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Diarrhea
A condition that is probably familiar to almost everyone in the world, diarrhea is no picnic but usually should be no cause for alarm. Referring to loose, watery and frequent bowel movements, it is normally not a cause for alarm and can be treated with over the counter medication.
Usually diarrhea will go away after two or three days on its own. However, chronic diarrhea can last for four weeks or longer, in which case it may be a sign of another problem.
Types
There are three distinct types of diarrhea, depending on what is causing this condition.
- Osmotic diarrhea occurs when a foreign substance in the body removes water from the body into the bowel
- Secretory diarrhea is when the body releases water into the stool
- Exudative diarrhea is when there are other substances such as blood or pus in the stool
Symptoms
In most cases diarrhea will simply require more trips to the bathroom than one is accustomed to. There may be other symptoms associated with it, depending on the cause. The following symptoms have all been connected to diarrhea:
- Fever
- Loose, watery stools
- Bloody stools
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramping
Fever and bloody stools can especially be a sign of a more serious condition, and should be treated by a doctor. There are other conditions in which one should pay a visit to a healthcare professional.
When to see a doctor?
- Abdominal pain is severe
- Fever runs higher than 102 degrees
- Diarrhea lasts longer than three days
- There is dizziness or weakness due to dehydration
Causes
In most cases, diarrhea takes hold of the digestive system as a result of a bacterial infection or virus, usually ingested in food or water. “Traveler’s diarrhea” is common for people on vacation in developing countries, due to parasites in the water or a difference in sanitation levels. When a virus is the culprit, this is usually called the “stomach flu.” Medication is a third frequent cause of diarrhea, usually antibiotics.
Other Causes
- Food allergies
- Laxative abuse
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Hyperthyroidism
- Artificial sweeteners
- Fructose
Though diarrhea usually clears up on its own within a matter of days, there are treatments available if the symptoms are bothersome or interfering with enjoyment of daily activities.
Treatments
Usually the only way to get rid of diarrhea is patiently waiting for it to pass its course. There are measures one can take to ease the symptoms and fight dehydration, the most dangerous side effect. A diet of clear liquids and bland, solid starches can help ease symptoms.
Foods to Avoid:
- Dairy products
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- High fiber foods
- Coffee and tea
- Fruit juices
In some cases, medication can be taken. Prescription antibiotics will help if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection. Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, in which cause a doctor should run tests to determine what the root of the problem is and address that directly.
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