Mostly referred to as an upset stomach or loose motion, diarrhoea is a common health problem. Almost everyone experiences diarrhoea at some point in life. Diarrhoea symptoms include passing watery loose stools more than 3 times a day. While usually diarrhoea symptoms are common and not of serious concern, if the condition continues for a few days and doesn’t improve, one must consult a doctor. Also, depending on the type of diarrhoea, the symptoms may be acute or chronic.
Broadly, there are three types of diarrhoea; acute which lasts for a few days, persistent which lasts for a few weeks and chronic diarrhoea which may continue for over a month and may keep returning. This article will help you understand the causes of diarrhoea and when you need to see a doctor. Read on to learn more about diarrhoea,its causes, and symptoms.
Diarrhoea Symptoms
- Loose and watery stools
- Cramps or pain in the belly
- Nausea
- Bloating of the stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloody stool
- Mucus along with the stool
- Uncontrollable urge to poop
- Weakness due to excessive fluid loss
These are the usual diarrhoea symptoms. Given below are some other serious symptoms of diarrhoea which warrant prompt medical attention:
- Diarrhoea symptoms continue for over a few days without any sign of improvement
- Excessive weakness
- Dehydration
- Severe cramps or abdominal pain
- Rectal pain
- Continuous bloody stool
- Black stool
- High fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
It is extremely important to get diarrhoea treatment if symptoms remain for a long time. Excessive dehydration can be a life-threatening condition and cause long-term weakness.
Causes of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be caused due to a number of different reasons. Some of the common causes of diarrhoea are viruses, bacteria, parasites, certain foods, etc. Let’s understand the causes of diarrhoea in detail:
Certain Foods
Some people may struggle to digest certain foods which may lead to diarrhoea. Lactose, fructose, and gluten are some common examples. For instance, people who are lactose intolerant may not be able to digest lactose or dairy products which can upset the stomach. Also, food poisoning due to poor hygiene and contaminated food/water is a major cause of diarrhoea.
Stomach Infections
Infections in the stomach can be common and affect people of all ages. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause infections. The common virus that causes diarrhoea in adults is Norovirus and that in children is Rotavirus. Parasites present in contaminated water/foods or E. coli can also cause diarrhoea.
Certain Medicines
People undergoing hospital treatment which include consuming medicines, may exhibit diarrhoea symptoms. You may have come across medicines that mention diarrhoea symptoms as possible side effects.
Antibiotics aim at improving health by killing bad bacteria. But, they may end up disturbing the bacteria balance in the stomach by killing good bacteria as well. Such a condition may lead to diarrhoea. Somecommon medicines that cause diarrhoea may include cancer drugs, laxatives, antacids with magnesium, etc.
Surgery
Diarrhoea is a common side effect in cases of stomach surgery. This is because post-surgery, your stomach struggles to adjust to the food intake and nutrients. Gradually, the situation improves; if not, you must seek medical attention.
Certain Diseases
Stomach diseases like inflammation or irritation in the bowel movement are some of the common causes of chronic diarrhoea. Apart from these, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can also cause diarrhoea.
Treatments for Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea usually improves on its own. You may also follow some diarrhoea treatments at home to feel better. In case of a persistent or chronic condition, you must seek diarrhoea treatment under the doctor’s advice. Your doctor may recommend the following diarrhoea treatment:
- Antibiotics
- Antiparasitics
- Medicines for IBS/IBD (if it is causing diarrhoea)
- Probiotics to improve gut health
Here are some tips on diarrhoea treatment at home:
- Hydrating yourself enough since diarrhoea can cause water and fluid loss in your body which further causes weakness
- OTC (Over-The-Counter) medicines can help improve the situation. However, it is best to consult a doctor before you take any medicine
- Certain food items can help with diarrhoea symptoms. These may include white rice, toast, applesauce, bananas, oatmeal, baked potatoes, and chicken soup. A low-fibre diet can be a good choice as it helps make the stool firm
What to Avoid During Diarrhoea?
Now that you know a few tips on how to improve diarrhoea symptoms, you must also know what to avoid during diarrhoea. Along with diarrhoea treatment, these are the foods and drinks you should avoid until your stomach situation becomes normal:
- Coffee and tea
- Ice cream
- Alcohol
- Sweeteners like chewing gum
- Aerated drinks
- Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, chickpeas, broccoli, beans, peas, prunes, green leafy vegetables
- Milk
- Peppers
- Berries
You should generally avoid a high-fibre diet until you are healthy again.
Diarrhoea Prevention
Diarrhoea symptoms can be physically exhaustive and no one wants to go through it. Prevention of diarrhoea is possible with proper measures in place. However, even after doing everything right, you may fall sick due to diarrhoea. For prevention of diarrhoea, here are a few things you can do:
Hygiene
Maintaining proper personal hygiene is recommended for everyone. Make sure to use hand wash or sanitiser when your hands after handling objects that are at risk of exposure.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations go a long way in preventing a number of diseases. Getting vaccinated against rotavirus can reduce the risk of contracting diarrhoea.
Healthy Eating Habits
Try to avoid food items or drinks that are prepared in an unhygienic environment. You may want to avoid ice cubes and untreated water from taps, as they can also carry disease causing germs. Eating too much junk can also cause an upset stomach.
Stay Hydrated
While travelling, it is important to be mindful of your water intake. Make sure you have sufficient hydration.
Summing Up
Uncomfortable and disturbed bowel movements not only affect physically but can also disrupt your normal routine. Usually, diarrhoea symptoms improve within a few days, however, in some cases, it can become quite a serious problem. You must try to avoid factors that may trigger diarrhoea symptoms like unhealthy and unhygienic food and water. If you experience repeated diarrhoea, you must seek medical attention to know the cause of diarrhoea in your case.
Delaying medical treatment can only worsen the situation. In case of a medical emergency, Care Health Insurance is there with you to help cover the medical expenses. If you haven’t yet invested in a comprehensive health plan, now is the right time.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.