Diarrhoea: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Causes of Diarrhoea

Several factors may cause diarrhoea. Some of the most common causes of diarrhoea are:

• Infections

If viruses, bacteria, or parasites infect your digestive system, you are very likely to have diarrhoea. Such infections may weaken your digestive power and make your gut sensitive.

• Medications

Diarrhoea may also be the side effect of certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives, antacids containing magnesium, and cancer medications. These medications may disrupt the normal gut microbiota balance and cause diarrhoea.

• Food-borne issues

Consuming contaminated, stale food and drinking impure, polluted water can infect your gut and cause diarrhoea. Also, some have allergies and intolerances to certain foods. For instance, those who have lactose or gluten intolerances are likely to have diarrhoea if they consume foods containing lactose or gluten.

• Lifestyle-related issues

Excessive stress and anxiety disorders can impair your bowel function. Also, consuming spicy, oily, and high-fat foods can take a toll on your digestive system. Consuming excessive quantities of caffeine and alcohol can deteriorate your gut health, leading to diarrhoea.

• Weakened digestive power

There are certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption disorders, and inflammatory bowel diseases, which can weaken your digestive power and lead to diarrhoea.

• Other health issues

Health issues like diabetes and hyperthyroidism can also trigger diarrhoea.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of diarrhoea are:

• Cramping pain in the abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bloating and belching

• Watery, loose stool

• Blood in stool

• Bowel incontinence

• Fever and weakness

• Frequent bowel movements

• Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most dangerous consequences of diarrhoea. Getting diarrhoea treatment immediately is necessary to avoid dehydration or loss of body fluids. But, if dehydration occurs due to diarrhoea, you need to recognise the symptoms and seek medical help. The most notable symptoms of dehydration due to diarrhoea are:

• Feeling thirsty

• Excessive fatigue

• Dry skin & dry mouth

• Not urinating

• Lightheadedness

• Rapid heart rate

• Headaches

• Sunken fontanelle (for babies)

Diagnosis

Before treating diarrhoea, your doctor will ask you to undergo certain diagnostic tests to diagnose the problem accurately. Some of the most common diagnostic tests for diarrhoea are:

• Stool culture for bacteria detection

• Blood tests to assess the possibility of metabolic diseases, celiac disease & malabsorption issues

• Fasting tests to assess food allergies or intolerances, if any

• Colonoscopy & Sigmoidoscopy to check the patient’s large intestine

• Imaging tests to assess structural deformities in the internal organs involved in digestion

Mode of Treatment

Diarrhoea treatment depends on the patient’s age, medical history, severity of the condition, regular medicines the patient takes, and more. It is best to see a doctor as early as possible if you are suffering from diarrhoea. Your doctor will prepare a treatment plan after considering all the factors and help you recover fast.

Home Remedies for Diarrhoea

Although getting diarrhoea treated medically is necessary, you may try these home remedies for relief:

• Take more fluids

Increase your fluid intake. You must drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Also, you may try taking homemade oral rehydration solutions prepared by mixing 1-2 tsp of sugar and a pinch of salt.

• Consume bland food

Eat bland food items which are less harsh on your upset stomach. Low-fibre, starchy foods like bananas and potatoes, clear broths and soups, and salty crackers are some options you can try when you have diarrhoea.

• Consume fermented food

Fermented foods can also help manage diarrhoea. Bacteria in fermented and probiotic foods can repress the growth of the diarrhoea-causing bacteria and thus aid in management. Yoghurt, Kefir, Tempeh, and Kombucha are some foods you can take to get relief.

• Drink herbal teas

Lemongrass tea and Chamomile tea can help you manage diarrhoea and reduce its severity.

• Drink fenugreek seed water

Fenugreek seeds are a great remedy for diarrhoea. You need to soak the seeds in water the night before, and the next morning, you need to strain and drink the water to get relief from diarrhoea.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, acute diarrhoea is cured by taking prescribed medications and following a bland diet. But certain red flags need to be watched out for. In severe cases, the patient will manifest the following symptoms:

• Tarry, black stool

• Bloody stool

• Pus in stool

• Excruciating rectal or stomach pain

• Diarrhoea lasting for more than 2 days

• High fever

• Dehydration signs & symptoms

Dehydration can be life-threatening and, therefore, should never be ignored. Severe dehydration may damage your vital organs, causing fainting, shock, and even coma.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain proper personal hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water

• Eat well-cooked, fresh food and avoid spicy, stale food

• Avoid alcohol intake

• Use sanitisers frequently

• Avoid drinking contaminated water

• Do not take food you are allergic to

• Manage stress through yoga and meditation