Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Complications and Treatment

What is Diarrhea?

You might have experienced Diarrhea at some point in your life. Diarrhea causes loose and watery bowel movements. Usually, there is no specific reason behind this; our body cures this problem by itself. A bacterial infection causes Diarrhea, and dehydration is a dangerous side effect.

With Diarrhea, you have to go to the bathroom frequently, and you may feel bloated, with lower abdominal cramping and sometimes nausea.

Diarrhea happens for a limited period but can lead to serious complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or even kidney failure. In Diarrhea, our body loses plenty of water and stool; hence you need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what is lost. 

Different Types of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is classified into different types based on its severity.

• Acute Diarrhea: It is the most common type in which you lose a lot of water from the body and can last for 1 or 2 days. Such a condition doesn’t need any treatment, and you will be alright within a few days.
• Persistent Diarrhea: This type of Diarrhea can last around 2-4 weeks.

• Chronic Diarrhea: Diarrhea which either comes and goes regularly or lasts for more than 4 weeks comes under chronic conditions.

Causes of Diarrhea

Common causes of Diarrhea are usually not identified. The most common cause is a virus that infects our bowels. Such an infection usually lasts 2-3 days, known as “intestinal flu”.

Other possible reasons behind Diarrhea are:

• Bacterial infection
• Infections that were caused by pre-formed toxins and other organisms
• Eating unhealthy food causes stomach upset
• Allergies to certain food items
• Radiation therapy
• Certain medications

While most cases resolve on their own within a few days, understanding the causes of diarrhea, recognising the signs of complications, and knowing how to prevent and treat this condition is essential for maintaining good digestive health. Diarrhea causes can be diverse, ranging from infections to underlying health conditions. Some common causes include:

Infections

• Viral infections, such as rotavirus and norovirus, are common causes of diarrhea, especially in children.
• Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli), can lead to diarrhea through contaminated food or water.
• Parasitic infections, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can also trigger diarrhea.

Food intolerances and allergies

• Lactose intolerance, a condition where the body cannot digest lactose (a sugar found in milk and dairy products), can cause diarrhea.
• Celiac disease, an immune reaction to gluten, can lead to chronic diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.

Medications

• Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea.
• Other medications, such as laxatives, antacids, and chemotherapy drugs, can also cause diarrhea as a side effect.

Digestive disorders

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic diarrhea.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that can lead to diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Other factors

• Stress and anxiety can contribute to diarrhea causes by affecting gut motility and function.
• Consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners or caffeine can also lead to loose stools.

How To Prevent Diarrhea?

Diarrhea prevention involves adopting good hygiene practices and making informed food and lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to help with diarrhea prevention:

Practice good hand hygiene

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after handling raw food or animals.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available.

Ensure safe food and water consumption

• Drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water, particularly when travelling to areas with poor sanitation.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Be cautious when consuming street food or unpasteurised dairy products.

Boost your gut health

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fibre, which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Consider taking probiotic supplements to support digestive health and prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

Stay up to date with vaccinations

• Ensure you and your family receive recommended vaccinations, such as the rotavirus vaccine for infants, to reduce the risk of diarrheal infections.

Manage stress

• Practice stress-reduction techniques, like meditation, deep breathing, or regular exercise, to support overall digestive health.

 Symptoms of Diarrhea

Diarrhea symptoms depend on their severity and reason. Usually, the symptoms of Diarrhea include loose or watery stools, but there are some more symptoms which include:

• Cramps or bloating in the abdomen
• Strong urge for bowel movement
• Nausea

In case of severe Diarrhea, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Severe pain
• Blood 

Severe Diarrhea can cause complications. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience the above-mentioned severe symptoms.

Complications of Diarrhea

Diarrhea has two major complications: dehydration (which happens because of frequent or severe Diarrhea) and malabsorption (because of chronic Diarrhea).

Diarrhea can also be an indication of serious underlying conditions. Through proper treatment and diagnosis, you can avoid future problems.

Loose Motions Treatment

You can treat mild or uncomplicated Diarrhea at home. Through over-the-counter products like bismuth subsalicylate, you will feel better. However, if the cause of Diarrhea is an infection or parasite, you must consult a healthcare provider to handle this situation. It is advised not to take over-the-counter pills if Diarrhea is followed by fever or blood in the stool.

If your Diarrhea lasts longer, like more than 4 weeks, your healthcare provider will treat you based on the cause. Below are some of the different types of treatment:

• Antibiotics: Your doctor may advise you to use antibiotics to treat the parasite or infection that led to Diarrhea.
• Medication for a particular condition: You may get Diarrhea because of other medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), microscopic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or bacterial overgrowth. Once your doctor identifies the cause of Diarrhea, he can suggest medications based on that.
• Probiotics: Good bacteria are grouped to re-establish a healthy biome. Such probiotics work in some cases, and many healthcare providers try them. You must consult your doctor before starting a probiotic or any other supplement.

How to Manage Loose Motions Without Any Medications?

In the case of acute Diarrhea, you can manage it without medications. Below are some tips for managing your acute Diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of water, including balanced electrolyte fluids like fruit juices, sports drinks, caffeine-free sodas etc. You must keep your body well hydrated. Your body loses water every time you get Diarrhea. Through extra drinks, you can protect yourself from dehydration.
• Change your diet. Instead of eating fried, greasy or fatty food, try the BRAT diet:

B: Banana

R: Rice, the white one

A: Applesauce

T: Toast (white bread)

• Keep a check on your caffeine intake. Food or drinks containing caffeine are a bit laxative, which may worsen your condition. Avoid foods like coffee, strong or green tea, diet sodas or chocolate.
• In case of cramping in the abdomen, you must avoid food and drinks containing gas. These include Brussels sprouts, beans, beer, cabbage and carbonated beverages.

What to Do When Your Young Child Gets Diarrhea?

You need to consult a healthcare provider if your child is experiencing severe Diarrhea. Young children are at a higher risk of dehydration than older ones. Also, children can’t be treated in the same way as adults. Over-the-counter medications are not suitable for young children. It would help if you kept your child well-hydrated. Your healthcare provider will suggest some good options, including:

• Formula milk
• Breast milk
• Electrolyte drinks for older children (not recommended for babies).

Hydrating your child changes with age. You must check with your healthcare provider before giving the child any new liquid or medication.

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a common condition that needs to be treated properly if there are severe symptoms that need to be addressed. Metropolis Healthcare can help you with accurate blood tests and other health check-ups to diagnose your Diarrhea. Their team of qualified professionals can even visit your home to collect a sample at your convenience. You will receive the report by mail. Also, you can use the Metropolis app to check the report on your smartphone.

Final Takeaway:

• Keep yourself hydrated during Diarrhea
• Consult a doctor in case of severe Diarrhea with symptoms like blood in stools, fever etc.
• Check with your doctor before giving any medicine to young children.
• Avoid food and drinks that are gaseous or contain caffeine.

FAQs

Why am I having diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including infections, food intolerances, medications, digestive disorders, and stress. To determine the underlying cause of your diarrhea, consider factors such as recent travel, dietary changes, medication use, and the duration and severity of your symptoms.

How to stop diarrhea fast?

Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions, to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary or fatty foods, which can worsen diarrhea.

What is the best medicine for diarrhea?

In most cases, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide can help alleviate symptoms. However, these medications should not be used if you have a fever or bloody stools, as they may prolong an infection. If a bacterial infection is suspected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

What drink stops diarrhea?

Clear liquids are the best drinks to help stop diarrhea and prevent dehydration. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions (such as oral rehydration salts) are highly recommended. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, may also provide some relief from abdominal discomfort associated with diarrhea.

How can I relieve discomfort caused by diarrhea?

To relieve discomfort from diarrhea, stay hydrated with clear fluids to prevent dehydration. Eat small, frequent meals with bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. A warm compress or bath can ease cramps and promote relaxation. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide, may help if used as directed. Rest is essential. If symptoms worsen or include severe pain, fever, or blood, seek medical attention immediately.