An overview of diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the regular and most common health problems in the country. You may hear several complaints about it.
According to a survey of the World Gastroenterology Organization, more than 2 billion diarrheal diseases get diagnosed. Among them, 1.9 million people affected are children below the age of five years. These children live in unhygienic environments and may die from the condition.
Some individuals may have a high frequency of passing stools, but this might be a normal consistency for them, based on their body index and metabolism; it is not diarrhea. Just like this, breastfeeding infants may have pasty and loose stools. This is very normal and is not a case of diarrhea.
Based on the symptoms and causes, diarrhea can be a mild and temporary condition, or it can be deadly as well. The prime characteristic of diarrhea is abnormally loose and watery stools.
What are the causes of diarrhea?
Primarily, diarrhea causes are bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms, which are commonly known for causing stomach or intestinal flu. In addition to bacterial infections, some causes of diarrhea are as listed:
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
Commonly, diarrhea leads to very frequent and watery bowel movements. The stools may also contain an excessive amount of fat, blood, pus, and mucus. In addition to this, diarrhea also showcases the following symptoms:
What are the dehydration symptoms of diarrhea?
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration among patients of any age. Some of the dehydration symptoms caused by diarrhea are the ones listed:
When should medical advice be sought for diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be a common ailment, and most of us have experienced it in some part of life. A mild case of diarrhea can get cured by itself in a few days. However, you should immediately seek medical advice if the symptoms are severe. You should consult your doctor in case of the following situations:
What are the treatments available for diarrhea?
The treatment of diarrhea highly depends on the showcased symptoms. In general, if you adhere to the following suggestions, you can get relief from diarrhea gradually:
If you notice considerable symptoms of diarrhea causes, it is wise to consult a physician immediately as it helps in early recovery.