Diarrhea

What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea describes loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It is a common condition that typically lasts a couple of days.

While usually mild, chronic diarrhea (lasting weeks) can signal a serious disorder like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Symptoms

Common signs include:

• Frequent, loose, watery stools.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Bloating.
• Fever.
• Blood in the stool.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Seek medical help if:

• Diarrhea persists beyond 2 days.
• You have severe abdominal or rectal pain.
• You have bloody or black stools.
• You have a fever above 102 F (39 C).
• Signs of Dehydration: Excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, or severe weakness.

Warning for Children

In young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration. Call a doctor if your child hasn't had a wet diaper in 3+ hours, cries without tears, or has a sunken appearance in the eyes/cheeks.

Causes

[Image of digestive system showing colon]

Diarrhea occurs when food and fluids pass too quickly through your colon. The colon doesn't absorb the liquid, resulting in a watery bowel movement. Causes include:

1. Infections

• Viruses: Norwalk virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Viral Hepatitis. Rotavirus is common in children.
• Bacteria & Parasites: Contaminated food/water can transmit Salmonella, E. coli, or parasites like Giardia. This is often called "Traveler's Diarrhea."

2. Medications

Antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, disturbing the natural balance in your intestines. This can lead to infections like C. diff (Clostridium difficile).

3. Dietary Triggers

• Lactose Intolerance: Difficulty digesting sugar in milk.
• Fructose: Natural sugar in fruits/honey.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Sorbitol and mannitol (found in chewing gum) can cause issues in healthy people.

Complications

The most serious complication is Dehydration. Your body loses water and essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium) required for heart function. This can be life-threatening in children and the elderly.

Diagnosis

Doctors may perform:

• Physical Exam: Checking for fever and signs of dehydration (pulse/blood pressure).
• Stool Test: To check for bacteria or parasites.
• Blood Test: To determine infection severity.
• Medication Review: Checking if your prescriptions are the cause.

Treatment

Most cases clear on their own. If not, treatment focuses on:

1. Fluid Replacement (Crucial)

You must replace lost fluids and salts. Water is good, but it lacks electrolytes. Drinking fruit juices (potassium) and soups (sodium) helps restore balance. For severe cases, IV fluids may be needed.

2. Medications

• Antibiotics: Only used if bacteria or parasites are the cause. They do NOT help with viral diarrhea.
• Adjusting Prescriptions: If an antibiotic caused the diarrhea, your doctor may switch your medication.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.