Diarrhea

Overview

Diarrhea is a common condition, with the majority of people suffering from it at least once a year on average. If you have diarrhea, you will notice that your feces are loose and watery. Occasionally, the cause is unknown and the illness resolves on its own after a few days. Bacteria could be the cause of diarrhea. Diarrhea causes dehydration, which is a potentially fatal side effect.

Acute diarrhea is distinguished from chronic diarrhea as it comes abruptly. Acute diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Diarrhea may be caused by a variety of factors, including a viral or bacterial infection. In young children, chronic diarrhea manifests as toddler diarrhea characterized by more than 3 watery stools per day.

Travelers’ diarrhea is a medical ailment that occurs because of visiting a poor country on vacation and coming into contact with germs or parasites. Baby diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, so there is a need to consult a doctor.

Diarrhea that lasts for more than four weeks continuously is referred to as chronic diarrhea, it may also be excruciatingly painful. Similarly, explosive diarrhea which is characterized by forceful diarrhea and passing of liquid stool is also painful.

Diarrhea may be hazardous to some groups of individuals including:

• Children under the age of five
• Adults above the age of 65
• Those who are afflicted by medical conditions

Diarrhea may manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying reason and severity of the issue.

Diarrhea Causes

Virus infection of the gastrointestinal system is one of the most common diarrhea causes, also known as viral gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea may be caused by a variety of medical problems related to food sensitivity, manifesting in ways including:

• Inability to digest lactose
• Food allergy
• Negative response to a prescribed medication

Following are some other reasons for diarrhea:

• Bacterial infections
• Medications
• The meal has not been digested correctly or there is poor absorption

A Keto diet might also be one of diarrhea causes. Keto diarrhea is almost certainly a long-term adverse effect of the ketogenic diet. When undigested fat enters the small intestine and colon, more water is drawn in to help with fat transit, resulting in watery diarrhea.

Individuals having irregular bowel movements may experience diarrhea after eating. Postprandial diarrhea is a medical term that refers to diarrhea that occurs after a meal has been consumed. Urinary incontinence is common with this kind of diarrhea.

Parasites also cause diarrhea. Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that produces yellow diarrhea. Yellow or light-colored stools may be produced by a decrease in the production of bile salts, in part because the color of a typical brown stool is obtained via the breakdown of bile.

Diarrhea is also a common digestive problem during pregnancy. Moreover, it is also common to have diarrhea in early pregnancy. The cause of diarrhea in pregnancy is the hormonal changes in the body. If it is not treated properly, it may lead to severe complications.

Diarrhea Symptoms 

Diarrhea could be the initial symptom seen in some COVID-19 patients. This is because diarrhea is the body’s method of rapidly eliminating viruses, germs, and poisons from the digestive system.

Diarrhea symptoms may include:

• Cramps or pain in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Blood in the feces
• Mucus in the feces
• Bowel movement

Diarrhea Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, check your medications, perform a physical exam, and may prescribe tests to establish what’s causing your diarrhea. The possible tests for diarrhea diagnosis are:

• Blood test: A complete blood count, electrolyte measurement, and kidney function tests can assist in determining the severity of your diarrhea.

• Stool examination. Your doctor may recommend a stool test to determine whether a bacterium or a parasite causes diarrhea.

• Test for hydrogen breath. This test can help you identify if you are lactose intolerant. After drinking a lactose-containing liquid, your breath is tested for hydrogen regularly. Excessive hydrogen expulsion implies that you are not adequately digesting and absorbing lactose.

Diarrhea Treatment

Diarrhea treatment options focus on addressing the underlying cause, relieving diarrhea symptoms, and preventing dehydration. Here are the primary treatment approaches:

1. Rehydration Solutions

Rehydration is crucial to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are specifically formulated with the right balance of salts and sugars to optimize absorption.

2. Dietary Changes

Adjusting your diet can help manage diarrhea symptoms. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is often recommended because it consists of bland, low-fiber foods that can help firm up stools. Avoiding dairy, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods can also minimize irritation and further fluid loss.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications

Several over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief:

• Loperamide (Imodium): This antidiarrheal reduces bowel movements by slowing down the intestinal muscles.
• Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication can reduce diarrhea and also help you get rid of the associated diarrhea symptoms like nausea and stomach cramps.

4. Prescription Medications

For more severe cases or specific underlying causes, doctors may prescribe medications including:

• Antibiotics: If bacterial infections are the cause, antibiotics can effectively treat the infection.
• Antiparasitics: In cases where parasites are identified as the cause, antiparasitic medications are used.

5. Fluids and Electrolytes

In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids might also be necessary, to compensate for the lost fluids and electrolytes.

6. Home Remedies

Certain natural remedies can also be effective:

• Ginger tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can soothe the digestive tract.
• Chamomile tea: It has calming effects that can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, it can help restore gut health.

When To See A Doctor

Although diarrhea is usually not hazardous, it may be deadly or signal the existence of a more serious problem. If you have any of the following concerns, you should consult with your doctor.

• Dehydration signs and symptoms
• Acute stomach or rectum pain
• Fever and vomiting
• Bloody or pustular stools
• Stools with a black and viscous appearance

If you are above the age of 18, you should not have diarrhea for 3 days. If the issue continues for more than 24 hours and you have constant diarrhea, you should visit a doctor. If diarrhea lasts for a week, it means that there is some serious illness like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Hence, it is crucial to consult the physician in the early stages.

Summary 

Diarrhea is a common condition characterized by loose, watery stools and affects millions globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five, accounting for approximately 525,000 deaths annually. Most cases resolve within a few days, but severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to life-threatening dehydration. 

Acute diarrhea, which lasts 1-2 days, is often caused by viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus. Chronic diarrhea, persisting for more than four weeks, may be linked to underlying conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that bacterial infections like Escherichia coli and Salmonella cause around 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the U.S. each year, with diarrhea being a common symptom.

Certain diets, such as the ketogenic (keto) diet, can trigger diarrhea in up to 60% of individuals due to increased fat intake. Food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, affect an estimated 65% of the global population, leading to symptoms including diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Symptoms of diarrhea include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, and occasionally, blood or mucus in the stool. In some COVID-19 patients, diarrhea is an early symptom, with studies indicating that around 19% of COVID-19 cases involve gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis often involves blood tests, stool examinations, and hydrogen breath tests for conditions like lactose intolerance. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is frequently recommended for managing symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide have been shown to reduce diarrhea duration by up to 50%.

It’s crucial to consult a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than three days, as severe cases can signal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects over 3 million people in the U.S.

-Disclaimer-

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about diarrhea or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.