Diarrhea

If a person notice watery and loose stools while he or she defecates, chances are he or she is experiencing diarrhea. If there is a sudden increase in the frequency of passing stool to three times a day, the person may be affected by this condition. It means a person can pass more than a gallon of stool in a single day. Acute diarrhea is a normal medical occurrence, second to that of the common cold and it usually lasts for a day or two however, if the condition does not improve after two days, then it is considered a serious problem for it may lead to dehydration.

There are various causes of diarrhea. A troubled digestive system due to acute diarrhea may be associated by viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea is often linked to functional disorders such as lactose intolerance and inflammatory bowel disease. The following are the common diarrhea causes:

There are a lot of virus that cause diarrhea such as rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, viral hepatitis, Norwalk virus and herpes simplex hence viral infections are typical. Viral Gastroenteritis usually occurs in the small and large intestines.

Parasites can get in the human body through water or food then they emigrate to the digestive system. Parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica are the common diarrhea causes.

Better be on the lookout for bacterial infections that may result to diarrhea. Similar to viruses, bacteria are enters the body when a person consumes contaminated water or food. The usual suspects of bacterial infection resulting to diarrhea are Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. Coli.

The other diarrhea causes may be attributed to intestinal diseases and functional bowel disorder. If you have Crohn’s disease, or colitis, then diarrhea may occur or if you are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then diarrhea is considered a symptom of this ailment. Now, these diseases and disorders may require surgery and more often than not, the process of treatment may cause the development of diarrhea.

Other diarrhea causes may attribute it to food intolerance and negative medical reaction to medicines. There are some people who are unable to digest food components properly which lead to this condition. Milk may cause diarrhea since there are either artificial sweeteners or lactose in its content.

Most of the causes cannot be determined hence there is no need for a thorough search and study of diarrhea causes. Since it can be treated with proper hydration, then all is well.

During certain stages of pregnancy, it is normal for constipation to occur. An important tidbit that people take for granted is that pregnancy and diarrhea are somewhat related. Many pregnant women suffer from diarrhea during pregnancy and can pose serious treat if not treated correctly. It is important to pay attention to this symptom even if it is not as prevalent as the other ailments that accompany pregnancy such as morning sickness, heartburn and constipation.

You may inquire what are the common causes of diarrhea during pregnancy. Lactose Intolerance is one of the most common culprits of diarrhea in pregnancy. This is because pregnant women are required to drink more milk than they used to. Diarrhea may also occur in pregnant mothers due to their hormonal changes and sensitivities to certain foods. If women have prior gastrointestinal problems before, then they are prone to chronic diarrhea during pregnancy. Diarrhea and pregnancy is normal and it may have a duration period of 2-3 days so there is no need to worry.

Understanding diarrhea and pregnancy: Being informed and being on the lookout is the first step in avoiding diarrhea during pregnancy. It is essential to know something about this subject in case the doctor is out of reach. It is also helpful if you understood that diarrhea and pregnancy does not have to “always” go together because this will help you watch your diet carefully. You should consume foods and drinks that have high fiber content. Yogurt should be taken because it contains pro-biotics that have active elements that would make your digestive system work properly. Stress also contributes to diarrhea in pregnant women. Stress can cause diarrhea to pregnant women, so try to keep your stress level low by relaxing and taking some time out from work. The stress levels can be reduced by proper diet, exercise, enough sleep and intake of a lot of fluids. But be cautious when exercising because strenuous activities can lead to dehydration.

The doctor should be called immediately once diarrhea in pregnancy occurs. Medical intervention is needed if the person is dehydrated.

People often inquire what is chronic diarrhea? It can be defined as three weeks of loose stools. A person suffering from chronic diarrhea may be visiting the comfort room three or more times a day. If neglected, a person can unload a gallon of stools that may lead to dehydration. People tend to be ashamed when consulting for a physician about diarrhea but if the symptoms persist for a week, it is better to consult a doctor. It is safer to seek help than put your health in danger because at some point this digestive system problem may lead to more threatening conditions.

There are a lot of factors that can cause chronic diarrhea. It is better to concentrate on the three major factors first.

The first is food allergies or intolerance to certain foods. Gluten, lactose, peanut and meat intolerance or allergies can give a person a weak stomach. So, it’s more practical to stay away from foods you are sensitive to than risking your health. You can experience IBS symptoms if you are not aware if you are sensitive to certain specific food groups.

Other disease may be a factor in chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of a problematic medical condition and sometimes it can be serious than you think. Some of the serious diseases are IBS, liver failure, diabetes, cancer or Crohn’s disease. These can be checked by a battery of tests.

Candida Albicans, a yeast or fungus may be inside your digestive system and the cause that is wreaking this havoc. This diploid fungus can be a helpful tool for your digestive system but it there is an overgrowth circumstance your body will suffer from getting rid of it. This fungus can multiply if the sufferer is stressed out and has an unhealthy diet. This condition can cause chronic diarrhea and is very dangerous. It should be taken seriously as soon as possible.

If the symptoms persist for more than a week, it should be taken seriously. Home remedies can treat acute diarrhea but for the chronic ones, it is time to see a proctologist or a doctor.

Children and baby diarrhea are critical moments for them because they don’t have the ability to treat or fight this ailment. Parents should always give their children a lot of fluids to keep them hydrated so there won’t be any complications. You should also know the different symptoms, causes and treatment for baby diarrhea in order to handle this situation properly.

What are the Symptoms of Baby Diarrhea?

Consider first the specific routines of the baby. Newborn babies often poop, almost every time after feeding plus their poop is typically fairly soft. If he or she is nursing, the baby’s stool may change depending on what you’ve eaten and if breastfed. Children of older age have firmer stools and it varies with their diet. These factors are the reasons why it is difficult to illustrate baby diarrhea. The essential thing to do is familiarize yourself with the child’s bowel movement patterns wherein occasional stool discharge is fine, but if there is a sudden increase in frequency of discharge, check whether the stools are watery than usual. If so, then it’s probably diarrhea.

What are the Causes of Baby Diarrhea?

The usual suspects for baby diarrhea are bacterial, viral and parasitical. They can penetrate the body through food and water, it can be found in feeding bottles in most cases. The digestive tract is infected resulting to gastroenteritis. The body turns to defensive mode by discharging the bad bugs, especially if it’s a viral infection. The body need to balance the level of fluids and salts, hence medication is not yet an option.

Baby Diarrhea Treatment

Baby diarrhea should be treated properly for it can pose a serious problem if not taken seriously. A baby can become dehydrated because of passing watery stools. Babies and children should be given a lot of fluids to keep them rehydrated. If the baby is not vomiting, you can feed it with breast milk or formula. A pediatrician may prescribe pediatric electrolyte solution to rehydrate the baby if it keeps on discharging watery stools or vomiting. There should be BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, or applesauce, toast) in the children’s diet and prevent them consuming sodas, or liquids that contain sugar.

The second most common ailment that affects the body is diarrhea. It is inevitable that we would be affected by this medical attention whether we try to prevent it or not. Some will typically go away on its own while others may indicate a more serious problem. If there is a frequent discharge of stools, for instance more than three times a day, the likelihood of diarrhea is imminent. The stool colors may vary and it may even be accompanied by blood and undigested specks of food. Luckily, there are a few things you can do and learn how to stop diarrhea.

If you know the key on how to stop diarrhea, it is by avoiding dehydration. There would be lesser risks on the digestive system if you drink a lot of fluids. Dehydration would cause the person to lose vital fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. By just drinking mere water would not suffice; you need to replace the lost minerals by drinking broth or soup. In addition to that, drink fruit juices and eat soft fruits or vegetables for potassium.

If you want to know how to stop diarrhea, you can try the BRAT diet. BRAT is an acronym for food such as bananas, rice, apples or applesauce and toast. Now, this diet is typically recommended for kids but adults can also follow this diet because adding these foods may contribute to decreasing the episodes of diarrhea.

One practical tip on how to stop diarrhea is taking pro-biotic yogurt. These yogurts may contain active culture and enzymes that would neutralize the symptoms of specific types of diarrhea, and as a result, it shortens the duration of the condition.

There are some who believe that you should stay away from diarrhea medications. If your doctor did not prescribe you to take them, you better refrain from diarrhea medications. The body can heal itself by getting rid of the bad bugs by producing loose stools. There are cases when medications can be a factor in prolonging diarrhea because it traps the parasites, bacteria, or viruses inside your stomach.

Children and babies should not follow the previous how to stop diarrhea tips. For children, you should call the doctor immediately once they show signs of diarrhea.

People are surprised to know that diarrhea is the second most common affliction to men, common colds being the first. There are times that having diarrhea can be embarrassing. Most people feel awkward talking about their digestive problems with others and oftentimes this embarrassing condition can affect your daily routines. Fortunately, there are home remedies for diarrhea where you can try to alleviate the situation. If followed properly, the ailment’s duration may last only for a few days. So here are some practical home remedies for diarrhea.

It is imperative to be hydrated at all times, especially with children. To make sure that you are always hydrated, you should keep on drinking fluids. You can drink anything except milk, sodas and soft drinks. You might be lactose intolerant and milk could aggravate the situation while sodas and soft drinks lack the necessary minerals and electrolytes that the body lost. The best home remedies for diarrhea that will prevent losing essential fluids and electrolytes are fruit juices and soups or broth.

Eating certain food is another home remedy for diarrhea because it can retain the body’s strength to combat diarrhea. If you starve yourself, you are just prolonging your agony since the stomach is empty and the body cannot pass stools. The food you eat however does not need to be bland, but stay away from fatty or greasy foods. Children can avail of the BRAT diet. BRAT is a combination of food such as bananas, rice, apples or applesauce and toast. You will be relieved with this proven and effective diet, just avoid the alcoholic beverage and spicy foods while sticking to this diet.

Continue you daily routine. If your diarrhea is mild, just stick to your daily routine, avoid strenuous exercises to prevent dehydration. If you choose to take over the counter medications, it is best to consult your doctor first. There are studies that show diarrhea medications have disastrous effects. Doctors may recommend antibiotics but in the meantime you can avail of this home remedies for diarrhea.

The usual sufferers of diarrhea have a hard time narrating their predicament because they are to embarrassed or ashamed of their ailment. They don’t realize that diarrhea is one of the most common medical conditions among every age group. This is a temporary condition; it passes on its own without any serious diarrhea treatment. However, there are two types of diarrhea that requires their own different medical treatment and care. Acute and chronic diarrhea can be treated by following the simple suggestions below.

Acute Diarrhea is typically associated to bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection. Often times, acute diarrhea treatment involves rehydrating to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration until all the symptoms improve. There are diarrhea treatments that require the use of specific medications.

One of which is Hydration. Rehydration is the key so water is essential in diarrhea treatment and it is not the cause of aggravating diarrhea. This prevents loss of vital fluids and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Children should always be hydrated because failure to do so may lead to serious conditions and even death. Electrolytes are also needed, since water alone cannot be considered as a diarrhea treatment. The best choices to keep balanced electrolyte levels include drinking broths, soups, fruit juices, and eating soft fruits or vegetables because these foods contain potassium and sodium.

Medicines. Diarrhea medicines may not be considered as a better diarrhea treatment because it traps the parasites and bacteria in the body instead of dispelling it. These medicines are over-the-counter drugs that don’t need any prescription like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. Healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics as a diarrhea treatment during these cases.

Chronic diarrhea, which may last more than three weeks have different ways of being diagnosed. This type of diarrhea can be caused by an infection and may also be treated with antibiotics. There are other causes for this type of diarrhea, and they are lactose intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Celiac Disease. Such conditions may require long-term medication and surgery.

Better consult a doctor first when starting any diarrhea treatment.

Occasionally, people tend to acquire diarrhea, but fortunately, this is caused by infection and would last only a few days. It is important to know to have gainful knowledge of the different medications that could relieve or prevent diarrhea. There are two types of diarrhea medicine to provide relief for your digestive problems. One form of drug comes from the doctor’s prescription while the other you can purchase at the drug store’s over the counter.

The difference between the two is that over the counter drugs don’t need any prescription from the doctor. The types of OTC drugs that can help alleviate your diarrhea are called anti-diarrheal medicines. These diarrhea medicines include loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. The latter drug is used to treat nausea and vomiting, and also treat an upset stomach.

Do you wonder how these diarrhea medicines work?

Loperamide would reduce the intestinal activity and this would allow water to be absorbed out of the stools but the downside is that the body would have a long time dispelling the stools. On the other hand, Bismuth Subsalicylate balances the movement of fluid through your intestines to lessen inflammation and prevent viruses and bacteria to grow in the stomach and intestines.

Diarrhea medicines have the following side effects:

There are times wherein elderly citizens and people who have health issues tend to have a negative reaction due to the side effects brought about by diarrheal medicines. If you notice any of these side effects call your doctor at once.

The side effect of loperamide includes abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and constipation.

The following side effects are due to bismuth subsalicylate, constipation, ringing sound in the ear and blackened stools and/or tongue.

You should talk to a doctor first before self medication on diarrhea medicine. This is because some anti-diarrheal medicines can even worsen your condition, especially if your diarrhea is a symptom caused by a bacterial or parasitical infection. Sometimes the situation needs some antibiotics since the OTC medication does not work on infections. Another prescription drug recommended by doctors is called Antispasmodics, if your diarrhea is due to IBS.

Do not dispense diarrhea medicine on children below 7 years old suffering from diarrhea, consult a doctor first. You should always consult a doctor before giving diarrhea medicines to minors. If you have any allergic reactions to loperamide, stay away because it will lead to complications.

Though diarrhea is not a serious condition, it is still a cause of embarrassment for some people. Most people who have it want quick remedies and treatments so they can get rid of this ailment as soon as possible. Oftentimes, changes in ones diet is the best treatment for this digestive problem. Your frequent visits to the rest room to discharge watery stools would be greatly lessened if you switch to a healthy diarrhea diet. It is important that you are aware of what you are eating considering diarrhea causes severe dehydration. It can be prevented by taking special care and by doing the following:

Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid everyday. Rehydrate immediately the moment you notice that you are dispelling watery stools. Fluids does not specify it should be water alone. You should replenish vital fluids and electrolytes, and other nutrients by drinking other liquids that can provide this. Water, juices, ginger ale, broth or soups, weak tea, Gatorade Jello are perfect sources of fluid.

If diarrhea is still ongoing after 2 days, then it’s time to consult the doctor as soon as possible. Two things are possible here, it is either you are manifesting a serious condition or it is an effect of an infection due to something you consumed. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know that foods can be the culprit to one’s diarrhea. Every diarrhea diet may be unique for certain individuals so it is better to try a few recommendations at a time. There won’t be any need in abstaining from all kinds of food and it will surely ease your anxiety about diarrhea.

Stay away from caffeinated drinks such as coffee, strong tea and soft drinks. In some cases, dairy/milk products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can worsen and prolong your diarrhea. It is advisable to stay away from these products, until your condition improves. On the duration of your diarrhea, it’s best to stay away from fatty, spicy, and greasy foods.

An important thing in your diarrhea diet is to control the consumption of fiber. The main sources of fiber in foods are vegetables, nuts, whole grain cereals and breads. You can turn to other low fiber diarrhea diet if you suspect this is the cause of your prolonged diarrhea.

There is no need to worry if one suffers from diarrhea since it is the second most common medical condition, next to the common cold that affect any age group. This condition has usually lasts only for two or three days and can be treated at home. However, if you are afflicted with bloody diarrhea it can be an indication of a more serious illness. You need to consult a doctor the moment you notice that there is blood in your stool. Here’s a short description on bloody diarrhea’s causes.

Peptic Ulcer. More often than not, peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterium that leads to chronic gastritis. This is the most painful type of ulcers and it is located in the gastrointestinal tract. A person afflicted with it has the following symptoms, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. If this condition is not treated immediately, it may lead to peritonitis a more serious condition. Doctors would rather prescribed antacids and antibiotics for milder cases.

Crohn’s Disease. It is an autoimmune disease by which the body’s immune system that elicits harmful inflammation by attacking the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract, the small and large intestines are the areas affected by this autoimmune disease. The following symptoms usually manifest when a person has this autoimmune disease, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and weight loss. Although its definitive causes are unknown, factors like genetic makeup, smoking, and industrial environmental exposure are considered to contribute to Crohn’s disease.

Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer and its fatal indication is bloody diarrhea. This affliction should be diagnosed early for every year, there are 640,000 fatalities due to this cancer. The doctors will check if there are cysts, tumors and other malignant growths in your colon, rectum and appendix by performing colonoscopy. Blood in stool are often accompanied by other crucial symptoms such as incessant fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, and weight loss. There is occult blood in feces caused by colorectal cancer, according to the University of Michigan. Occult blood is not visible to the naked eyes and needs special tests to confirm the presence of blood in stool.

The following causes are the worst possible kind so there is no need to cause an alarm. Blood may just be causes by internal and external hemorrhoids.