What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea means having loose, watery stools/motions more often than usual. It’s a common condition most people experience from time to time. Mostly, it doesn’t last long and subsides on its own.
Causes of diarrhea
- Infections – Viral, bacterial (from spoiled food or dirty water), or parasites.
- Food problems – eating something that upsets your stomach, or food allergies.
- Medicines – antibiotics and some other drugs can cause diarrhea
- Chronic Health conditions (>1 month of diarrhea) – like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance.
Common symptoms:
- Loose or watery stools
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Bloating or gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling weak or tired (due to fluid loss)
Can it be serious?
Most cases of diarrhea are mild and last for 1-2 days. But it can be serious if you lose too much water and salts from your body (dehydration). Children and old age persons are at higher risk.
When to seek doctor consultation?
- More than 2–3 days of symptoms
- Blood in stool
- High fever
- Weakness, dizziness, or low urine output (dehydration)
- A child has diarrhea and is not drinking well or is very sleepy
Treatment:
- Fluid intake (most important) – Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or oral rehydration salts (ORS) to stay hydrated.
- Eat light – Stick to simple foods like rice, bananas, khichdi and curd.
- Avoid milk and fruit juices during diarrhea
- Medicines – In some cases, a doctor may give medicines to slow down diarrhea or treat an infection.
Prevention:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or after using the toilet.
- Drink clean, safe water.
- Be careful with street food or food/ water from unknown sources.
- Store and cook food properly.
