DIARRHEA

Diarrhea occurs when the mucous membrane lining the intestinal walls becomes irritated and inflamed, causing stool content to pass through too quickly, absorbing a lot of liquid with it.  It is usually accompanied by abdominal pains, malaise, nausea, and vomiting.  In some cases some blood may also passed.  Diarrhea is often caused by a virus or bacteria.

Diarrhea can be acute, short term, which tends to be caused by anxiety, food poisoning, and medicine such as antibiotics-which generally lasts around 24 hours.  It can also be chronic, long term, which is usually a sign of an intestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome.  Those with chronic diarrhea, especially with blood mixed in, should seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms:-

1.       Loose, watery stools/liquid feces

2.       Frequent bowel movements

3.       Loss of appetite

4.       Unpleasant-smelling stools

5.       Stomach cramps

6.       Bloating and flatulence

7.       Nausea and vomiting

8.       Fever

9.       Dehydration

Consume plenty of:-

Consume plenty of

1.       Water, mineral water, herbal teas, ginger ale, apple juice, broth, or low sugar sports beverage to replace lost fluids, salts, and mineral

2.       Binding foods in the BRAT diet-bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

3.       Skinless baked potatoes, boiled or poached eggs, and other bland foods as the bowels return to normal

Avoids:-

1.       Citrus juices

2.       Most other foods, especially salads, fruits and whole grains, until bowel function normalizes

3.       Alcohol, which dehydrates, and caffeine, which stimulates the bowel, for 48 hours after the symptoms disappear

When to call a doctor:-

1.       Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days ( 1 day for child under 2, a frail elderly person, or someone with diabetes) or if it worsens during that time.

2.       The appearance of blood, mucus, or worms I the feces.

3.       Severe abdominal pain

4.       Diarrhea that is accompanied by vomiting or fever.

Most of the diarrhea are minor and short lived and can be manage at home with simple dietary measures like stop solid food and rehydrate, slowly introduce low-fiber foods and avoid milk products until the symptoms disappear.

Diarrhea can be acute, short term, which tends to be caused by