Diarrhea is an awful condition where one experiences loose and watery bowel movements more than three times within a day. It is often accompanied by bloating, nausea, abdominal cramps, and frequent urges to move the bowels. This is often not a serious condition but you may need to call your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody stools, and dehydration that lasts more than three days. Children who have the condition should be seen by a doctor since this condition may have more serious effects on them.
The symptoms may be classified into non-serious or uncomplicated and serious or complicated ones.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, serious symptoms are like:
Call your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop, or if fever lasts more than 24 hours. If you are vomiting and are not able to drink more fluids to replace the loss, call a doctor immediately.
Acute disease may become a serious condition among babies and younger children because they are prone to dehydration. Seek medical help immediately if your child has the disease.
It may be caused by various conditions and events such as:
Infection from contaminated water or food can cause diarrhea, and these may involve:
Long-lasting or repeated bouts may be associated with various conditions:
In most cases, the disease stops on its own within one or two days even without treatment. If you have tried home remedies but it persists, call your doctor.
Watch the video to know how to get rid of the condition fast:
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Eat something light and easy to digest |
Eat rice, salty crackers, sugar cookies or plain cookies to reduce abdominal pain. |
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Ginger may help you ease your stomach |
Try ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger bread to reduce gas and spasms. However, avoid these if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin. |
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Try the BRATTY diet |
BRATTY diet consists of banana, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, and yogurt which have a constipating effect. They are rich in fiber, and add bulk to the stools. However, avoid taking these with jam or sweeteners. |
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Constantly drinking |
Take small sips of lukewarm juice, tea, and clear broth to relieve upset stomach and prevent dehydration. Avoid cold or carbonated drinks like cola, beer and soda. |
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Keep hydrated |
Try to consume at least 8 cups of fluids daily. If you have a fever, increase to 12 cups. Avoid apple juice or prune juice, which have a laxative effect. |
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Stop dairy products |
Except for yogurt, dairy products can cause lactose intolerance, which can cause or worsen your diarrhea. These can lead to bloating, stomach cramps and pain. |
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Try OTC drugs |
OTC drugs that can help relieve symptoms include Pepto-Bismol and Mylanta, Imodium and Psyllium. |
It is always best to serve food after cooking or refrigerate it immediately. Leaving food at room temperature encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
Always wash your hands before and after you prepare food. Wash your hands especially after handling raw meat, changing diapers, using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose.
Many people get the disease during travel. To avoid this, eat only well-cooked foods. If you want to eat raw fruits and vegetables, wash and peel them yourselves. Drink only bottled water and other beverages in their original containers. Boil water for coffee and tea. Avoid opening your mouth while you shower.