Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements accompanied by a decrease in stool consistency, often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps. The article explores what diarrhea is, its potential causes, and factors influencing its development, such as nutrition and overall health. It also covers available treatments and practical advice for managing the condition and alleviating symptoms.
What is Diarrhea and Its Causes?
Diarrhea is described when stool is liquid or watery and occurs more than 3 times a day. Most people may experience diarrhea about 4 times a year.It may be caused by:
- Viruses
- Bacteria in food or water
- Parasites
- Side effects of certain medications
- Digestive issues related to specific foods
- Diseases affecting the digestive system
Tips for Dealing with Diarrhea:
- Drink plenty of fluids containing water, salt, and sugar. This can include a mixture of juice, flavored soda, and broth.
- Try consuming small amounts of food, including options like potatoes, pasta, rice, oatmeal, biscuits, bananas, and boiled vegetables.
When Should You Visit the Doctor?
You should visit your doctor in the following cases:
- If the frequency of bowel movements exceeds 6 times within 24 hours, and the stool is liquid.
- If there is blood in the stool.
- If you experience a fever with a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius for more than a day.
- If you have severe abdominal pain.
- If you are 70 years old or older.
If your body loses a significant amount of water, and you experience dehydration, signs may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Severe fatigue
- Thirst
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Very yellow urine or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours
How to Diagnose Diarrhea?
Your doctor may conduct tests to check for dehydration or to determine the cause. These tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Tests on a stool sample
Diarrhea Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying causes. If treatment is needed, your doctor may recommend:
- Intravenous fluids, where a thin tube is inserted into a vein, and fluids are administered through the tube to treat or prevent dehydration in severe cases.
- Discontinuation of certain medications.
- Changing the foods you consume.
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. In cases of fever and blood in the stool, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help you recover more quickly.
- Medications to alleviate diarrhea.
Can Diarrhea be Prevented?
- Washing hands after changing diapers, cooking, eating, using the bathroom, disposing of garbage, and touching animals.
- Avoiding unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk.
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
- Keeping the refrigerator temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer temperature below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cooking meat and seafood thoroughly.
- Boiling eggs until the yolk becomes firm.
- Washing hands, knives, and cutting boards after touching raw food.
Best Doctor for Chronic Diarrhea Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is recommended as the best doctor for treating chronic and acute diarrhea. He is a liver and digestive system consultant, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Currently, Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is a lecturer in internal medicine, liver, and digestive system at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Medicine in Cairo. He actively participates in local and international scientific conferences and has numerous published research papers in prestigious medical journals.
If you wish to consult Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the causes and treatment of chronic or acute diarrhea using the latest techniques, schedule an appointment now.