What are the common causes of watery diarrhea. How can you effectively manage and treat liquid stools at home. When should you seek medical attention for persistent diarrhea. What are the potential complications of severe diarrhea.

Understanding the Causes of Watery Diarrhea

Watery diarrhea, also known as liquid poop, can be an uncomfortable and disruptive condition. It’s essential to understand the underlying causes to effectively manage and treat this issue. Let’s explore some of the most common factors contributing to liquid stools.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are a primary cause of watery diarrhea. These infections can be triggered by various pathogens, including:

• Viruses (e.g., adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, SARS-CoV-2)
• Bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, C. difficile)
• Parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium)

Viral infections are often contracted through inhaling infected droplets or touching contaminated surfaces. Bacterial and parasitic infections typically result from consuming contaminated food or water.

Digestive Issues with Sugars and Sweeteners

Some individuals have difficulty digesting certain sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can lead to watery diarrhea. Common culprits include:

• Fructose (found in fruits and honey)
• Lactose (present in dairy products)
• Artificial sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol)

These substances can trigger gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, resulting in liquid stools.

Medication-Induced Diarrhea

Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Some common examples include:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Acid reflux medications (antacids, proton pump inhibitors)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you suspect your medication is causing diarrhea, consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment regimen.

Digestive Disorders

Chronic watery diarrhea can be a symptom of various digestive disorders, including:

• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcerative colitis

These conditions can lead to persistent liquid stools and may require long-term management strategies.

Post-Surgical Complications

In some cases, surgery on the stomach or gallbladder can result in post-operative diarrhea. This complication may be acute or chronic, and patients should inform their doctor if they experience diarrhea following abdominal surgery.

Effective Home Remedies for Managing Watery Diarrhea

Many cases of watery diarrhea can be managed effectively with home remedies. The primary goals of home treatment are to reduce discomfort and prevent dehydration. Here are some strategies to help alleviate liquid stools:

Rest and Hydration

Adequate rest helps the body fight off any underlying infections. Staying hydrated is crucial to prevent complications associated with diarrhea. How can you maintain proper hydration?

• Drink plenty of water and clear fluids
• Consume sports drinks or electrolyte solutions to replace lost minerals
• Try oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte

Dietary Adjustments

Making changes to your diet can help alleviate symptoms of watery diarrhea. What dietary strategies can you employ?

• Eat easily digestible foods (e.g., bananas, boiled rice, toast)
• Consume smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid problematic foods and drinks (e.g., dairy, fried foods, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine)
• Eliminate foods that trigger allergies or intolerances

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Liquid Stools

While many cases of watery diarrhea resolve with home treatment, persistent or severe symptoms may require medical intervention. When should you consult a healthcare professional?

• Symptoms persist for more than a couple of days
• You experience signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
• There’s blood in your stool
• You have a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• You experience severe abdominal pain

Medical Treatments for Watery Diarrhea

If home remedies fail to alleviate symptoms, medical treatment may be necessary. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the diarrhea. What are some potential medical interventions for liquid stools?

Antibiotics

For bacterial or parasitic infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. It’s important to note that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

In some cases, over-the-counter or prescription anti-diarrheal drugs may be recommended. However, these medications may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with certain infections.

Medication Adjustments

If drug-induced diarrhea is suspected, a healthcare provider may suggest changes to your current medications. This could involve lowering the dose or switching to an alternative treatment.

Preventing Watery Diarrhea: Practical Tips

While it’s not always possible to prevent liquid stools, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. What preventive measures can you implement?

• Practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Avoid consuming untreated water or unpasteurized dairy products
• Ensure proper food storage and handling to prevent bacterial growth
• Be cautious when traveling to areas with poor sanitation
• Identify and avoid foods that trigger digestive issues

Understanding the Complications of Severe Diarrhea

Persistent or severe watery diarrhea can lead to complications if left untreated. What are the potential risks associated with prolonged liquid stools?

Dehydration

The most common complication of severe diarrhea is dehydration. This occurs when the body loses more fluids and electrolytes than it can replenish. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and skin
• Reduced urine output or dark-colored urine
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in young children and older adults.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Prolonged diarrhea can disrupt the balance of essential electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. This imbalance can lead to various symptoms, including:

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Confusion

Malnutrition

Chronic diarrhea can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, potentially leading to malnutrition. This can result in:

• Weight loss
• Weakened immune system
• Delayed growth in children

The Role of Probiotics in Managing Watery Diarrhea

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. How can probiotics potentially help in managing liquid stools?

Benefits of Probiotics

Research suggests that certain probiotic strains may be effective in:

• Reducing the duration of diarrhea
• Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Supporting overall gut health

Probiotic Sources

Probiotics can be obtained through various sources, including:

• Fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Dietary supplements
• Probiotic-fortified foods

While probiotics are generally considered safe, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a compromised immune system or other health concerns.

Long-Term Management of Chronic Watery Diarrhea

For individuals with chronic conditions that cause persistent liquid stools, long-term management strategies may be necessary. What approaches can help in managing chronic diarrhea?

Dietary Modifications

Working with a registered dietitian can help identify trigger foods and develop a personalized eating plan. This may involve:

• Eliminating problematic foods
• Incorporating gut-friendly foods
• Ensuring adequate nutrient intake

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate symptoms in some digestive disorders. Implementing stress-reduction techniques may help, such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Ongoing Medical Care

Regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist or primary care physician are crucial for managing chronic diarrhea. This may include:

• Periodic testing to monitor the condition
• Adjusting medications as needed
• Exploring new treatment options

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with chronic watery diarrhea can improve their quality of life and minimize the impact of their condition.

The Impact of Watery Diarrhea on Daily Life

Persistent liquid stools can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and overall well-being. How does watery diarrhea impact various aspects of life?

Work and Productivity

Frequent bathroom trips and discomfort can interfere with work performance. Individuals may need to:

• Take more breaks
• Work from home when possible
• Communicate with employers about their condition

Social Life

The unpredictable nature of watery diarrhea can affect social interactions. People may:

• Avoid social gatherings
• Feel anxious about eating out
• Experience stress in relationships

Mental Health

Chronic diarrhea can take a toll on mental health, potentially leading to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced self-esteem

Seeking support from mental health professionals or support groups can be beneficial in managing these challenges.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Watery Diarrhea

As our understanding of gastrointestinal health evolves, new treatments for watery diarrhea are being explored. What are some promising areas of research?

Microbiome Modulation

Scientists are investigating ways to manipulate the gut microbiome to treat various digestive disorders. This includes:

• Developing targeted probiotic strains
• Exploring fecal microbiota transplantation
• Investigating prebiotics and synbiotics

Novel Pharmacological Approaches

Researchers are working on new medications to address the underlying causes of chronic diarrhea, such as:

• Targeted immunotherapies for inflammatory bowel diseases
• Drugs that modulate gut motility
• Novel anti-secretory agents

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic testing and biomarker identification may lead to more personalized treatment approaches for individuals with chronic watery diarrhea.

As research progresses, individuals suffering from persistent liquid stools may have access to more effective and tailored treatment options in the future.

Causes and how to stop it

Watery diarrhea can result from infections and various chronic conditions. Ways of managing it include drinking plenty of water, avoiding foods that make it worse, and taking medications to treat diarrhea or an underlying condition.

This article outlines the causes of watery diarrhea and the treatment options available.

Severe or persistent diarrhea can cause complications, such as dehydration.

Share on PinterestPeople should seek medical treatment if they experience watery diarrhea for more than a couple of days

There are many potential causes of diarrhea. We outline some common causes below.

Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are the most common cause of diarrhea. The following pathogens can cause such infections.

• Viruses: People can contract viruses through inhaling infected droplets from another person’s coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to get viruses by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Some viruses that can cause gastrointestinal infections include:
  • adenovirus
  • norovirus
  • rotavirus
  • SARS-CoV-2
• Bacteria: Spoiled or unwashed foods or contaminated drinking water can contain bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis. Some examples include:
  • Campylobacter
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Salmonella
  • Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
• Parasites: The parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium can cause gastrointestinal infections. People can get parasites through accidental ingestion of human or animal feces or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Difficulty digesting certain sugars and sweeteners

Some people have difficulty digesting certain sugars or artificial sweeteners. Consuming these substances could trigger a bout of watery diarrhea.

The sugars fructose and lactose are common causes of gastrointestinal upset. Fructose is present in fruits and honey, while lactose is present in dairy products.

Artificial sweeteners may also trigger diarrhea in some people. Sorbitol, mannitol, and other artificial sweeteners are common ingredients in chewing gum and sugar-free products.

Medication use

Drug-induced diarrhea is the medical term for a loose, watery stool that occurs as a side effect of a particular medication.

Some medications that can cause diarrhea are prescription only, while others are available over-the-counter (OTC). Some examples include:

• antibiotics
• antidepressants
• chemotherapy
• medications for acid reflux, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Digestive disorders

Chronic watery diarrhea is a symptom of several disorders that affect the digestive tract. Examples include:

• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• ulcerative colitis

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery on the stomach or gallbladder may cause post-operative diarrhea. The diarrhea may be acute or chronic.

People who experience diarrhea following abdominal surgery should notify their doctor.

Many cases of watery diarrhea clear up within a few days of home treatment. The main aims of home treatment are to reduce discomfort and prevent dehydration.

The following home remedies may help to alleviate diarrhea:

• Getting plenty of rest: Resting helps the body to fight any infection that may be present.
• Keeping hydrated: To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Sports drinks and electrolyte drinks are good options for replacing lost electrolytes. Alternatively, people can try Pedialyte and other OTC oral rehydration solutions.
• Eating easily digestible foods: People should stick to eating easily digestible foods, such as bananas, boiled rice, and toast.
• Eating smaller meals: The body can have difficulty digesting large meals. Try consuming several smaller meals throughout the day.
• Avoiding problem foods and drinks: Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Try avoiding the following foods until the symptoms have resolved:
  • dairy
  • fried or fatty foods
  • spicy foods
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • foods that trigger allergies or intolerances, such as those containing fructose, lactose, or artificial sweeteners

If home remedies do not ease diarrhea within a couple of days, a person may need medical treatment. The treatment a person receives will depend on the underlying cause of their diarrhea.

Some potential treatment options for watery diarrhea include:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial or parasitic infection is present, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
• Anti-diarrheal drugs: In some cases, a doctor may recommend anti-diarrheal drugs. However, these drugs may not be suitable for people who have an infection as they can cause the infection to persist.
• Medication adjustment: In cases of drug-induced diarrhea, a doctor may recommend making changes to a person’s medications. The doctor may suggest lowering the dose of a particular medicine or switching to another medication entirely.
• Treatment of digestive disorders: People who have an underlying digestive disorder may require one or more of the following treatments:
  • dietary changes
  • lifestyle changes
  • medication
  • surgery
• Fluid replacement: People who develop dehydration due to severe or chronic diarrhea may need intravenous (IV) fluids.

Watery diarrhea often passes without causing any complications. However, when complications do arise, they can be serious.

We outline some possible complications of diarrhea below.

Dehydration

Diarrhea may cause the body to lose fluids more quickly than it can take them in.

Untreated dehydration can be life threatening. It is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

Some signs and symptoms of dehydration to look out for include:

• urine output that is lower than usual
• dark urine
• dry mouth
• excessive thirst
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• fatigue
• confusion
• lightheadedness

In babies and young children, dehydration can also cause a lack of tears when crying. Older adults and children are at particular risk of dehydration, so it is essential to identify the symptoms of dehydration early.

Intestinal malabsorption

Severe or persistent diarrhea episodes can trigger intestinal malabsorption. This is where the intestines are unable to absorb all the nutrients the body needs to function correctly.

Intestinal malabsorption is a particular risk in cases of parasitic infection.

Some possible signs and symptoms of intestinal malabsorption include:

• appetite changes
• bloating
• gas
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• other symptoms of nutrient deficiencies

Many cases of diarrhea are preventable if people take the appropriate precautions. We outline some examples below.

Washing the hands

Washing the hands thoroughly and regularly reduces the risk of infections that can cause diarrhea. Handwashing is especially important in the following situations:

• before preparing or eating food
• after using the restroom
• following contact with someone who is ill

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should wash their hands frequently in soapy water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, a person should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Practicing good food hygiene

Food poisoning resulting from a bacterial infection is a common cause of watery diarrhea. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, a person should:

• store foods at the correct temperature
• wash their hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food
• keep fresh produce and raw meats separate, and use separate utensils and chopping boards when preparing foods
• cook meat and seafood thoroughly

Taking precautions when traveling

The risk of food poisoning is higher when traveling to countries with poor sanitation. As such, people should take the following precautions when traveling to such destinations:

• Eat well-cooked foods, especially meat, seafood, and dairy produce.
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless it is possible to peel the produce.
• Drink only bottled water and other drinks in their original bottles.
• Do not consume tap water or ice, and do not use tap water for brushing teeth. However, boiled tap water is typically safe to drink.
• Check for travel warnings for disease outbreaks in the destination country.

Receiving vaccinations

A person can receive vaccinations for rotavirus and cholera.

The CDC recommend that infants receive the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine before 15 weeks of age and the second dose before 8 months.

The CDC currently only recommend the cholera vaccine for adults aged 18-64 who are traveling to an area where there is an active cholera outbreak. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of severe diarrhea by 90% at 10 days post-vaccination.

Adults should see a doctor if their diarrhea persists beyond a few days. Parents or caregivers should take babies and young children to see a doctor if their diarrhea persists for 24 hours or more.

People should seek prompt medical care if any of the following accompanies diarrhea:

• dehydration
• a fever
• black, tarry, or bloody stools
• severe pain in the stomach or rectum
• weight loss

Most people who have watery diarrhea will recover within a few days following appropriate home care or medical treatment. Most cases of adult diarrhea resolve in 2-4 days, while children typically get better within 5-7 days.

People should seek medical treatment for diarrhea that is severe or persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications, such as dehydration and intestinal malabsorption.

Some people may develop chronic diarrhea that persists for longer than 2-4 weeks. Chronic diarrhea could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treating the cause should help to ease the symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.

Causes and how to stop it

Watery diarrhea can result from infections and various chronic conditions. Ways of managing it include drinking plenty of water, avoiding foods that make it worse, and taking medications to treat diarrhea or an underlying condition.

This article outlines the causes of watery diarrhea and the treatment options available.

Severe or persistent diarrhea can cause complications, such as dehydration.

Share on PinterestPeople should seek medical treatment if they experience watery diarrhea for more than a couple of days

There are many potential causes of diarrhea. We outline some common causes below.

Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are the most common cause of diarrhea. The following pathogens can cause such infections.

• Viruses: People can contract viruses through inhaling infected droplets from another person’s coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to get viruses by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Some viruses that can cause gastrointestinal infections include:
  • adenovirus
  • norovirus
  • rotavirus
  • SARS-CoV-2
• Bacteria: Spoiled or unwashed foods or contaminated drinking water can contain bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis. Some examples include:
  • Campylobacter
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Salmonella
  • Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
• Parasites: The parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium can cause gastrointestinal infections. People can get parasites through accidental ingestion of human or animal feces or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Difficulty digesting certain sugars and sweeteners

Some people have difficulty digesting certain sugars or artificial sweeteners. Consuming these substances could trigger a bout of watery diarrhea.

The sugars fructose and lactose are common causes of gastrointestinal upset. Fructose is present in fruits and honey, while lactose is present in dairy products.

Artificial sweeteners may also trigger diarrhea in some people. Sorbitol, mannitol, and other artificial sweeteners are common ingredients in chewing gum and sugar-free products.

Medication use

Drug-induced diarrhea is the medical term for a loose, watery stool that occurs as a side effect of a particular medication.

Some medications that can cause diarrhea are prescription only, while others are available over-the-counter (OTC). Some examples include:

• antibiotics
• antidepressants
• chemotherapy
• medications for acid reflux, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Digestive disorders

Chronic watery diarrhea is a symptom of several disorders that affect the digestive tract. Examples include:

• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• ulcerative colitis

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery on the stomach or gallbladder may cause post-operative diarrhea. The diarrhea may be acute or chronic.

People who experience diarrhea following abdominal surgery should notify their doctor.

Many cases of watery diarrhea clear up within a few days of home treatment. The main aims of home treatment are to reduce discomfort and prevent dehydration.

The following home remedies may help to alleviate diarrhea:

• Getting plenty of rest: Resting helps the body to fight any infection that may be present.
• Keeping hydrated: To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Sports drinks and electrolyte drinks are good options for replacing lost electrolytes. Alternatively, people can try Pedialyte and other OTC oral rehydration solutions.
• Eating easily digestible foods: People should stick to eating easily digestible foods, such as bananas, boiled rice, and toast.
• Eating smaller meals: The body can have difficulty digesting large meals. Try consuming several smaller meals throughout the day.
• Avoiding problem foods and drinks: Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Try avoiding the following foods until the symptoms have resolved:
  • dairy
  • fried or fatty foods
  • spicy foods
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • foods that trigger allergies or intolerances, such as those containing fructose, lactose, or artificial sweeteners

If home remedies do not ease diarrhea within a couple of days, a person may need medical treatment. The treatment a person receives will depend on the underlying cause of their diarrhea.

Some potential treatment options for watery diarrhea include:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial or parasitic infection is present, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
• Anti-diarrheal drugs: In some cases, a doctor may recommend anti-diarrheal drugs. However, these drugs may not be suitable for people who have an infection as they can cause the infection to persist.
• Medication adjustment: In cases of drug-induced diarrhea, a doctor may recommend making changes to a person’s medications. The doctor may suggest lowering the dose of a particular medicine or switching to another medication entirely.
• Treatment of digestive disorders: People who have an underlying digestive disorder may require one or more of the following treatments:
  • dietary changes
  • lifestyle changes
  • medication
  • surgery
• Fluid replacement: People who develop dehydration due to severe or chronic diarrhea may need intravenous (IV) fluids.

Watery diarrhea often passes without causing any complications. However, when complications do arise, they can be serious.

We outline some possible complications of diarrhea below.

Dehydration

Diarrhea may cause the body to lose fluids more quickly than it can take them in.

Untreated dehydration can be life threatening. It is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

Some signs and symptoms of dehydration to look out for include:

• urine output that is lower than usual
• dark urine
• dry mouth
• excessive thirst
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• fatigue
• confusion
• lightheadedness

In babies and young children, dehydration can also cause a lack of tears when crying. Older adults and children are at particular risk of dehydration, so it is essential to identify the symptoms of dehydration early.

Intestinal malabsorption

Severe or persistent diarrhea episodes can trigger intestinal malabsorption. This is where the intestines are unable to absorb all the nutrients the body needs to function correctly.

Intestinal malabsorption is a particular risk in cases of parasitic infection.

Some possible signs and symptoms of intestinal malabsorption include:

• appetite changes
• bloating
• gas
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• other symptoms of nutrient deficiencies

Many cases of diarrhea are preventable if people take the appropriate precautions. We outline some examples below.

Washing the hands

Washing the hands thoroughly and regularly reduces the risk of infections that can cause diarrhea. Handwashing is especially important in the following situations:

• before preparing or eating food
• after using the restroom
• following contact with someone who is ill

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should wash their hands frequently in soapy water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, a person should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Practicing good food hygiene

Food poisoning resulting from a bacterial infection is a common cause of watery diarrhea. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, a person should:

• store foods at the correct temperature
• wash their hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food
• keep fresh produce and raw meats separate, and use separate utensils and chopping boards when preparing foods
• cook meat and seafood thoroughly

Taking precautions when traveling

The risk of food poisoning is higher when traveling to countries with poor sanitation. As such, people should take the following precautions when traveling to such destinations:

• Eat well-cooked foods, especially meat, seafood, and dairy produce.
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless it is possible to peel the produce.
• Drink only bottled water and other drinks in their original bottles.
• Do not consume tap water or ice, and do not use tap water for brushing teeth. However, boiled tap water is typically safe to drink.
• Check for travel warnings for disease outbreaks in the destination country.

Receiving vaccinations

A person can receive vaccinations for rotavirus and cholera.

The CDC recommend that infants receive the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine before 15 weeks of age and the second dose before 8 months.

The CDC currently only recommend the cholera vaccine for adults aged 18-64 who are traveling to an area where there is an active cholera outbreak. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of severe diarrhea by 90% at 10 days post-vaccination.

Adults should see a doctor if their diarrhea persists beyond a few days. Parents or caregivers should take babies and young children to see a doctor if their diarrhea persists for 24 hours or more.

People should seek prompt medical care if any of the following accompanies diarrhea:

• dehydration
• a fever
• black, tarry, or bloody stools
• severe pain in the stomach or rectum
• weight loss

Most people who have watery diarrhea will recover within a few days following appropriate home care or medical treatment. Most cases of adult diarrhea resolve in 2-4 days, while children typically get better within 5-7 days.

People should seek medical treatment for diarrhea that is severe or persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications, such as dehydration and intestinal malabsorption.

Some people may develop chronic diarrhea that persists for longer than 2-4 weeks. Chronic diarrhea could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treating the cause should help to ease the symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.

Loose stools (diarrhea, diarrhoea) – MC “Academy of Your Health”

One of the most common, but at the same time dangerous symptoms of diseases that everyone has experienced and may encounter in life, is loose stools – diarrhea (diarrhea). This problem becomes especially relevant in the summer season.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea does not exist as an independent disease (although it is classified as a separate state according to the international classification of diseases and is the result of various changes in the body). In medical practice, loose stools are not yet diarrhea, and only loosening of stools more than 3 times a day for 3 days will be considered diarrhea. A chair up to 3 times a day is considered physiological.

Causes of diarrhea

Finding the cause on your own, without medical knowledge, can be very difficult:

1. Food poisoning. May occur due to eating expired or low-quality products.
2. Viral infection. It occurs after the rotavirus enters the body, which in turn activates the work of all functions to fight the infection.
3. Dysbacteriosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Its main cause is an unhealthy lifestyle, malnutrition, antibiotics.
4. Stressful condition. Prolonged physical activity, trouble at work, anxiety or fear can also cause diarrhea.

What to do about diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea is always dangerous. It is especially difficult in children under 1 year of age and the elderly – in the former due to the fact that part of the fluid in the body is greater than in adults and the loss of a small amount of fluid dramatically affects the state of the body. Older people have chronic diseases, so fluid loss can exacerbate their course. It is necessary to pay attention to other symptoms – fever, nausea or vomiting, localization and nature of abdominal pain, the presence of similar symptoms in others.

First of all, you should try to establish a relationship with food intake and start symptomatic treatment before going to the doctor:

• It is important to stop loose stools – for this purpose, drugs are used that protect the intestinal mucosa from exposure to toxins, absorb them and remove them. For this purpose, you can use drugs: “Smekta”, “Enterosgel”, “Atoxil” or activated carbon. These drugs are absolutely harmless, and can be used both in children and in pregnant or lactating women.
• To eliminate microorganisms that can cause loose stools, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are used, such as nifuroxazide, rifaximin (Alfa Normix). These drugs are almost not absorbed into the blood and thus the risk of side effects is reduced to a minimum. In order not to reduce the effectiveness of antibacterial agents, they should be taken 30 minutes after the sorbents.
• To restore fluid loss, you need to drink more water, tea (may be with chamomile, linden), compotes, juices. A good effect is given by the use of the Regidron solution or a self-prepared analogue: for 200 ml of boiled water, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/3 teaspoon of table salt. Drink in small sips for 2-3 hours (depending on the intensity of the stool).

In most cases, loose stools pass within 2 days, but in case of severe flow, you should immediately consult a doctor. Self-treatment of diarrhea is not recommended, as it can be a manifestation of both surgical pathology (appendicitis) and severe infection.

Weak and strengthen: which foods will relieve constipation and which ones will relieve diarrhea

• Health

Almost all of us know why you should not eat pickles with milk – after such an experiment, you can sit in the toilet for a long time.

May 15, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

Almost half of the cases of diarrhea – loose stools – are due to our eating habits, the use of poorly combined or laxative foods. In addition, diarrhea can be the result of eating spoiled food, a sign of poisoning, an intestinal infection, or an allergic reaction to certain food components. A separate option is lactase deficiency, which many mistakenly take for the “fresh cucumber with milk” or “herring with milk” effect.

The problem is not the herring or the cucumber, but the whole milk. Many adults and some children do not digest lactose, the milk sugar from milk, poorly. This leads to bloating, fermentation and diarrhea. What other products can affect the stool, whether it is possible to solve digestive problems with their help, the therapist, gastroenterologist of the Moscow Clinic Valeria Trapeznikova told Doctor Peter.

If you want to relax, drink milk

Diarrhea (or more simply, diarrhea, loose stools) is an increase in stool more than 3 times a day. Loose stools and severe diarrhea can be due to many reasons, one of which is the use of foods that form a laxative effect. That is, some products, consumed in a certain amount, change the frequency of stools per day and the nature of feces. These, first of all, include fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, curdled milk, yogurt).

It is worth noting here that dairy products containing whole cow’s milk (and the milk of any other animal – goat, camel, mare) can additionally cause symptoms of bloating in the abdomen and severe diarrhea. They are not recommended for people who are lactose intolerant. This is a condition in which the intestines lack the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar, lactose.

When the enzyme is deficient (or not present at all), lactose, milk sugar, enters the colon. Bacteria live in it and enjoy lactose, producing lactic acid, carbon dioxide and water. Gases accumulate, provoking bloating, lactic acid irritates the intestinal walls – bloating and thinning of the stool occur.

Read also

Fiber will help cure constipation

In addition to fermented milk products, products with fiber (coarse plant fibers) can help in eliminating constipation. For example, foods containing a large amount of indigestible or partially digestible fiber have a laxative effect – these are mainly vegetables, fruits, cereals. If you want to help yourself with constipation, consider the following products:

1. bell pepper,

2. cucumber,

3. spinach,

4. garden greens,

   900 14

5. broccoli

6. cauliflower

7. beets ,

8. green grapes,

9. plums,

10. prunes,

11. dried apricots,

12. linseed,

13. whole grain rye bread,

14. oat bran.

They are recommended for those who suffer from chronic constipation. However, it is important to remember that without enough water, these products will not work as effectively. The fact is that fiber absorbs water, swells. Accordingly, this water must be taken from somewhere. Therefore, to combat constipation, eat vegetables and drink water.

See also

How to stop diarrhea

There is not only a group of products with a pronounced laxative effect. There are also foods that, on the contrary, can fix the stool and complicate the act of defecation, if the stool becomes very hard.

These include:

1. Rice is the most popular product for acute stool disorders. Rice broth and porridge on the water are recommended for people who suffer from diarrhea on the background of SARS, intestinal infections, acute poisoning or allergies, loosening the stool after taking antibiotics.

2. Potatoes, jelly and other starchy products. They have an enveloping effect, soothe the intestinal wall, helping to stop diarrhea.

3. Berries: blueberries, bird cherry, chokeberry. They contain fixing components, astringent and enveloping the walls of the intestine.

4. Strong black tea – tannins have an astringent effect.

5. Black and red grapes,

6. Bananas.

Please note that this is a general product listing. Each person has their own individual reactions to a particular product, and they may differ from the generally accepted ones.

See also

Individual reactions to foods

In some people, but not in the general population, certain foods can cause an acute attack of diarrhea as a variant of food intolerance. Moreover, this is a dose-dependent effect: the more dangerous product is taken, the longer you sit in the toilet, cleansing the intestines. Among the most basic irritants are:

1. Alcohol, especially wine and beer;

2. Spicy foods and dishes;

3. Kiwifruit, broccoli;

4. Coffee – some only black, others only with milk;

5. Products with sweeteners – Sorbitol and fructose from 0% sugar diet drinks are especially weak.