Diarrhea

Alternative Names

Diarrhea

What is Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition in which you have 3 or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common problem for many people. Diarrhea can last a few days and go away on its own.

There are 2 forms of Diarrhea:

• Acute diarrhea which is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections.
• Chronic diarrhea which is commonly caused by a functional disorder or intestinal disease.

Signs and symptoms

There is a row of the most common signs and symptoms of diarrhea:

• Frequent, loose, watery stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Bloating

Possible complications

Diarrhea can lead to the following complications included:

• Anemia
• Dehydration
• Hypokalemia
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Malnutrition

What causes

Diarrhea can be caused by such conditions as:

• a bacterial infection
• a viral infection
• food intolerances or allergies
• parasites
• a reaction to medications
• an intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease
• a functional bowel disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome
• a result of surgery on the stomach or gall bladder
• Many people suffer from traveler's diarrhea that occurs as the result of a bacterial infection or a parasite, or even food poisoning.

In some cases, severe diarrhea may indicate a serious disease, you should consult with your doctor if the symptoms persist or affect daily activities.

Prevention

The possible prevention of diarrhea is a rotavirus vaccine that reduces symptoms of diarrhea.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used in the treatment of diarrhea due to bacteria or parasites.

Your doctor may advise you to replace the fluids and salts lost due to this condition. For many people, this process means drinking water or juice. If it is not effective, getting fluids through a vein in your arm is recommended.

The best way to replace fluids is water, but it does not contain the salts and electrolytes that are vital to maintain the electric currents that keep your heart beating. Disruption of your body's fluid and mineral levels leads to an electrolyte imbalance that can be very serious. You can improve the function of your electrolyte levels by drinking fruit juices for eating soups for sodium.

If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious disease or condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will manage that condition. Such specialist as a gastroenterologist can help to identify a treatment plan for you.