Sometimes diarrhioea is even caused by healthy habits – for example, running. Diarrhea is normal. Sooner or later, absolutely everyone encounters it, and in most cases, it passes safely by itself – within a day or two. But sometimes diarrhea can be a serious problem.
When you urgently need to see a doctor
Most often, you don’t have to worry about diarrhea. But quickly consult a physician or, depending on the severity of the symptoms, call an ambulance if
- You have not only loose stools but also blood in it. Or it is black – a sign of clotted blood.
- Together with diarrhea, you notice a high (above 38.3 ° C) temperature.
- You have severe nausea or vomiting that interferes with drinking to replace lost fluid.
- You feel severe pain in your abdomen or anus.
- Diarrhea appeared after you returned from abroad.
- Your urine is deep, dark in color.
- Your heart rate has quickened.
- Diarrhea is accompanied by severe headache, irritability, clouding of consciousness.
These symptoms indicate either an acute inflammatory process associated with an infection or a severe dehydration degree. Both situations are equally dangerous – up to and including death. Therefore, do not expect to do with home remedies and do not hesitate to see a doctor. If there are no ominous signs, diarrhea can be treated with simple methods.
Read also: 5 Eating Habits Everyone Should Learn
Where does diarrhea come from?
Diarrhea is called a disease of unwashed hands, and it is true; most often,, diarrhea overtakes those who are not too concerned about hygiene. But it also happens otherwise. Here are the most common reasons that cause diarrhea.
1. Viral infections
They didn’t wash their hands, swallowed water from the river or the heated sea, bit an unwashed apple. And they got, for example, a rotavirus infection. And, possibly, viral hepatitis. From the same sources – the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, and other gastrointestinal nasty things accompanied by a thinning of the stool from the same sources.
2. Bacteria and parasites
They are taken from about the same place as viral infections – from a careless habit of dragging something poorly washed or filtered into your mouth. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites often overtakes people in unfamiliar countries and therefore has the “romantic” name travel diarrhea.
3. Taking some medications
Diarrhea is often caused by
- Antibiotics
- Antacid preparations, especially those containing magnesium
- Some drugs for the treatment of cancer
4. Artificial sweeteners
Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame – the human digestive system is not always ready to meet these sweet synthetic substances. They are difficult to digest and sometimes cause bloating and diarrhea.
5. Intolerance to fructose or lactose
Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. Fructose is the same but comes from fruits or honey. Despite the natural origin of these simple carbohydrates, some people are unable to process them Hence digestive problems, including diarrhea.
By the way, the number of enzymes that help to digest lactose decreases with age. Therefore, intolerance to milk sugars is often manifested in the elderly.
6. Digestive disorders
Here is a list of diseases that can provoke diarrhea from time to time (not necessarily on an ongoing basis
- ulcerative and microscopic colitis
- celiac disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract
7. Alcohol abuse
Large amounts of alcohol can damage the intestinal mucosa and disrupt the composition of its microflora.
8. Some hormonal diseases
Diarrhea is a common occurrence in diabetes and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland ).
9. Running
For some people, their hobbies also provokes diarrhea. It’s called the runner’s diarrhea.
What to do with diarrhea
Also read: 5 Anti-Aging Products You Can Buy At Your Convenience Store
In most cases, diarrhea does not need to be treated as it goes away quickly on its own. To speed up this process
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, broth, fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Include low-fiber foods in your diet: boiled eggs, boiled rice or chicken, white bread toast, or crackers.
- Avoid fatty foods, high fiber foods (raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread), and spices for a while.
- Consider taking probiotics, substances that help restore normal gut flora. It is best to choose the necessary drug with a therapist.
What to do if diarrhea persists
Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days is a direct indication that you consult with a doctor. It is probably caused by some internal serious malfunction in the body. Your doctor will ask about accompanying symptoms, look into your medical history. You may need to undergo blood, urine, and feces tests. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Adapted and translated by Wiki Avenue Staff
Sources: Life hacker
