What Is Diarrhea – How Is Diarrhea Treated?

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a bowel movement of watery stool, usually more often than usual during the day. Diarrhea is short-lived. It takes a few days and disappears without any treatment. Diarrhea can be acute, temporary or chronic, long or permanent.
Acute diarrhea occurs when this condition continues for 1-2 days. It can occur as a result of a viral or bacterial infection or food poisoning. Bacteria and parasites encountered in developing or third world countries during visits and holidays in these countries can cause acute diarrhea, another gateway called tourist diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea refers to foot diarrhea for at least four weeks. There is a medical cause, such as an intestinal disease or condition. More serious conditions such as lice disease, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, persistent infection or inflammatory bowel disease.

Causes of Diarrhea

A number of different diseases and medical conditions can cause diarrhea. The first of these is diarrhea caused by viruses. Viruses that can cause diarrhea include Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis. In addition, rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea in childhood.

Bacteria and parasites are among the most common causes of diarrhea. Spoiled, contaminated food or water contaminated with bacteria or parasites can cause bacteria and parasites to enter the human body directly. Clostridium difficile is another type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea and also cause more serious infections. It may occur after antibiotic therapy or during hospitalization.

Many types of drugs, including antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of the digestive system by destroying all the good bacteria in the human gut, without distinguishing between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Other drugs that cause diarrhea include cancer drugs and magnesium antacids.

Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Some individuals may have trouble digesting lactose and experience diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactose intolerance can increase with age because levels of enzymes that help digest lactose naturally begin to decline after childhood.
People who have trouble digesting fructose may also experience diarrhea. Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruit and honey. It is added to some beverages as a sweetener.

Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol in chewing gum and other unsweetened products can cause diarrhea in some cases in healthy individuals.

In some cases, diarrhea may occur after abdominal or gallbladder removal surgeries.

Individuals may also experience chronic diarrhea due to a number of other digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

How to Prevent Diarrhea?

Hands must be washed with soap to prevent viral diarrhea caused by viruses. It should be hand washed frequently to remain sufficiently and correctly clean. Hands should be washed before and after preparing food. Hands should be washed after touching uncooked meat, using the toilet, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing and wiping the nose.

Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20 seconds. During these 20 seconds, hands should continue to be rubbed with soap. If hand washing is not possible, alcohol-based hand cleaners and disinfectants containing at least 60 percent alcohol should be used. Hand sanitizer should be applied like a hand lotion, and it should be applied to the front and back parts of both hands.

It is possible to be protected with vaccines developed against rotavirus, which is the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children.

To prevent passenger diarrhea, which often affects people traveling to countries where environmental health measures and nutrient cleanliness are inadequate, individuals should be mindful of what they eat.

How to Prevent Diarrhea?

Hands must be washed with soap to prevent viral diarrhea caused by viruses. It should be hand washed frequently to remain sufficiently and correctly clean. Hands should be washed before and after preparing food. Hands should be washed after touching uncooked meat, using the toilet, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing and wiping the nose.

Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20 seconds. During these 20 seconds, hands should continue to be rubbed with soap. If hand washing is not possible, alcohol-based hand cleaners and disinfectants containing at least 60 percent alcohol should be used. Hand sanitizer should be applied like a hand lotion, and it should be applied to the front and back parts of both hands.

It is possible to be protected with vaccines developed against rotavirus, which is the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children.

To prevent passenger diarrhea, which often affects people traveling to countries where environmental health measures and nutrient cleanliness are inadequate, individuals should be mindful of what they eat.

Well cooked and hot foods should be preferred. Raw fruits and vegetables that the individual has not peeled should be avoided. Raw or undercooked meat and dairy products should be avoided. Bottled water, mineral water, fruit juice and fermented drinks served in their original container should be preferred.

Avoid using tap water and ice in drinks. Bottled water should be used to brush teeth. The mouth should be kept closed while taking a shower. Drinks like coffee or tea made with boiling water will likely be safe.

However, as well as aggravating diarrhea, caffeine and alcohol have the risk of further dehydration.

"The content of the page is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment."