Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive tract diseases and is considered as a water-borne illness. When a person passes liquid or loose stool at least three times in a day or even more frequently than the normal, is the sign that the person is experiencing diarrhea. In the case of diarrhea, these frequent and consistent bowel movements happen because the flow of the fluid over the intestines becomes increased while causing stomach pain and stomach muscles’ unexpected contractions.
Here’s what you need to know about diarrhea: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA?
Diarrheal symptoms include:
- Wet, loose liquid stools: The stools may be whichever color. The manner of red stools signifies intestinal bleeding and could be a sign of a worse infection. The passage of thick, tarry black stools directs substantial bleeding in the stomach or upper part of the intestine and is not usually caused by acute contaminations. It may appear green in color.
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating and gas
- The urgency to go and need to have a bowel movement
- Dehydration
The patient should immediately consult the doctor if experiencing any of these complications:
- Nausea and incapability to tolerate any food or to keep liquids down
- Marks of dehydration
- High fever 102 F (39 C)
- Severe abdominal pain, frequent loose, and bloody bowel movements,
- If he or she is elderly or has grim underlying medical problems, particularly diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or HIV/AIDS
- Signs do not improve in two to three days or appear to become worse
WHAT CAUSES DIARRHEA?
It occurs when the colon does not rivet liquids from the foods and fluids you have swallowed fast enough, parting a watery stool in the colon zone. The most common causes of diarrhea include:
- Viruses
- Consumption of nutrients that upset the digestive system
- Food allergies
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose
- Surgery foods
- Diabetes
- Feasting too much alcohol or coffee
HOW IS DIARRHEA DIAGNOSED?
In healthy individuals with diarrhea, and who seem well otherwise, the physician may elect to do no tests at all. Stool cultures are not generally needed unless there is high fever, blood in the stool, or having a prolonged disease.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA?
Various medical, natural and home remedies are available for adults and children suffering from diarrhea.
TREATMENTS FOR DIARRHEA FOR ADULTS:
- Adults should drink plenty of fluids to elude dehydration.
- Replacing water loss is imperative. Do not drink milk as it can make the condition worse. Sports drinks can be suitable because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
- If the patient is capable to eat, evade oily or fatty foods.
- Grown-ups, infants, toddlers, and children should be encouraged to follow the “BRAT” diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). The BRAT diet (otherwise known as the diarrhea diet) is a mix of foods to eat to treat the condition.
- When diarrhea comes with nausea, have the individual suck on ice chips until it stops.
- When the symptoms of diarrhea declines, avoid alcoholic drinks and burning foods for two added days.
- Active exercise should be circumvented because it heaves the danger of dehydration.
- When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, she should hydrate and refer to the doctor.
TREATMENTS FOR DIARRHEA FOR TODDLERS AND CHILDREN:
- Dehydration in children and toddlers can be a great worry. These ages pose singular problems because of their bigger risk of dehydration. They should be offered a bottle repeatedly. Solutions such as Pedialyte may be more stimulating than water. Certainly, do not use salt tablets as they may aggravate the condition in children.
- Kids with recurrent stools, fever, or nausea should stay at home and avoid school and day-care until these indications go away.
- Let the child rest and get better.
- Do not let other children go near the sick child to avoid exposure to possible infection.
OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA:
The uses of anti-motility medications may help get rid of diarrhea. These drugs slow down the abdominal movement and halt the symptoms. These medicines for diarrhea include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, etc). Remember, such medications are not recommended for infants and children younger than 5 years of age.
Bismuth subsalicylate is also beneficial and may be more active than loperamide when vomiting goes together with diarrhea.
Adults with other serious medical problems and those with severe symptoms (high fever, abdominal pain, or bloody stool) should see a health-care professional before using either medication.
Electrolyte solutions are accessible to avoid salt deficiency. Oral electrolyte solutions are available at grocery and drug stores.
HOW CAN DIARRHEA BE PREVENTED?
Many cases of diarrhea are spread from person-to-person. The succeeding precautions can help an individual avoid getting the illness and other viral or bacterial infections:
- Individuals caring for sick children or adults in any setting must carefully wash their hands after exchanging diapers, serving an individual use the bathroom, or assisting an individual around the home.
- Kids should be trained to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the toilet.
- Exercise safe food handling. Constantly wash hands before and after handling food.
- Use care when making raw poultry or meat. Food should be prepared to the recommended temperatures. Avoid raw or rare meat and poultry. Utensils coming in contact with raw food should be cleaned with soap and hot water.
- Fruits and vegetables consumed raw should be systematically rinsed in clean water.
- Unpasteurized (raw) milk may be polluted with bacteria and should always be avoided. Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider should commonly be avoided even if the source is not known because the fruit may have come in contact with filthy animal feces in the orchard.
- Use cautiousness when traveling, especially to foreign countries. Do not eat foods from street vendors. Don’t drink water or drinks with ice cubes made from tap water if the country is believed unsafe.
FOR THE BEST DIARRHEA TREATMENT IN NJ, VISIT GI ENDOSCOPY PRACTICE:
If you’re looking for the treatment of diarrhea in NJ, you can consult GI Endoscopy Practice, the medical center known for treating gastroenterology diseases, is located in Riverdale, NJ. The board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Bharat Dasani provides the best treatment for diarrhea in NJ. For an immediate reply call, 973-248-1550 or you can also book an appointment online at our website.
***The information given in this article does not constitute any medical advice, it is solely available for the patients and their families looking for the general information purposes about Diarrhea***
