Diarrhea simply describes the passage of stools that are loose and watery, typically in a more frequent manner that is different from your normal frequency. It may also be accompanied by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to use the loo. Many people will have bouts of diarrhea from time to time, typically lasting between less than a day to about three days. While more often than not, it’s not usually serious, at times it can become dangerous or even signal a serious problem.
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Based on the duration of symptoms, diarrhea can be classified into acute and chronic diarrhea.
What Causes Diarrhea?
The most-common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the digestive system. In this case, the infection usually lasts for about two days and then it usually resolves itself without much intervention.
Other causes of diarrhea include:
Symptoms of Diarrhea
The symptoms of diarrhea can be classified based on its severity. For non-severe (uncomplicated) diarrhea, the symptoms include:
For severe/complicated diarrhea, in addition to the symptoms of non-severe diarrhea, you could also experience the following:
Severe diarrhea can also lead to death in extreme cases.
Home Treatment of Diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own after a few hours or days without treatment, especially if it’s viral in nature or if your body is just trying to expel something you ate that doesn’t quite agree with you.
But because diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids during the course of the illness – drink small, frequent sips of water, or an oral rehydration solution (this can be bought over the counter).
You can also use over-the-counter medications, such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
When You Should See Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following, please call your doctor or have someone take you to the hospital as a matter of urgency:
If the person with diarrhea is a child, seek immediate medical attention if:
Preventing Diarrhea
As with many other illnesses, a key factor in avoiding diarrhea is good hygiene practices. The following tips can help you prevent illnesses that cause diarrhea:
If you already have diarrhea, you can prevent its spread to other members of your household by:
Till I come your way again, stay healthy, folks!
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