Diarrhea is a common digestive problem and a symptom of many critical diseases characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools. It can be caused by infection, food intolerance, medication, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, and dehydration. Treatment often involves drinking fluids and avoiding foods that can worsen symptoms. If severe or persistent, seek medical advice.
| Causes | Celiac disease, Lactose intolerance, Gastroenteritis |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Hydration, Diet, Probiotics |
| Preventive Options | Hand hygiene, Drink safe water, |
| Treatment Options | Medications(Anti-diarrheal, Imodium), Diet, Maintaing good bacteria |
| Specialist | Gastroenterologist |
Diarrhea is a common symptom that causes frequent bowel movements. It can cause discomfort, cramping, and urgent bathroom need. Sometimes, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors such as infection, food poisoning, or certain medications. It can be a short-term or chronic condition, significantly affecting one's daily routine and even making one feel embarrassed. There are a lot of remedies and treatments related to diarrhea. If your diarrhea does get settled, talk to the health care provider.
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and loose bowel movements. The symptoms of diarrhea can include in the following.
Several types of diarrhea are caused and characterized by particular conditions. Some of the most common types include the following.
This type of diarrhea lasts for a short period (usually less than 2 weeks) and is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, or certain medications.
This type of diarrhea lasts for an extended period (usually more than 4 weeks) and can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medical conditions (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease).
This type of diarrhea is caused by an overproduction of fluids in the small intestine, which can be caused by certain medical conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer), certain medications, or certain toxins.
There are several medical conditions that can cause diarrhea as a symptom. Some examples include the following.
As you can see, diarrhea is the most common symptom of celiac disease. This is not characterized by malabsorption of the food. Therefore, it can lead to stool which is a high amount of fat that is steatorrhea. This makes it foul-smelling, greasy, and frothy. This autoimmune disorder causes an adverse reaction to gluten that leads to damage to the small intestine, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
People who suffer from lactose intolerance find difficulty in the digestion of the sugar in milk. The most common symptoms are watery stool, gas, and bloating. This might happen while giving lactose malabsorption. Though it is harmless, it could make a person discomfort.
Gastroenteritis is the most common condition in that diarrhea and vomiting often appear. This bacterial and viral infection can cause inflammation of the stomach. It is caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by the stomach acid that flows to the esophagus, which causes heartburn. There are some additional symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Malabsorption syndrome is a medical condition where the body cannot properly absorb nutrients from food, leading to malnutrition and a range of digestive symptoms, including diarrhea. It mainly occurs by damage to the gut lining, lack of digestive enzymes, and medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and pancreatic insufficiency.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause diarrhea by affecting muscle contractions in the colon, sensitivity to certain foods, past GI infections, stress, hormonal changes, and altered gut bacteria. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood.
During the physical examination, the healthcare professional will check for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, and decreased urine output. They will also check for any abdominal tenderness or masses.
Treatment for diarrhea typically depends on the underlying cause, but some general treatment options include the following.
Loperamide is a medication commonly used to treat diarrhea. It functions by slowing down the movement of stool in the intestines, which helps to solidify the stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Loperamide is safe and effective for most people. Still, it should be used with caution in specific populations, such as children under 2 years old, people with liver disease, and those with a history of long-term diarrhea.
Bismuth subsalicylate, commonly known as Pepto-Bismol, is an over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea. It works by coating the stomach and reducing fluid secretion in the intestines, which can help relieve symptoms such as stomach upset and diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate is generally considered safe, but it can interact with blood thinners and cause side effects, including constipation and black stools.
Kaolin and pectin are active ingredients in some over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications, such as Kaopectate. They work by absorbing fluid in the intestines and helping to firm up the stools. Kaolin and pectin are commonly used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of diarrhea. However, they are not recommended for severe cases of diarrhea or people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease.
Racecadotril is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It reduces fluid secretion in the intestines, which helps to firm up the stools and relieve symptoms. Racecadotril is typically used for short-term treatment of acute diarrhea and is not recommended for long-term use. Common side effects of racecadotril may include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be taken as a supplement to help restore good gut bacteria balance. This can help relieve symptoms of diarrhea by improving digestion and boosting the immune system. Probiotics are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and food and drinks like yogurt and kefir.
Surgery may be recommended for some people with chronic or severe diarrhea that is not responsive to other treatments. Many types of surgery will depend on the underlying cause of diarrhea. Some common surgeries for diarrhea include the following.
Small intestine resection is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the small intestine that is diseased or damaged. This procedure may be recommended for some people with chronic diarrhea to improve symptoms and restore normal bowel function. The decision to have surgery, and the type of surgery, depends on the underlying cause of diarrhea and the patient's overall health. A doctor should be consulted to discuss this procedure's benefits, risks, and possible outcomes.
Colectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes a partial part of the colon or complete removal. It may be recommended for individuals with chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or diverticulitis. The type of colectomy will depend on the specific condition and severity of diarrhea. A doctor should be consulted to discuss this procedure's benefits, risks, and possible outcomes.
Ileostomy is a surgical procedure involving creating an abdomen opening and attaching the small intestine's end to it. This allows stool to bypass the colon and be collected in an external pouch, effectively treating chronic diarrhea. An ileostomy may be recommended for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or an injury to the rectum. The decision to have an ileostomy, and the type of ileostomy, depends on the specific condition and the patient's overall health.
J-pouch surgery is a type of surgical procedure used to treat chronic diarrhea. It involves creating a pouch from the small intestine to replace the removed colon, allowing for normal bowel function. J-pouch surgery may be recommended for individuals with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis.
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, clear broths, and clear juices to prevent dehydration.
Eat the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) to help bind stools and ease digestive discomfort.
Ginger has crucial anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the digestive tract. Try ginger tea or ginger chews.
Peppermint has antispasmodic properties that may help relax the muscles of the intestines and reduce diarrhea symptoms. Drink peppermint tea or take peppermint oil capsules.
Probiotics help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and alleviate diarrhea symptoms. You can take probiotic supplements or eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Eat foods that are high in electrolytes, such as coconut water, to help replenish lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
Boiled potatoes
Boiled potatoes are a bland food that can help soothe the digestive system and firm up loose stools.
Bone broth contains minerals and electrolytes that can help replenish lost nutrients and support gut health.
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help improve gut health and alleviate diarrhea symptoms. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drink.
Fennel seeds have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce cramping and bloating associated with diarrhea. Chew on fennel seeds or make fennel tea.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent diarrhea:
It is generally recommended to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms are given in the following.
If you have diarrhea and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified diarrhea doctor. A doctor specializing in treating diarrhea, such as a Gastroenterologist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for diarrhea. You can book an appointment with one to start your diarrhea treatment today.
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 1,600 Consult Fees
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
Manipal Hospital, HAL Airport Road, Bangalore
Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your diarrhea. If you are experiencing diarrhea In that case, it is important to visit a diarrhea hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for diarrhea treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1940
🛌220 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about diarrhea.
Can diarrhea be serious?
While diarrhea is often a self-limiting condition, it can be serious in certain situations, such as in young children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In these cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose, watery bowel movements that occur more frequently than usual. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances or allergies, medications, and certain medical conditions.
What are the complications of diarrhea?
Complications of diarrhea can include dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances. In some cases, diarrhea can also lead to other conditions such as colitis, rectal prolapse, or bowel incontinence.
How do you stop diarrea?
To stop diarrhea, you can try drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, eating bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, taking over-the-counter medications such as anti-diarrheal drugs or probiotics, and avoiding foods and beverages that can irritate the stomach, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and dairy products. If your diarrhea is severe or persistent, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
How long does diarrhea usually last?
The duration of diarrhea can vary depending on the cause. Acute diarrhea usually lasts for 1 to 2 days, but can last up to 2 weeks. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, can last for several weeks or months.
How many types of diarrhea are there?
There are four types of diarrheacute watery diarrhea, acute bloody diarrhea, persistent diarrhea, and dysentery.
Reviews by patients on different.
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Fortis Memorial Research Institute
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