert Glatter says that diarrhea can indicate a severe underlying condition, such as a food allergy, intolerance, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis or cancer. If your symptoms persist for longer than 7 days or you have abdominal pain or fever or loose stools, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.
Natural Remedies for Diarrhea and Prevention Tips
For severe diarrhea cases, medical attention is sometimes necessary. However there are natural ways to prevent it. Drinking plenty of fluids, and eating easy-to-digest foods, like bananas, rice and bread, can all help to replace electrolytes and fluids lost. It may help to avoid dairy products and spicy food, as well as fatty and fried foods. Probiotics may also be helpful in restoring the good bacteria balance.
You can also avoid consuming undercooked meats and only drink safe and filtered water. You should also ensure that surfaces are clean and follow safe food preparation methods.
Conclusion
Diarrhea can occur from a number of causes, such as infections, intolerances to certain foods, or medications. Diarrhea is treated by replacing fluids and electrolytes as well as using medications like antibiotics or antidiarrhea medications. You may find natural remedies or prevention tips such as drinking lots of fluids and not eating certain foods helpful. It is crucial to get medical help if the diarrhea persists for more than a few days.
Diarrhea is an extremely common condition. It can also be caused by many factors. Although it's usually temporary and easily treated at home, it is best to consult a doctor if symptoms last more than seven days. The symptoms can be relieved by drinking lots of fluids or avoiding certain foods. Good hygiene is also important to prevent further spread.