Diarrhea is frequent and painful passage of loose stools. Fortunately, diarrhea usually lasts no longer than a few days. However, sometimes diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose a lot of fluids or not get enough nutrients.
Types of diarrhea:
- Acute diarrhea: This is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one or two days. It is the most common type and usually resolves without treatment;
- Persistent diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea lasts 2 to 4 weeks;
- Chronic diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than four weeks or recurs regularly over a long period of time. Diarrhea of this duration may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
- Loose, watery stools;
- Abdominal cramps or pain;
- Abdominal bloating;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Fever;
- Blood in the stool;
- A strong and urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Signs and symptoms of severe diarrhea:
- Fever;
- Severe pain;
- Vomiting;
- Blood or mucus in the stool;
- Weight loss.
See a doctor if you experience symptoms of dehydration or notice signs of dehydration in your child:
- Headache;
- Red, dry skin;
- Irritability and confusion;
- Severe nausea and vomiting;
- Dark urine, low urine output;
- No tears when crying (infants and young children).
What are the complications of diarrhea?
Dehydration is one of the biggest problems associated with diarrhea. This is particularly important for infants, people over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, or even death.
How is diarrhea diagnosed?
- Medical history and physical examination: To diagnose diarrhea, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, their onset, progression, family history, and risk factors, and will perform a physical examination of the abdomen;
- Laboratory tests: a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, urinalysis, and stool test can help determine the severity of the condition and identify the causative agent;
- Colonoscopy: the large intestine is examined, and tissue samples are taken for pathological examination if necessary;
- Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS): the upper gastrointestinal tract is examined to identify signs of inflammation or suspicious lesions;
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT): This can show the extent of bowel involvement and rule out other conditions, such as colorectal or stomach cancer.
How is diarrhea treated?
Most cases of sudden diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days without any treatment. If the diarrhea persists, the following may be recommended:
- Medication—can help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites;
- Treatment for dehydration—to prevent dehydration, you should drink plenty of water with electrolytes. Drink water frequently in small sips.
- It is very important that infants and children do not become dehydrated. If drinking water causes nausea or vomiting, your doctor may recommend intravenous fluid therapy;
- Adjustment of medications—if diarrhea is caused by medications, your doctor may change the dose or treatment plan;
- Treatment of the underlying condition—if diarrhea is caused by a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will adjust your treatment plan to address the underlying condition.
Can diarrhea be prevented?
Practice good hygiene: wash your hands after using the restroom, preparing food, and eating;
- Vaccinations: the rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus, and the COVID-19 vaccine may reduce the risk of diarrhea in people with COVID-19;
- Proper food storage: Keep food at the correct temperature; do not consume food or beverages past their expiration date;
- Safe eating while traveling: Avoid tap water, ice, raw or undercooked meat, and raw fruits and vegetables.
When should I be concerned and see a doctor about diarrhea?
- The diarrhea does not go away within a few days;
- You have developed a fever;
- You have developed severe abdominal pain;
- You notice blood in your stool;
- You notice symptoms of dehydration
