What Causes Diarrhea? And Can You Make It Better Naturally?

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and loose bowel movements. It is commonly defined as having three or more bowel movements per day that are more liquid than solid. Diarrhea can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lasting for weeks or months.

The causes of diarrhea can be varied, including:

  • Gastrointestinal infections, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines and cause diarrhea.
  • Food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity can cause diarrhea.
  • Medications, such as antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.
  • Medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Stress and emotional upset can also cause diarrhea.

Symptoms of diarrhea can include:

  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration, which can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and dark yellow urine.

It’s important to stay hydrated and to avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse, such as dairy products and high-fat foods. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide can help slow down bowel movements, and antidiarrheals like bismuth subsalicylate can help reduce diarrhea symptoms. If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or if there is blood in the stool or high fever, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Diarrhea meaning in Urdu

اسہال ایک ایسی حالت ہے جس کی خصوصیت بار بار، ڈھیلے اور پانی والے پاخانے سے ہوتی ہے۔ اس کے ساتھ اکثر پیٹ میں درد، اپھارہ اور باتھ روم استعمال کرنے کی فوری ضرورت ہوتی ہے۔ اسہال مختلف عوامل کی وجہ سے ہو سکتا ہے، بشمول انفیکشنز، فوڈ پوائزننگ، تناؤ اور بعض ادویات۔ زیادہ تر معاملات میں، یہ ایک قلیل المدتی حالت ہے جس کا علاج ہائیڈریشن اور غذائی تبدیلیوں سے کیا جا سکتا ہے۔ تاہم، بعض صورتوں میں، اسہال زیادہ سنگین بنیادی حالت کی علامت ہو سکتا ہے، اور طبی امداد کی ضرورت پڑ سکتی ہے۔

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What Causes Diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Gastrointestinal infections: Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to diarrhea. Common examples include salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus.
  2. Food-borne illnesses: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to diarrhea. Common causes include norovirus and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.
  3. Medications: Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea. Other medications like laxatives and some blood pressure medications can also cause diarrhea as a side effect.
  4. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic diarrhea. Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance and celiac disease can also cause diarrhea.
  5. Chronic stress and emotional upset: Stress and emotional upset can affect the digestive system and cause diarrhea.
  6. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can also lead to diarrhea.
  7. Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
  8. Toxins and poisons: Certain toxins and poisons can cause diarrhea, such as those found in certain plants, mushrooms, and heavy metals.

It’s important to note that some people can have diarrhea due to a combination of factors. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have diarrhea that persists for more than a couple of days, or if there are other symptoms such as blood in the stool, high fever, or severe abdominal pain.

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Treatment Of Diarrhea

The treatment of diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for diarrhea:

  1. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids, such as clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, clear soda (not red or brown), frozen juice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade), can help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  2. Diet modification: Avoiding foods that can make diarrhea worse, such as high-fat foods, spicy foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol, can help reduce symptoms.
  3. Medications: Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help slow down bowel movements and reduce diarrhea symptoms.
  4. Antibiotics: If the cause of diarrhea is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be prescribed to help clear up the infection.
  5. Probiotics: Taking probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut, can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and reduce diarrhea symptoms.
  6. Medications to relieve symptoms: Medications to relieve symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and gas may be prescribed.
  7. Medical conditions: If diarrhea is caused by a medical condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, treatment will be directed at managing the underlying condition.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, if there is blood in the stool, or if there are other symptoms such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, or dehydration.

Diarrhea Symptoms

The main symptoms of diarrhea are:

  1. Frequent bowel movements: Having three or more bowel movements per day that are more liquid than solid.
  2. Loose or watery stools: The stools may also be described as mushy, soft, or runny.
  3. Abdominal cramps or pain: This can be caused by the inflammation in the gut and the muscles contracting to move the stool.
  4. Bloating and gas: Diarrhea can also cause excessive flatulence.
  5. Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of diarrhea.
  6. Loss of appetite: Diarrhea can make it difficult to eat, and people may lose their appetite.
  7. Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and dark yellow urine.

It’s important to note that diarrhea can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, blood in the stool, and severe abdominal pain, which may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If you experience persistent diarrhea or any of these other symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

How to stop diarrhea fast

There are several things you can do to stop diarrhea fast:

  1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids, such as clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, clear soda (not red or brown), frozen juice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade) to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  2. Modify your diet: Avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse, such as high-fat foods, spicy foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol.
  3. Use over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help slow down bowel movements and reduce diarrhea symptoms.
  4. Take a probiotic: Taking a probiotic supplement can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and reduce diarrhea symptoms.
  5. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from the episode of diarrhea.
  6. Try a BRAT diet: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can be helpful in managing diarrhea. These foods are easy to digest and can help bind the stool.
  7. Avoid anti-diarrheals: Some anti-diarrheals can prolong the diarrhea and make it worse, so be careful when using them.

It’s important to note that if diarrhea is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the infection. If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or if there is blood in the stool, high fever, or severe

Diarrhea Prevention

There are several steps you can take to prevent diarrhea:

  1. Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, after using the toilet, and after coming into contact with anyone who is sick.
  2. Cook food thoroughly: Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
  3. Avoid contaminated food and water: Be cautious when consuming raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and fruits or vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water.
  4. Be mindful of food safety: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats away from other foods.
  5. Take care when traveling: When traveling to developing countries, be careful when consuming food or water, and avoid tap water, ice, and raw or undercooked foods.
  6. Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils, as these can spread infection.
  7. Use probiotics: Consume probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut, can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and reduce diarrhea symptoms.
  8. Get Vaccinated: Some of the diarrhea caused by bacterial and viral infections can be prevented by getting vaccinated.
  9. Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your gut healthy and reduce the risk of diarrhea.

It’s important to remember that diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors and that in some cases, it cannot be prevented. If you experience frequent or persistent diarrhea, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

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