Diarrhea | EndoUnit

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What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as frequent bowel movements with loose or watery, unformed stools. It is a common condition and is usually not serious. Many people experience diarrhea once or twice a year. It typically lasts two to three days and can be managed dietary-wise.

Some cases require medical attention because diarrhea can quickly lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes that the body needs to function. Young people, the elderly, and those who are very ill may have difficulty replacing lost fluids. Diarrhea that lasts for several weeks or contains blood may indicate a serious illness. In these cases, you should contact your doctor.

What are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Mild diarrhea symptoms include:

Bloating or cramps in the abdomen
Loose or watery stools
Urgent need to have a bowel movement
In some cases, nausea and vomiting

In addition to the above symptoms, severe diarrhea symptoms include:

Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
Weight loss or dehydration
Fever
Severe pain

Severe diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious illness. If you experience such symptoms, you should call your doctor. Contact your doctor if diarrhea persists for a long time, or if you have a fever lasting more than 24 hours. Also, see your doctor immediately if vomiting prevents you from consuming fluids to replace lost fluids.

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What Causes Diarrhea?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the intestine, which usually lasts for two days. Diarrhea can also be caused by:

Bacterial infections
Infections from other microorganisms
Consuming foods that disrupt digestive function
Allergies to certain foods
Medications
Radiation therapy
Malabsorption of food

Diarrhea can also occur after constipation, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Treatment – Management – How to Stop It

If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can manage it with common antidiarrheal medications, which are available in liquid or tablet form. Follow the instructions on the package.

Tips for Managing Diarrhea Without Medication – Appropriate Diet

Drink fluids frequently. Aim for two to three liters per day, depending on tolerance, or try drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day. Choose broths, hydration fluids, or non-caffeinated soft drinks. Chicken broth (without fat), honey tea, and sports drinks are also good options. Instead of consuming fluids with your meals, drink fluids between meals.

Try low-fiber foods: potatoes, rice, pasta, ripe bananas, applesauce, peanut butter, white bread, skinless chicken or turkey, lean ground beef, fish, yogurt, or cottage cheese.

Avoid the following: fatty, greasy, or fried foods, raw vegetables and fruits, spices, and whole-grain cereals and bread.

Limit foods or drinks with caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, strong tea, and some carbonated drinks.

If you experience cramps with diarrhea, avoid foods and drinks that cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, beer, and carbonated beverages.

Diarrheal diseases can cause temporary lactose intolerance (dairy), so avoid those foods if they worsen diarrhea.

Certain antibiotics (clindamycin, ampicillin, cephalosporins) can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics may disrupt the balance of bacteria normally found in the intestine, allowing certain types of bacteria like C. difficile to grow. As a result, inflammation may occur in the intestine.

Antibiotic-related diarrhea can begin four to ten days after starting the antibiotic. Discuss this side effect with your doctor.

If you are taking an antibiotic, consider adding yogurt with probiotics to your diet. Call your doctor if diarrhea persists.

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What Can Be Done to Relieve Pain in the Rectal Area Caused by Diarrhea?

If your rectal area becomes sensitive due to frequent bowel movements, or if you have itching, burning, or pain during bowel movements, try sitting in warm water in the bathtub. Then, gently pat the area with a dry, clean, soft towel. Additionally, apply petroleum jelly or hemorrhoid cream to the rectum.

Can Diarrhea Harm Your Health?

Persistent diarrhea can lead to significant loss of water and nutrients. If you have diarrhea more than three times a day and do not drink enough fluids, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration is the loss of water from the body’s tissues, which disrupts the balance of essential substances. Dehydration can lead to serious complications if not addressed.