Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

 

Stool passage that is loose, liquid, and sometimes occurs more frequently is known as diarrhea. It may occasionally be the sole sign of a disease. Other times, it could be linked to additional symptoms including weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement is called diarrhea. It normally goes away on its own in a few days and is prevalent in adults and children. Seek the care you require from a professional if it doesn't go better or if you have other symptoms like a fever or bloody stools.

What is diarrhea?

To have diarrhea is to pass loose or watery stools (poop). The majority of people cringe at the mention of it because it's so prevalent. It never ceases to bother me to think of thin, sickly-looking excrement in the toilet bowl. Not knowing what's causing your diarrhea or how long it will last simply makes the unpleasant symptoms worse.

The good news is that diarrhea typically subsides in a few days and is only mild, requiring a few trips to the bathroom each day.

However, diarrhea might occasionally indicate a serious condition. It may lead to excessive fluid loss (dehydration) or impede the absorption of necessary nutrients. It's critical to recognize the warning signs of diarrhea decide when to seek medical attention and when to treat it on your own.

Types of diarrhea:

Various names for diarrhea exist based on how long it lasts:

Acute diarrhea: This type of diarrhea lasts one to two days and is loose and watery. It's the most prevalent kind and usually goes away on its own.

Diarrhea that persists: Diarrhea that persists typically lasts two to four weeks.

Chronic Diarrhea: Diarrhea that is chronic lasts longer than four weeks or recurs often over an extended period. This prolonged diarrhea could be a sign of a more serious illness that calls for a trip to the doctor.

 Symptoms:

Diarrhea, commonly known as loose, watery feces, can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain in the stomach or cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
•  Blood in stool
• The stool's mucus
• Large volume of stool  
• Need to pass stool urgently

Also Read: Loose Motion Home Remedies

Causes:

Diarrhea can be brought on by a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

• Viruses. Enteric adenoviruses, astroviruses, cytomegaloviruses, and viruses that cause hepatitis are among the viruses that can cause diarrhea. Norwalk virus is also referred to as norovirus. A prominent cause of abrupt diarrhea in children is rotavirus. In addition to causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the virus has also been connected to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

• Parasites and bacteria. Diarrhea can be caused by parasites or certain bacteria, like Escherichia coli, that are ingested through contaminated food or water. Traveler's diarrhea is the term used to describe diarrhea brought on by bacteria or parasites while visiting underdeveloped nations. Another bacterium that causes diarrhea is Clostridium difficile, or C. diff. Diarrhea can also result from an antibiotic course or hospitalization.

• Medications. Diarrhea is a side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. Antibiotics eliminate diseases by destroying disease-causing bacteria, but they also kill good bacteria that the body needs. This throws off the natural bacterial balance in the intestines, which can result in diarrhea or infections like C. diff. Magnesium-containing antacids and anticancer medications are other medications that cause diarrhea.

• Intolerant to lactose. A sugar found in milk and other dairy products is called lactose. After eating dairy products, people with lactose intolerances frequently have diarrhea. Because the enzyme that aids in lactose digestion decreases with age, lactose intolerance may become more prevalent as people age.

• Fructose. A natural sugar included in fruits and honey is called fructose. It is occasionally added to various drinks as a sweetener. For certain individuals, fructose intolerance can cause diarrhea.

• Artificial sweeteners. Some otherwise healthy individuals may get diarrhea when exposed to sorbitol, erythritol, and mannitol, nonabsorbable sugars used as artificial sweeteners in chewing gum and other sugar-free goods.

• Surgery. Diarrhea can occasionally result from procedures to remove the gallbladder or partial intestine.

• Further stomach issues. There are also other causes of chronic diarrhea, including small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and IBS.

 Diagnosis:

Diagnosis and treatment are not necessary in the majority of diarrhea cases. In more serious circumstances , your provider will investigate the cause. They will inquire about your past health history, family medical history, travel history, and any illnesses you may have had interactions with.

They could request the following tests:

• Blood testing to rule out illnesses that can lead to diarrhea.

• A stool test for parasites, bacterial illnesses, and blood.

• A hydrogen breath test to screen for bacterial overgrowth and lactose or fructose intolerance.

• An upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy to rule outgrowths or other structural problems, such as tumors or ulcers, that may be the cause of your diarrhea.

Risk factors:

Typical risk factors for diarrhea include the following:

• Exposure to bacteria, parasites, or viruses. This is a significant risk factor for diarrhea that develops suddenly.

• Eat a diet. Some people get diarrhea with consuming certain foods or beverages, such as coffee, tea, dairy products, or items that include artificial sweeteners.

• Medications. Diarrhea can be a side effect of several medications, including antibiotics, laxatives, magnesium supplements, antidepressants, NSAIDs, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Complications:

If not treated, dehydration brought on by diarrhea can be fatal. Dehydration poses a significant risk to individuals with compromised immune systems, elderly folks, and children.

Seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe dehydration symptoms.

Adult symptoms of dehydration
Among them are:

• Excessive hydration
• Dry mouth or skin.
• Little or no urination.
• Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
• Fatigued.
• Urine with a dark color.

Signs of dehydration in young young children
Among them are:

• Not changing into a damp diaper for three hours or longer.
• Tongue and mouth dry.
• Fever higher than 39 degrees Celsius, or 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Weeping without shedding any tears.
• Sluggishness, lack of response, or agitation.
• Appearance of a sunken belly, eyes, or cheekbones.

How is the treatment for diarrhea administered?

Diarrhea is typically treatable at home. People typically feel better fast after taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications for diarrhea, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate®). Diarrhea that doesn't go better or coexists with severe diarrhea symptoms will require you to consult a doctor.

Your doctor might suggest therapies such as:

• Either antiparasitics or antibiotics. These medications kill germs.

• Drugs used to treat long-term illnesses. Taking care of underlying illnesses including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS that contribute to diarrhea can be beneficial.

• Probiotics. Probiotics fight diarrhea by bringing beneficial microorganisms into your stomach. Your doctor may advise you to try them. Before taking a probiotic or any other supplement, always consult your healthcare professional.

Is it possible to quit having diarrhea without using medication?

Acute diarrhea is frequently curable with at-home changes in lifestyle.

• Up your intake of electrolyte-balanced drinks and water. These consist of broths, sports drinks (Gatorade®), fruit juices that have been diluted and pulp-free, and sodas without caffeine. These beverages replenish the electrolytes and water that diarrhea causes you to lose. Electrolytes are compounds that support vital functions such as preserving your body's fluid balance.

• Select eating items that help harden your stools. Some diets poor in fiber cause stools to become more solid. Take a look at the BRAT diet: brown rice, white rice, applesauce, and toast. Other healthy choices are potatoes, noodles, lean beef, fish, and poultry or turkey without the skin. When it comes to finding relief, food modifications can help.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. The modest laxative action of caffeine-containing foods and beverages can exacerbate diarrhea. Avoid chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, and strong or green tea. Steer clear of alcohol as it can cause dehydration.

How should I respond if my infant or early toddler develops diarrhea?

If your child has severe diarrhea, get in touch with their pediatrician. Adult and pediatric treatments differ when it comes to treating diarrhea. Medication purchased over the counter could be harmful.

Compared to adults, children are also more likely to become dehydrated. To keep them hydrated, your provider will advise you on the best course of action. Some choices are as follows:

• Breast milk (chest).
• Formula.
• For older kids, try Pedialyte® electrolyte liquids. (Providers advise against using this on infants.)
• The optimal choice for maintaining your child's hydration may vary as they get older. Before giving your child any new beverage or treatment, make sure to consult with a provider.

Prevention:

To stop the spread of contagious diarrhea, wash your hands. To guarantee proper hand washing:

• Wash often. Both before and after making food, wash your hands. After handling raw meat, using a bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose, wash your hands.

• Use soap and lather for at least 20 seconds. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds after applying soap. This is approximately the duration it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

• Whenever washing is not an option, use hand sanitizer. When access to a sink is impossible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure to cover the front and back of both hands when using the hand sanitizer, just as you would with hand lotion. Make sure the product you use has at least 60% alcohol in it.

• Get Vaccinated yourself against rotavirus. This vaccination guards against the common cause of diarrhea, rotavirus. The COVID-19 vaccine can lower your chance of contracting the illness and developing COVID-related symptoms, such as diarrhea.

• Food should be cooked until it reaches the specified temperature and stored properly. Don't take a chance by eating or drinking anything that has passed its expiration date.

• Be careful what you drink when traveling. Avoid drinking untreated water. Steer clear of ice cubes, and tap water, and use tap water to brush your teeth. Avoid unpasteurized juice or milk products. The process of pasteurization eliminates bacteria from several beverages. When in doubt, sip bottled water or pre-boiled drinks (tea or coffee).

• When traveling, watch what you eat. Steer clear of raw or undercooked fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and seafood. Vegetables and fruits are generally healthful choices, but the skin may contain harmful substances.

References:

• Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.

• Diarrheal diseases: Acute and chronic. American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/. AccessDefinition and facts for diarrhea. (2016).

• Definition and facts for diarrhea. (2016). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/definition-facts

• Travelers' diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.

• Khanna S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 25, 2024.

• Descoteaux-Friday GJ, Shrimanker I. Chronic Diarrhea (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544337/). 2022 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Accessed 9/20/2023.

• Nemeth V, Pfleghaar N. Diarrhea (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846339/). November 21, 2022. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Accessed 9/20/2023.

• AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Management and follow-up (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.

• Diarrhea. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/symptoms-of-gastrointestinal-disorders/diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.