Diarrhea: Reason, Symptoms, In Children, Prevention, And More

A lady is standing in the toilet

Diarrhea is a condition, In which poop becomes loose and watery, however, in most cases, it goes away on its own within a few days.

It is very common in all, and for most people, it happens several times every year.

But also common in children, which is one of the second leading causes of death in children every year under the age of 5.

But It can be acute and chronic.

  • Acute diarrhea occurs when it lasts for 2 to 3 days it can be a viral and bacterial infection, and sometimes it can also be due to food poisoning.
  • Chronic diarrhea can last at least 2 to 3 weeks and is usually the result of a disease disorder in the Intestine such as Crohn’s disease.

It can become a serious issue that can become a life-threatening problem for someone with a weakened immune system.

Reasons of Diarrhea

Anyone can get diarrhea even many times a year.

But the most common reason for it is poor hygiene, and there is a number of conditions that promote diarrhea. which include:

  • Food poisoning
  • Viral infection
  • Bacteria infection
  • Food Allergies (celiac diseases or lactose intolerance)
  • A side effect of Medicines
  • Stomach therapy, surgery
  • Parasite infection

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel. this usually can last for a few days around 2 to 3 days called “intestinal flu“.

How Does Diarrhea Spread?

It is highly contentious, so it can spread person to person through:

  • Contaminated food or water, and hands
  • Some pets
  • Poor hygiene

Symptoms of Diarrhea

The most common symptom of diarrhea is watery poop.

People with diarrhea may also see these signs and symptoms which include:

  • An urgent requirement to use the bathroom
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Cramping
  • The unpleasant sound that comes from the stomach
  • Loss of control in stool
  • Dehydration

People with these symptoms may be due to infection which includes:

Mild symptoms may last for a few days and chronic symptoms may last for weeks, if you see this, talk to the doctor.

Diarrhea Effect on Health

If you do not drink water during diarrhea, then the risk of dehydration is highest and other health effects occur. they include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration can be life-threatening if it is left incomplete
  • Joint pains
  • Weakness can be seen even after 1 to 2 days.
  • Headache

What Is Dysentery Diarrhea?

Dysentery is an infection in your intestine that causes bloody diarrhea. It tends to be brought about by a parasite or microorganisms.

Bacillary diarrhea is the most widely recognized type of dysentery. it mainly affects the large intestine.

Shigellosis is the most affecting Asian and African nations.

Around 164.7 million people are estimated to be affected by shigellosis worldwide, of which 1.1 million deaths, mainly children under 5 years old and elderly people.

Diarrhea During Pregnancy May Cause Any Concern?

Diarrhea During Pregnancy

It is very common during pregnancy. loose motion or cramps have become a common complaint due to the spread of pollution in food and drink.

The common cause of diarrhea during pregnancy is:

1. Hormonal changes
2. Dietary changes
3. Infection
4. Prenatal medicines

If diarrhea has increased too much during pregnancy, it can also harm the baby. so keep some things in mind. like:

  • Always drink boiled or filtered water
  • Keep hydrated
  • Avoid eating more spicy and containment food.
  • If there is a problem with diarrhea, then definitely increase the amount of water in the food.
  • You can also try lemon water
  • Rice water and buttermilk are also great options.

Learn – Ideal Exercises During Pregnancy.

If diarrhea is not resolved in 48 hours, or blood in stool, changes in color, and mucus, then talk to your doctor.

What About – Diarrhea In Children?

According to a study, it is the 3rd most common cause of death among children under the age of 5 in India.

In addition, Around 3 lakh, which is responsible for 13% of the deaths in this age group.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. due to salmonella or E. coli, which can spread to each other through poor hygiene.

It is also common in children, but it becomes more serious when it causes problems like dehydration.

Talk to the doctor if you see these symptoms in your children or infants. which include:

If the symptoms of this are growing in the child, make sure to give him an ORS solution and feed him light food.

NOTE: Remember, if the child is passing urine less and the diarrhea is going on continuously then it means that the child is deficient in water.

How Doctors Diagnose Diarrhea

Your doctor might order tests to determine what causes it. they include:

  • Blood test: A total blood test can assist you with figuring out what’s causing your diarrhea.
  • Stool test: Determine whether a bacterium or parasite is causing your loose motion.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy: In this doctor look at the lining of your colon and gives biopsies if no causes are apparent for constant diarrhea.
  • Imagine Test: This test is for inflammation of the digestive system and to check for structural abnormalities.

Treatments

In most cases, it goes away on its own within a few days, but keep hydrated yourself because during diarrhea you lose too much fluid.

NOTE: ORS solution, Lemon, coconut water, electrolyte beverages, such as sports drinks, and alkaline water are great options to get your body out of the lack of water quickly.

If it is a serious case, then talk to the doctor, and a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

A doctor may prescribe you these medicines they include:

  • Over-the-counter medicines.
  • Loperamide medicines ease back the movement of food through your digestive organs, which allows your body to absorb more fluid.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate adjusts how liquid travels through your digestive tract.
A lady is standing in the toilet

Prevention Tips

There are a few ways you can decrease your chances of having diarrhea. they include:

  • Wash your hands after any activity.
  • Drink filtered water, and always use clean water for cooking, bathing, and drinking.
  • Take Rotavirus vaccine
  • Serve food quickly after preparing it.

Precaution For Travelers

  • If you have been the victim of diarrhea during travel, do not forget to carry antibiotics.
  • Avoid Stagnant water, and ice cubes, and brush your teeth with tap water or running water.
  • Be careful with street vendors, and do not eat raw or uncooked meat, especially if you’re going to Africa or some Asian country.
  • Drink a seal-packed water bottle.

If you have any doubt about food, so you will eat or drink them after cooking.

Down Line

Diarrhea is a condition, In which our stool becomes loose and watery, however, in most cases, it goes away on its own within a few days.

Dysentery is an infection in your intestine that causes bloody diarrhea. It tends to be brought about by a parasite or microorganisms.

ORS solution, Lemon water, coconut water, electrolyte beverages, and alkaline water are great options to fulfill water recovery again.

Healthytalk8

Hello, I'm Sahil bisht, I am a Mechanical engineer, As well as, aspiring blogger with an obsession for health. This blog delicate to people who want to learn in health.

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