Diarrhea is a disorder or disorder related to the digestive system. When this problem occurs, the stool is thin like water. This intestinal disease is mainly caused by rotavirus. It can also be caused by bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Apart from this, it can also happen due to hormonal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, consumption of certain medicines. Diarrhea caused by viruses and bacteria can be prevented if you maintain proper hygiene, avoid eating street food and drink clean water.

Types Of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be divided into three main parts. They include:

• Acute diarrhea: This is the most common form of diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery, loose stools. Usually, this problem subsides on its own as soon as enough fluids go into the body.

• Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea lasts for two to four weeks.

• Chronic diarrhea: This type of diarrhea can bother you for more than four weeks.

Causes Of Diarrhea

As we have already mentioned, the main cause of diarrhea is a viral or bacterial infection. However, there can be many other causes of diarrhea, which are as follows

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is an intestinal problem that can cause symptoms of diarrhea such as blood in the stool. Inflammatory bowel disease causes ulcers in the innermost lining of your large intestine and rectum.

• Malabsorption: When your digestive system fails to absorb nutrients from food, you may experience diarrhea symptoms.

• Medicines: Laxatives and other medicines such as antibiotics can also cause diarrhea.

• Hormonal disorders: Irregular bowel movements and other diarrheal symptoms can be seen if there is any kind of problem-related to hormones. For example, people who have Addison's disease have insufficient levels of the hormone steroid. In such a situation, they are more likely to get diarrhea.

Symptoms Of Diarrhea

There are many symptoms of diarrhea. Depending on the cause, you may experience one or more symptoms of diarrhea. Following are the common signs and symptoms of diarrhea:-

• Nausea

• Abdominal cramps

• Loose motion

• Swelling

• Dehydration

• Fever

• Blood in stool

Ignoring diarrhea in babies can be serious. If you see the following symptoms along with frequent bowel movements, nausea, and abdominal cramps, then definitely contact the doctor:-

• Less urination

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Fever (greater than 102°F)

• Blood or pus in stool

• Black stool

• Irritability

• Lethargy, excessive sleepiness

• Sunken eyes

Diagnosis Of Diarrhea

Diagnosis does not require a medical test for diagnosis. This problem can be identified very easily only through its symptoms. However, through some tests, the main causes of diarrhea are detected. These tests are as follows:-

• Through a fasting blood test, it is tried to find out whether you are not having this problem due to food intolerance or allergies.

• Imaging tests are done to look for inflammation and structural abnormalities in the intestines, especially in people with severe or chronic conditions.

• A stool or urine test is done to check for bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens.

Treatment Of Diarrhea

The treatment of diarrhea depends on the severity of your condition, dehydration, age, medical history, and other factors. Usually, fluid replacement is needed for quick recovery from diarrhea, for this, you should drink more and more fluids such as water and juices. In more severe cases, fluids are delivered into the body via intravenous injection. An attempt is made to control the bowel movement through medicines. If the diarrhea is caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eat. If it is happening due to any problem related to digestion, then the treatment will also be decided on the same basis.

How To Manage Diarrhea

What you eat plays an important role in exacerbating the symptoms of diarrhea. Since there is a shortage of water in the body when this problem occurs, so keep yourself hydrated as much as possible. Drink enough water and juices to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body. Also, avoid consuming dairy products when you have diarrhea, as it can be difficult for you to digest. Avoid fiber-rich vegetables such as cabbage and beans, as this can lead to flatulence. If symptoms of diarrhea are visible, then do not forget to drink caffeinated beverages such as soda, tea, and coffee. Taking a low-fiber diet can be healthy for diarrhea. Including potatoes, white rice in the diet can be beneficial.

Internal medicine in Abu Dhabi

Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre’s internal medicine specialists will help patients eliminate diarrhea. Book an appointment with our internal medicine specialists today.