Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools more frequently than normal. It can result from a variety of causes. Examples include infections, dietary factors, and underlying health conditions. If not managed properly, the condition can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Diarrhea is a very common condition. It affects people of all ages. In fact, it is one of the main reasons people visit doctors. Its severity can vary greatly. Sometimes, it is mild and goes away on its own. However, it may require medical treatment in more serious cases.
Diagnosis involves a review of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as stool samples, blood tests, and imaging studies, if necessary, to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment depends on the cause. It may include rehydration with oral rehydration solutions, dietary changes, medications to address infections or underlying conditions, and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms.
Prevention strategies include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, being cautious with food handling, and managing stress. For individuals with food intolerances, avoiding trigger foods can help.
You should consult a doctor if it persists for more than a few days, is severe, is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, significant dehydration, or blood in the stools, or if you have underlying health conditions.
Home remedies include drinking clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, consuming bland foods (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), and avoiding dairy products and fatty or spicy foods. Probiotics may also help restore gut balance.
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, nausea, fever, bloody stools, dehydration, urgent need to go to the bathroom, leaking stool, and not being able to control your bowels.
It can be caused by a lot of things. Examples include contaminated food and water, bacterial infection, food intolerance, food allergy, intestinal diseases, medication reaction, and antibiotic use.
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