Diarrhea

Diarrhea Treatment in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Passing loose or watery stools where you feel the need to go very frequently can be categorized as diarrhea. This condition generally gets rectified in a few days and is caused because of a viral or bacterial infection. It can be both acute and chronic. Therefore, if the condition doesn’t get better after taking over-the-counter medication, it is imperative that you visit a doctor.

There is also a condition known as traveler’s diarrhea which occurs when you travel to developing nations for vacation and the food and water you consume when you are there can caused diarrhea since you get exposed to bacteria and parasites. But, this is usually an acute condition, which can either get rectified on its own or gets better with over-the-counter medicines.

What are the Causes of Diarrhoea?

There are a number of reasons why one might experience diarrhea, but the most probable causes are;

• Having food intolerance, such as being lactose intolerant and consuming dairy
• Having food allergies
• Having a bad reaction to the medications you are currently consuming
• A viral infection
• Bacterial infection
• Parasitic infection
• If you have had gallbladder or stomach surgery
• In children, rotavirus is the main cause of diarrhea
• Medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease can also be the reason for diarrhea

If you experience frequent diarrhea, it is important to visit a doctor as it can be a sign of intestinal disease or functional bowel disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Diarrhoea?

Symptoms of diarrhea can differ from person to person. You might either experience a couple of the below-mentioned symptoms or maybe only one.

• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Loose motions
• Bloody stools
• Frequent urge to empty the bowels
• Large quantity of stool

Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration. Therefore, it is important to keep up the fluid intake. Some of the signs of dehydration include;

• Fatigue
• Dry mucous membrane
• Feeling increased heart rate
• A headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling too thirsty
• Not urinating like you usually do
• Dry mouth

When to See a Doctor?

In adults, it is important to visit a doctor if the condition isn’t getting better on its own within a day or two even after taking over-the-counter medicine. In children, immediate medical intervention is required if;

• You notice sunken eyes or irritability in children
• If you notice dehydration
• If the condition hasn’t gotten better in 24 hours
• If the fever is higher than 102 degrees
• Stools contain blood, pus, or look black

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

How is Diarrhoea Treated?

The first thing your doctor will ask you to do is drink lots of fluids and try to replace the loss of fluids with electrolytes. If it’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Other conditions also play a role in the treatment. They are;

• How severe the condition is
• How frequent diarrhea is
• Dehydration status
• Age and medical history
• Age
• Medicine allergies

How to Prevent Diarrhoea?

• Always wash fruits and veggies before consuming them
• Wash the utensils properly before you start cooking
• Eat food immediately once it is cooked
• Don’t eat expired leftovers
• Always keep frozen food in the freezer

To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, it is important to do the following:

• Visit your doctor before the travel and take necessary medications or vaccinations prescribed by him
• When you are on a vacation, avoid ice cubes and tap water
• Always drink only bottled water/mineral water
• Don’t consume raw food on a vacation but opt for completely cooked food

Finally, remember, diarrhea is not a serious condition if you take the necessary precautions and remedy it immediately. If you notice any severity, don’t delay going to the doctor.