Diarrhoea Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual). We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Diarrhoea
Causes of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual). Frequent passing of formed stools is not diarrhoea, nor is the passing of loose, “pasty” stools by breastfed babies.
Infections: Pathogens (viruses, bacteria and parasites) can all cause infections that lead to diarrhea. The most common cause of diarrhea in adults is the norovirus that causes gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children.
Food poisoning: You can ingest harmful toxins and pathogens from contaminated foods or drinks. Once they’re in your gut, the toxins or germs can cause diarrhea. “Travellers’ diarrhea” is when you get diarrhea while traveling in a new environment with poor hygiene or sanitation. Usually, it’s exposure to bacteria that gives you diarrhea.
Medications. Diarrhea is a common medication side effect. For example, antibiotics kill harmful bacteria that make you sick, but they can destroy helpful bacteria in the process. Not having enough good bacteria can lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea is also a side effect of antacids with magnesium and some cancer drugs and treatments. Overusing laxatives can also cause diarrhea.
Medications: Diarrhea is a common medication side effect. For example, antibiotics kill harmful bacteria that make you sick, but they can destroy helpful bacteria in the process. Not having enough good bacteria can lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea is also a side effect of antacids with magnesium and some cancer drugs and treatments. Overusing laxatives can also cause diarrhea.
Diseases affecting your bowels: Diarrhea is a common symptom of conditions that cause irritation and inflammation in your bowels (intestines). Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can all cause diarrhea. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms if you have a condition like IBS.
Diseases affecting your bowels. Diarrhea is a common symptom of conditions that cause irritation and inflammation in your bowels (intestines). Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can all cause diarrhea. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms if you have a condition like IBS.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea :
- Bloating or cramps in your belly
- A strong and urgent need to poop
- Nausea (upset stomach).
- Fever
- Severe pain.
- Vomiting
- Blood or mucus in your stool.
- Headache
- Flushed, dry skin
- Irritability and confusion
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Light-headedness and dizziness
- Fatigue (tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest).
- Dark pee, small amounts of pee or no peeing at all
What complications are associated with Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea may cause dehydration. More fluids are lost from the body when you have diarrhoea than normally. Dehydration can lead to a loss of electrolytes — minerals your body needs to function properly. This is why rehydration is so important.
Diarrhoea causes food to move quickly through your body. If this is ongoing it makes it difficult for you to absorb nutrients and can lead to malnutrition.
Some people may develop temporary lactose intolerance after an episode of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. See your doctor if the symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks.
Can I stop diarrhea without taking anti-Diarrhea medicine?
You can often get rid of acute diarrhea through lifestyle changes you can make at home.
- Drink plenty of water and other electrolyte-balanced fluids: These include diluted and pulp-free fruit juices, broths, sports drinks (Gatorade®) and caffeine-free sodas. These drinks replace lost water and electrolytes you’re losing with diarrhea. Electrolytes are substances that help with important processes, like maintaining the balance of fluids in your body.
- Choose foods that can firm your stools: Certain low-fiber foods make stools more solid. Try the BRAT diet: (B)ananas, white (R)ice, (A)pplesauce and (T)oast. Potatoes, noodles, lean beef, fish and chicken or turkey without the skin are also good options. changing your diet can make a huge difference when it comes to getting relief.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeinated foods and drinks can have a mild laxative effect that worsens diarrhea. Steer clear of coffee, sodas, strong tea/green tea and chocolate. Avoid alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
- Avoid foods and drinks that give you gas: Avoid beans, cabbage, brussels sprouts, beer and carbonated beverages to prevent stomach cramps. Sometimes, diarrhea can make you temporarily lactose intolerant. Avoiding dairy until your diarrhea clears is a good idea.
PREVENTION
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or preparing and eating food. Another option is to use hand sanitizer.
Get vaccinated: The rotavirus vaccine prevents rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea. The vaccine for COVID-19 can reduce your risk of getting COVID and experiencing COVID symptoms, including diarrhea.
Store food properly: Store food at the correct temperatures, and cook all foods until they reach the recommended temperatures. Don’t take chances by consuming foods or drinks past their expiration dates.
Watch what you drink when you travel: Don’t drink untreated water when you travel. Avoid tap water, ice cubes or brushing your teeth with tap water. Steer clear of unpasteurized milk or juice products. Pasteurization is a process that kills germs in certain drinks. When in doubt, drink bottled water or something that’s been boiled first (coffee or tea).
Watch what you eat when you travel: Avoid raw or undercooked meats (and shellfish), as well as raw fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are usually healthy options, but the skin may contain contaminants that can make you sick.
TREATMENTS
Antibiotics or anti-parasites: These drugs kill infection-causing germs.
Medications that treat chronic conditions: Treating underlying conditions that cause diarrhea, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS, can help.
Probiotics: Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your gut to combat diarrhea. Your healthcare provider may suggest you try them. Always talk to your provider before starting a probiotic or any supplement.
Frequently Asked Question on Diarrhoea
Bland, starchy, low-fibre foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast
It is usually a symptom of gastrointestinal infection, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene.
Soluble fibre is a type of fibre found in some foods. Soluble fibre absorbs (soaks up) fluid and can help lessen your diarrhea. Food’s high in soluble fibre include: Fruits: Applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange, and grapefruit.
Nocturnal diarrhea refers to diarrhea that happens at night. It can be the result of allergies, stress, or conditions, such as diabetes or infections. Persistent diarrhea can also interrupt sleep and affect the quality of life.
In most cases, you can treat your acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).