Diarrhea - an uncomfortable situation

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery, soft stools with or without abdominal bloating, pressure, and cramps. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration.

Causes:

Several types of bacteria may enter your body through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea.
Viruses are also the cause of diarrhea.
Parasites may enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system.
Reaction to certain medicines can also cause diarrhea.
Intestinal disorders or diseasesincludinginflammatory bowel disease,irritable bowel syndrome,diverticulitis, andceliac diseasecan cause diarrhea.
Some people has problem digesting some food products like sweeteners and lactose (the sugar found in milk) can cause diarrhea.
Some people also develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder.

Symptoms include:

Watery, liquid stools
Cramping
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea
An urgent need to use the bathroom
If diarrhea leads to dehydration, it is a sign of potentially serious disease.

When to contact doctor:

diarrhea for more than 3 days
severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
a fever of 102 degrees or higher
blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
dehydration

Treatment:

Normally, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary.

Absorbents are compounds that absorb water. Absorbents that are taken orally bind water in the small intestine and colon and make diarrheal stools less watery.The two main absorbents are attapulgite and polycarbophil, and they are both available without prescriptions.

Medicines are prescribed to stop diarrhea however they are not recommended for people whose diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite.

Viral infections are either treated with medication or left to run their course, depending on the severity and type of virus.

Self care at home:

Diarrhea - an uncomfortable situation

Take water or sports beverages (such as Gatorade) to replenish water loss. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are liquids that contain a carbohydrate (glucoseor rice syrup) and electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride, and citrate or bicarbonate). Originally, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the WHO-ORS to rapidly rehydrate victims of the severe diarrhea illness.