First off, lets start with the symptoms of Diarrhea,
Symptoms
Apart from watery stools, diarrhea can also lead to symptoms like
-abdominal cramps
-nausea
-vomiting
-fever
These can differ depending on the cause of diarrhea.
Duration
Diarrhea is usually self healing and doesn't last so long. However in some cases it can be chronic.
Causes
There are a number of causes of diarrhea in a country like India.
I have below mentions some of the most probable causes.
§ Infections - these can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. These infections can spread through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
§ Food Poisoning by consuming contaminated or spoiled food.
§ Some Medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Certain laxatives and antacids can also cause diarrhea as a side effect.
§ Allergens can also cause diarrhea, these are include dairy products, gluten, and nuts.
§ Digestive Disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.
§ High levels of stress or anxiety can affect the gut and lead to diarrhea referred to as "nervous diarrhea".
§ Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners can sometimes lead to diarrhea. Additionally, some people may be sensitive to high-fiber foods, leading to loose stools.
§ Traveler's Diarrhea due to different sanitation standards, exposure to unfamiliar bacteria or parasites found in food and water when travelling.
§ Conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and certain autoimmune diseases can affect the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
§ People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
Complications
§ Dehydration is the most common and significant complication of diarrhea. Dehydration can be mild or severe and can result in symptoms like dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and confusion. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in infants, young children, and the elderly.
§ An imbalance in electrolytes like potassium can lead to irregular heart rhythms and muscle weakness.
§ Chronic diarrhea can hamper the body's ability to absorb nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, deficiencies in essential nutrients and eventually a weakened immune system.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of diarrhea. Acute diarrhea often resolves on its own, while chronic diarrhea may require more extensive evaluation and treatment. In cases of severe dehydration, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.
Dietary Modifications
§ During acute diarrhea, you can follow the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and less likely to irritate the stomach. You can also take foods such as khichdi during diarrhea and best to avoid spicy and fried oily foods.
§ Stay away from foods and beverages that can worsen diarrhea, such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy products (if lactose intolerant), fatty foods, and high-fiber foods.
Medications
Depending on the cause of diarrhea, your healthcare provider may recommend medications:
§ Antidiarrheal Medications like loperamide can help reduce diarrhea by slowing down bowel movements. However, these should not be used if you have a fever or blood in your stool, as they can make the underlying infection worse.
§ Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in case of bacterial infections are the cause. And anti-parasitic medications for parasitic infections.
§ Medication adjustments need to be done if diarrhea is a side effect of a medication you're taking.
Also speak to your doctor if you are on medication for diabetes or hypertension; your medicines may need to be temporarily decreased.
Underlying Conditions
If chronic diarrhea is due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), treatment will focus on managing the underlying condition. This may involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medications prescribed by a gastroenterologist.
Hygiene and Prevention
If diarrhea is caused by an infection, it's important to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread to others. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for others until you are symptom-free.
Rest
Give your body time to recover. Resting can help reduce stress on your digestive system.
Prevention
Here comes the part which is of most importance when we talk about diarrhoea. Prevention is always better than cure. Below are steps which we can take to prevent diarrhoea
§ Wash your hands with soap and clean water before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
§ Be cautious about food preparation and consumption:
§ Keep perishable foods refrigerated.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
§ Ensure that the water you drink and use for cooking or brushing teeth is safe or use bottled water. Avoid iced drinks.
§ While traveling, stick to reputable restaurants and eateries.
- Choose fully cooked and hot foods.
- Avoid consuming raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with contaminated water.
§ Vaccinations against cholera and typhoid can help prevent those diseases.
§ When using public restrooms or travelling:
- Use toilet seat covers or clean the seat before sitting down.
- Carry hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not readily available.
§ If you have known food allergies or intolerances, avoid trigger foods to prevent diarrhea.
§ Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can be helpful.
§ Taking probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reduce the risk of diarrhea, especially when taking antibiotics.
Here we end this blog with plenty if information about diarrhoea. Always remember to contact your health care provider if any of the following occurs - Signs of blood in the stool,
Symptoms of weight loss, fevers, or night sweats and if diarrhoea occurs even without eating.
