About Diarrhea
Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools more often than usual. It is commonly caused by viral infection, contaminated food or water, food poisoning, some medicines, or digestive disorders.
Diarrhea symptoms
- watery stools
- stomach cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- fever
- weakness
- dehydration signs such as dry mouth, low urine, dizziness
Common causes of Diarrhea
- viral gastroenteritis
- food poisoning
- contaminated water
- bacterial infection
- antibiotic side effect
- lactose intolerance
- IBS or inflammatory bowel disease
Diarrhea treatment options
- Consult a doctor urgently for blood in stool, severe dehydration, high fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, diarrhea in infants/elderly/pregnancy, or symptoms lasting more than 2-3 days.
Safe home care for Diarrhea
- use ORS to prevent dehydration
- drink safe water
- eat light foods if tolerated
- avoid oily foods and unsafe street food
- do not give anti-diarrheal medicines to children without doctor advice
Emergency signs for Diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- confusion or fainting
- severe dehydration
- blood in vomit, stool, urine, or sputum
- severe abdominal pain
- high fever that does not improve
- symptoms in pregnancy, infants, elderly patients, or immunocompromised patients
Medicines related to Diarrhea
Ask a qualified doctor or pharmacist before using medicines for Diarrhea.