What is Diarrhea? - Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common condition that almost everyone experiences at some point. It is characterized by loose, watery stools that usually go away on their own in 1-2 days but can occasionally last up to 4 weeks (persistent diarrhea). If loose, watery stools bother you for more than 4-6 weeks, it is a serious condition that requires proper treatment from your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of diarrhea

An urgent need to pass stool
Abdominal pain or cramping
Nausea & vomiting
Fever, headache
Feeling Dizzy
Low urinary frequency than usual
Sunken eyes & cheeks
Extreme tiredness
Passing stool with blood or mucus
Dehydration (Feels thirsty & dry mouth)

When should I consult a doctor for help?

If diarrhea is persistent for more than 2 days
If you are experiencing one or more diarrhea symptoms
If you are passing stools more than 6 times a day.
If you are having blood or mucus in the stools
Frequent vomiting & high fever, signs of dehydration (102 degrees

Causes of diarrhea

Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, & pathogens. Norovirus in adults & rotavirus in children are the main causes of diarrhea.
Food poisoning is caused by contaminated food & water.
Poor hygiene or eating food on the streets while travelling to different places
Overuse of certain medications such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, antacids, etc.
Ongoing diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease & Crohn’s disease

What if diarrhea is left untreated?

Electrolyte imbalances: low levels of sodium, potassium & chloride can affect heart, brain & muscle functioning.
Malnutrition: Persistent diarrhea prevents the absorption of essential nutrients.
Gastrointestinal damage.
Shock & Organ Damage: Severe dehydration can further lead to shock & damage the kidneys.
Reduced growth & memory issues in children with severe diarrhea left untreated.

Treatment & Prevention of Diarrhea

Treatment includes addressing the underlying conditions, such as gastroenteritis or inflammatory diseases caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, to improve the symptoms, along with other medications that control bowel movements & reduce the frequency of stool passage. Furthermore, to restore the fluid & electrolyte imbalance, oral rehydration solutions are administered to children, while adults must drink plenty of fluids, including fruit juices such as apple and pomegranate, but avoid citrus or grape juice.

Certain Preventive measures include

Maintaining proper hygiene by washing hands frequently.
Use alcohol based sanitizers when possible
Eat fresh vegetables & fruits by washing them properly
Stay away from street food to avoid traveler’s diarrhea
Consume food well-cooked & serve it hot.
Drink boiled or purified water to avoid drinking contaminated water.
In children, diarrhea due to rotavirus can be prevented by administering rotavirus vaccines.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by certain viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections; contaminated food and water; excessive use of certain medications like antibiotics and antacids; and pre-existing conditions such as inflammatory diseases.

Adequate fluid intake is essential to restoring body fluids and electrolytes. The BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) should be followed, and caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks should be avoided. Prescribed antidiarrheal medications can also help solidify the stool, alleviate diarrhea symptoms, and restore lost energy.

While diarrhea is a common symptom of various conditions apart from gastrointestinal disease, it can also be caused by several other factors. Furthermore, corona caused by coronavirus is commonly associated with symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell; however, these digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea, are also less commonly observed symptoms. Thus, diarrhea is a symptom of coronavirus, but a less common one than respiratory-associated symptoms.

It is believed that curd is a probiotic that can replenish the good bacteria in the gut, which is typically lost due to diarrhea. Despite the great benefits of curd, such as restoring gut health & reducing the discomfort, curd is not so ideal for lactose intolerance.

Rapid fluid loss, impaired nutrient absorption, and decreased food intake due to a lack of appetite can all contribute to weight loss in patients with diarrhea, which can be gradually improved with appropriate care and treatment.