Diarrhea
Diarrhea – Complete Overview
Diarrhea is a common digestive problem characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It can lead to dehydration, abdominal cramps, and urgency to pass stools.
It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), often influenced by infections, diet, medications, or underlying medical conditions.
Identifying the cause is important for effective treatment and prevention.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent, loose, or watery stools
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Bloating or gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Urgency to have bowel movements
- Dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine)
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur due to several reasons, including:
- Viral or bacterial infections (food poisoning, gastroenteritis)
- Food intolerances (lactose, gluten)
- Medications (antibiotics, laxatives)
- Chronic conditions (IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Stress and anxiety
- Contaminated food or water
Treatment Options for Diarrhea
Treatment depends on the cause, but generally focuses on preventing dehydration, relieving symptoms, and addressing the underlying cause.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, oral rehydration solution)
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods (rice, bananas, toast)
- Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods
- Rest and reduce stress
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections
Medications
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): Prevents dehydration
- Antidiarrheal medications: Used short-term for symptom relief (only if appropriate)
- Probiotics: Helps restore healthy gut bacteria
- Prescription medications: For chronic diarrhea or underlying medical conditions
Persistent diarrhea should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions.
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