What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a digestive condition characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than normal. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute Diarrhea:
- Lasts less than 14 days
- Often caused by infections
- Usually self-limiting
- Chronic Diarrhea:
- Persists for more than 4 weeks
- May indicate underlying medical conditions
- Requires medical evaluation
Common Causes
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Food intolerances
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Medications
- Stress
Symptoms
- Frequent loose, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Urgency to have bowel movements
- Nausea
- Dehydration signs:
- Thirst
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Treatment Approaches
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Dietary modifications:
- BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
- Avoiding trigger foods
- Small, frequent meals
- Medications:
- Anti-diarrheal medicines
- Antibiotics when bacterial infection is present
- Probiotics
When to Seek Medical Care
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- High fever
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
Prevention Strategies
- Proper hand hygiene
- Safe food handling practices
- Clean drinking water
- Regular exercise
- Stress management