Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common ailment that affects most individuals multiple times throughout the year. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom that can arise from a wide range of illnesses or infections. When experiencing Diarrhoea, one typically passes loose, watery stools. While most cases of Diarrhoea resolve on their own within a few days, it can occasionally lead to life-threatening complications.
Diarrhoea can be classified into two main categories:
- Acute Diarrhoea: This type of Diarrhoea is characterized by loose, watery stools that last for one to two days. Acute Diarrhoea usually resolves without any treatment within a short period of time.
- Chronic Diarrhoea: Chronic Diarrhoea refers to a condition where Diarrhoea persists for longer than four weeks or recurs frequently over an extended period.
Causes of Acute Diarrhoea
Contaminated food and water are the most common causes of acute Diarrhoea. However, various diseases, infections, and factors can contribute to the onset of Diarrhoea, including:
- Food poisoning
- Gastroenteritis
- Tropical diseases like typhoid and cholera
- Emotional stress or anxiety
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Medications, particularly antibiotics
Causes of Chronic Diarrhoea
Chronic Diarrhoea is associated with a range of medical conditions, some of which can be serious. It often appears suddenly and can have various underlying causes, such as:
- Coeliac disease
- Chronic constipation
- Hormone disorders
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Medication side effects
- Lactose intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhoea
Common symptoms of chronic Diarrhoea may include:
- Bloating
- Increased bowel movements
- Urgency to pass stool
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
Diagnosis of Diarrhoea
To provide effective treatment, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of Diarrhoea. While most cases of acute Diarrhoea can be managed at home, you should seek medical attention if it is caused by an underlying medical condition or virus. For chronic Diarrhoea lasting an extended period, a doctor’s evaluation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment approach.
The diagnostic process may involve:
- Gathering a comprehensive medical history, including family history
- Assessing eating and drinking habits
- Conducting a stool test to identify signs of inflammation, parasites, bacteria, or blood
- Performing a blood test
- Checking thyroid function
- Conducting a colonoscopy to rule out organic abnormalities
- Administering a breathalyzer test to detect fructose or lactose intolerance
Treatment for Diarrhoea
If severe symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is crucial. The treatment of Diarrhoea will depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Consuming plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost minerals and salts
- In severe cases, intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary
- Antibiotics and anti-nausea medications
- Anti-Diarrhoeal drugs, if recommended by a doctor. However, these medications should be used cautiously, as they may prolong the duration of illness if the Diarrhoea is caused by an infection.
- Treating any underlying medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
Preventing Diarrhoea
Infections often lead to Diarrhoea, but maintaining good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk. Follow these preventive measures:
- Maintain proper personal and food hygiene
- Thoroughly wash hands before eating or preparing food
- Avoid sharing towels and utensils with others in the household
- Exercise caution when consuming street food
Why Choose Giggles?
Giggles Hospital is India’s leading facility for severe Diarrhoea treatment, providing unparalleled hospital and patient care. With top-tier doctors and cutting-edge technologies, we ensure high-quality treatment. Our strict infection control practices prevent complications and ensure patient well-being.
