Diarrhea: Symptoms and Causes

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery, and possibly more frequent bowel motions. It can occur on its own or in conjunction with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or weight loss.

Fortunately, diarrhea is usually just temporary, lasting only a few days. When diarrhea lasts for more than a few days or weeks, it's usually a sign of something else, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious condition like a chronic infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Following are the symptoms of diarrhea are as follows

Abdominal pain and cramps
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Blood in the stool
Mucus in the stool
Urgent need to have a bowel movement

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When to see a doctor?

Visit your doctor in the following cases:

Your diarrhea lasts longer than two days without improving.
You become thirsty.
You are experiencing significant abdominal or rectal pain.
Your stools are bloody or dark.
You have a temperature of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 C)

Diarrhea in children, especially small infants, can quickly dehydrate them. If your child's diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or if your child sufferers from below condition, then visit the emergency department of a hospital.

Severe dehydration
Has a temperature of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit? (39 C)
Has black or bloody stools

Get the best treatment for diarrhea from our Gastroenterologist and General physicians at Medicover hospitals.

Causes

Diabetes, regardless of type, is caused by having too much glucose circulating in the bloodstream. However, the cause of your high blood glucose levels varies depending on the type of diabetes.

Some viruses: Norwalk virus (also known as norovirus), enteric adenoviruses, astrovirus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis are all viruses that can cause diarrhea. A common cause of acute diarrhea in children is rotavirus. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus has also been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.Parasites and bacteria Diarrhea is caused by exposure to pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli or parasites through contaminated food or water.
Medications: Some antibiotic medications are known to cause diarrhea. Antibiotics works by killing the bacteria that cause them, but they also kill healthy bacteria. This upsets the bacteria's natural balance in your intestines, resulting in diarrhea. Anti-cancer medications and magnesium-containing antacids are two more drugs that cause diarrhea.
Lactose sensitivity: Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products such as milk. After eating dairy products, people who have trouble digesting lactose get diarrhea. Lactose intolerance might worsen as you get older because the enzyme that aids in lactose digestion decreases.
Fructose: Fructose is a natural sugar present in fruits and honey. It's sometimes used to sweeten certain beverages. In persons who have problems digesting fructose, it can cause diarrhea.
Artificial sweeteners: Artificial such as sorbitol, erythritol, and mannitol, which are nonabsorbable sugars used in chewing gum and other sugar-free goods, can cause diarrhea in otherwise healthy people.
Surgery: Diarrhea can occur after partial intestine or gallbladder removal procedures.
Other gastrointestinal issues: IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are some of the additional reasons of chronic diarrhea (SIBO).

Prevention of diarrhea

Infectious diarrhea prevention - To avoid the transmission of contagious diarrhea, wash your hands. Handwashing should be done as follows:

Frequently wash: Before and after making food, wash your hands. After handling raw meat, going to the bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose, wash your hands.
When handwashing isn't an option, use hand sanitizer: When you can't get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply the hand sanitizer like hand lotion, making sure to cover both hands' fronts and backs. Make sure the product includes at least 60% alcohol.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history, check your current medications, perform a physical examination, and maybe prescribe tests to establish the cause of your diarrhea. Tests to consider are:

Blood test: A complete blood count, electrolyte measurements, and kidney function tests can all be used to determine the severity of your diarrhea.
Stool examination: A stool test may be recommended by your doctor to determine whether your diarrhea is caused by a bacterium or parasite.
Test your hydrogen breath: This test can assist your doctor figure out if you're lactose intolerant. Your doctor will measure the amount of hydrogen in your breath at regular intervals after you consume a liquid that contains a lot of lactose. You're not properly digesting if you're exhaling too much hydrogen.
Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy: Your doctor can view your colon by inserting a small, illuminated tube into your rectum. The device also has a tool that allows your doctor to collect a small sample of tissue from your colon (biopsy). The lower colon is visible with flexible sigmoidoscopy, while the entire colon is seen with colonoscopy.
Endoscopy of the upper intestine: To inspect your stomach and upper small intestine, doctors use a long, thin tube with a camera at the end. They may take a tissue sample (biopsy) for laboratory analysis.

Treatment for Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea usually clears up on its own after a few days without medication. Your doctor may prescribe drugs or other therapies if you've tried lifestyle modifications and home remedies for diarrhea without success.

Antibiotics or anti-parasitic medicines: Bacterial or parasitic diarrhea may be treated with antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines. Antibiotics will not help if your diarrhea is caused by a virus.
Fluid replacement therapy:
- Your doctor would almost certainly urge you to replenish your fluids and salts. For most individuals, this implies electrolyte-enriched water, juice, or broth. Your doctor may recommend IV fluids if consuming drinks bothers your stomach or causes vomiting.
- Water is a fantastic way to replace fluids, but it lacks the salts and electrolytes — minerals like sodium and potassium — that your body requires to function properly. Drinking potassium-rich fruit juices or eating sodium-rich soups can help keep your electrolyte levels in check.
- However, some fruit liquids, such as apple juice, may aggravate diarrhea.

Changing your medication regimen: If your doctor determines that an antibiotic is to blame for your diarrhea, he or she may reduce your dose or switch you to another drug.
Treating the fundamental causes: If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious ailment, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will try to manage it. An expert, such as a gastroenterologist, may be referred to you to assist you to develop a treatment plan.

Lifestyle changes and self-care

Without therapy, diarrhea usually clears up fast. Try the following to help you cope with your signs and symptoms till the diarrhea goes away:

Water, broths, and juices are all good sources of liquids. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
As your bowel motions improve, gradually introduce semisolid and low-fiber foods. Soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice, or chicken are all good options.
For a few days, avoid dairy items, fatty foods, high-fiber foods, or foods with a lot of seasoning.
Inquire about anti-diarrhea drugs. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate may help control severe symptoms and lessen the number of watery bowel movements.
Probiotics may be beneficial these are available in capsule or liquid form, and some foods, such as certain yoghurt brands,

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Dos and Don’ts

To recover from diarrhea and its symptoms, there are some sets of do’s and don’ts. Follow these tips to cure diarrhea fast

Do’s	Don’ts
Drink more water to keep your body hydrated.	Don’t eat the wrong foods such as high fibre foods, greasy, oily, or fried food.
Take anti-diarrheal drugs, such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol as prescribed as they can be quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea in the short term.	Exercise strenuously: intense exercise can make your dehydration worse or even lead to greater distress in your gastrointestinal tract.
Eat food that is good for your gastrointestinal system.	Don't take beverages such as alcohol, coffee, berries, and too hot or too cold beverages
Take probiotics that are good for gastrointestinal health such as yoghurt, cheese, pickles, and sauerkraut.	Don't take dairy products for some time.

Diarrhea Care at Medicover Hospitals

At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to our patients. Our dedicated team of experts, trained nurses and other paramedical staff offer the best care to a patient. We make use of advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art facilities for the diagnosis of conditions and treatment. For the treatment of diarrhea, we have an experienced team of gastroenterologists who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common digestive problem characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It often lasts for a few days and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and dehydration.

2. What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, food allergies, medication side effects, gastrointestinal disorders, and stress. It can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

3. How long does diarrhea typically last?

The duration of diarrhea can vary depending on the cause. Acute diarrhea, often caused by infections or dietary issues, typically lasts a few days to a week. Chronic diarrhea, which can be a symptom of an underlying condition, may persist for weeks or even months.

4. What are the common symptoms of diarrhea?

Common symptoms of diarrhea include frequent loose stools, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Dehydration symptoms can include dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and weakness.

5. When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?

You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, diarrhea accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, dehydration, or if you are unable to keep fluids down. Additionally, seek medical attention if diarrhea occurs in infants, young children, or the elderly, as they are more vulnerable to dehydration.

6. How is diarrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves a medical history review and physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, stool samples may be needed to identify the cause, especially if an infection is suspected. Imaging tests or endoscopy may be required for chronic or severe cases.

7. How can I treat diarrhea at home?

To manage mild cases of diarrhea at home, you can try drinking clear fluids like water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, and dairy products. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help in some cases, but consult a healthcare professional before using them.

8. What foods should I eat when I have diarrhea?

Stick to a bland diet when experiencing diarrhea. Opt for foods like bananas, plain rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Also, eat plain boiled or steamed potatoes, plain crackers, and boiled or poached chicken. Avoid spicy, greasy, or dairy-heavy foods.

9. Can diarrhea be prevented?

While diarrhea cannot always be prevented, you can reduce the risk by practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing, avoiding undercooked or contaminated food, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations for diseases that can cause diarrhea.

10. Are there any complications associated with diarrhea?

Diarrhea can lead to complications, especially if left untreated. The most common complication is dehydration, which can be serious, especially in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, chronic diarrhea may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation and treatment.