Diarrhoea: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & More

This is some text inside of a div block.

July 19, 2022

min read

This is some text inside of a div block.

views

Home

/

What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be defined as a frequent bowel movement with reduced stool consistency resulting in the discharge of loose or watery stools. The severity of Diarrhoea can be differentiated based on the volume and number of stools passed in a particular period. Here are 3 different types of Diarrhoea.

Mild Diarrhea: Limited bowel movements in a day
Moderate Diarrhea: Not more than ten frequent Diarrhoea stools in a day.
Severe Diarrhea: More than ten watery stools within 24 hours.

Another differentiation of Diarrhoea is as follows;In Watery Diarrhoea, liquid stools are passed more than three times in a day. In children, it is caused by rotavirus and in adults, it is caused by norovirus. But traveller's Diarrhoea is caused by bacteria. In acute condition, this will last from 2 days up to 2 weeks, whereas in the chronic condition it may last for 4 weeks. In Bloody Diarrhoea, blood from the digestive tract starting from mouth to anus can be mixed in the loose watery stools. It is a critical condition and a Symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by any Disease or injury. In this condition, you will have more than ten bowel movements in a day and can last up to 2-5 days.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhoea?

Several Diarrhoea Symptoms are depending on the cause. You may notice only one or a combination of some of the Symptoms as follows;

Dehydration
Fever
Stomach pain
Bloating
Cramps
Nausea
Blood in the stools
The urgency in passing stools
Passing a large volume of stools

In children, Diarrhoea leads to severe dehydration risking the life of the child. So check for the following Symptoms too;

Dry mouth
Reduced urination
Headache
Lack of tears while crying
Fatigue
Dry skin
Drowsiness
Irritability
Sunken eyes
Sunken fontanel

Who is at Risk?

It is a common condition in developing countries. Young children are most affected and at least 3 times in a year. Researches show that children under 5 years living in developing countries are at risk and shows a high death rate.

Children under 5 years of age
Malnourished Children
Children with low or impaired immunity
People who are HIV positive

The Risk Factors of Diarrhoea include lack of education, low economy, poor water storage facilities, drinking unTreated water, overcrowding of children less than 5 years of age living in the same house. The ruling government should take necessary steps and come up with public awareness to eradicate the Risk Factors.

Causes of Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be caused by many reasons, conditions, and circumstances. The Potential Causes of Diarrhoea might include the following;

Food allergy
Lactose intolerance
As a side effect of any medication
Viral infection by rotavirus
Bacterial infection by E.coli, or salmonella
Parasitic infection
Intestinal disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel Disease
As a result of abdominal or gall bladder surgery
Stress, and anxiety
Use of laxatives

How is Diarrhoea Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Diarrhoea can be completed by a gastroenterologist through laboratory tests of urine and blood samples, physical examination and reviewing the medical history to detect the cause of Diarrhoea. A complete blood test for Diarrhoea can detect the cause of Diarrhoea. Additional test that can be prescribed by a doctor for Diarrhoea include the following to determine the various route cause;

A fasting test to detect any food allergy or food intolerance.
A stool culture can identify the presence of any bacteria or parasites or any other Signs of Disease.
A Colonoscopy that will help examines the entire colon to check for the Signs of intestinal problem.
An imaging test that can check for structural deformities or inflammation of the intestine.
A Sigmoidoscopy that will help examines the lower colon and rectum for any Signs of intestinal Diseases.

Colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopy are helpful in conditions of severe and chronic Diarrhoea to figure out any intestinal Diseases.

How is Diarrhoea Treated?

Treatment line of Diarrhoea involves fluid replacement therapy. For instance, if you suffer from persistent Diarrhoea, you may consult a gastroenterologist to detect the severity of the case and start the Treatment. The doctor will analyse the Diarrhoea test results and decide the Treatment based on the following status;

Severity of Diarrhoea
The frequency of Diarrhoea
The dehydration level of your body
Your age
Your general health condition
Previous medical history
Your body's acceptance of Diarrhoea medicine
Recovery expectations based on your current health

To search for the best Gastroenterologist nearby to your locality, you can log on to cure. Fit. They are one of the leading health and wellness concerns that provide service related to health, food and fitness. Their wellness panel has several qualified and experienced doctors and expertise in all streams of speciality medicine. You can reach them out to consult a doctor online for Diarrhoea Treatment. The doctor can be consulted on video call as well. To book an appointment, you can send a WhatsApp message on the number displayed on their website according to your convenience. The team will revert to you for confirmation after checking with the particular doctor you have chosen. You are also given the option to upload your previous medical reports before your appointment so that the doctor can understand the patient’s health status well in advance. Cure.fit ensures the privacy of your consultation at a low cost as well.

How can Diarrhoea be Prevented?

Although there are various reasons for Diarrhoea, certain appropriate and timely actions taken can help in Diarrhoea Prevention. Here are some tips to Prevent Diarrhoea.

Children below 5 years can be vaccinated for rotavirus infection with other vaccinations.
Maintain personal hygiene. Cook in a clean environment. Wash the utensils properly and wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. This will help to prevent food poisoning.
Serve the food instantly after cooking.
Balance food should be refrigerated properly in closed containers. Do not eat foods that are refrigerated for many days.
Thaw the frozen food taken from the refrigerator before eating.

When travelling to a developing country, you may follow the below-mentioned steps to Prevent traveller's Diarrhoea.

Eat well-cooked food
Drink bottled or Treated or boiled water
Avoid tap water and fresh juices from outside.
Consult your doctor and have some medicines in stock before you plan your trip to handle any critical situation effectively.

Besides maintaining personal hygiene, it is the responsibility of a citizen to Prevent the spread of viral and bacterial infections in our society. Washing your hands frequently with soap and using sanitizer’s in the absence of soap can kill the germs and control the spread of any infectious disease.

Top Search Terms For Yoga