Last night instead of sleeping in your bed, you frequently visited toilet. Even during the day you can neither do anything else at home nor step out. You are now totally exhausted and tired of these unpleasant trips to restroom. We will tell you a way out.
Passing loose watery stools three or more times a day accompanied with abdominal cramps qualifies to be diarrhoea. Sometimes, there could be fever or chills present. If the problem occurs for 1-2 days, it is categorised as acute diarrhoea but if it persists longer, for more than 3 weeks, then it is called chronic diarrhoea.
Both acute and chronic diarrhoea are worrisome because of the accompanied dehydration. Along with stool, the fluid and electrolytes of the body are also drained out which leads to imbalanced functioning of the bodily systems. Anyone can get diarrhoea but the condition is particularly riskier in children and older adults.
Acute diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection while chronic diarrhoea is an offshoot of other functional disorders like food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, or intestinal diseases.
- It may occur as a side-effect of certain medications.
- Eating roadside food which may be not washed or cooked properly is seen to be the prime culprit for diarrhea along with drinking unclean water.
- Usually at home we keep the most hygienic standards possible in our kitchens but sometimes in a hurry we start eating with unwashed or dirty hands
- Raw vegetables or fruits that are not washed before consumption also cause diarrhea.
So next time you buy vegetables and fruits ensure you wash them properly (even if they appear all clean and shiny) before storing in the refrigerator. Inculcate the practice of eating only after washing hands as well as minimizing consumption of outside foods.
It is best to avoid caffeine, milk and milk products, oily and fibrous foods, and sweets which may aggravate the condition. Yogurt is considered to provide relief. Eat a bland diet for a few days till the stool becomes solid again. Try curd-rice, khichdi, and banana. Drink small quantities of liquids like water, buttermilk, and clear soups repeatedly at frequent intervals. Children with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to restore electrolyte balance.
Commonly, the condition improves after a few days. If not, don't hesitate to call a doctor, especially if the patient feels dizziness, and fatigue and runs a high fever (above 102oF) that does not subside. Infants and the elderly need definite medical attention when suffering from diarrhoea.
Are you worried about the right treatment, book the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai.
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