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Diarrhea is a common ailment, especially during summer travels. Its symptoms can be very bothersome and even dangerous to life and health for young children. What are the most common causes of diarrhea? What to do to avoid or alleviate uncomfortable symptoms?
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive system dysfunctions. Its main symptom is increased stool frequency of semi-liquid or liquid consistency. It is often accompanied by general weakness of the body, fever, vomiting, and chills. Dissolution is a condition that increases the risk of severe dehydration, which can be very dangerous in very young children, including newborns.
There are two types of diarrhea:
- chronic – are associated with diseases of the digestive system. Due to the very long duration, they often lead to exhaustion of the body and a serious state of dehydration, and thus the loss of valuable minerals,
- acute – usually viral or bacterial in nature. They can last up to several weeks.
The most common causes of diarrhea
It is estimated that diarrhea is so common that we all have had it at least once in our lives. It can appear at any age, in both children and adults. Here are the top 5 causes of diarrhea:
- Viral infections – rotavirus infection (usually between 6 months and 2 years of age) is the cause of gastroenteritis. The virus that causes the symptoms of diarrhea is transmitted by airborne droplets through dirty hands and poor hygiene. Food poisoning (e.g. while traveling) is a factor that increases the risk of diarrhea.
- Bacterial infections – Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Escherichia Coli, Campylobacter and Shigella.
- Food intolerances and allergies.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – its symptoms are caused by many factors, mainly severe stress. This is especially evident nowadays, when many employees return to their offices after many months of working remotely, which can lead to the development of anxiety and even depression. The causes of diarrhea in the course of IBS may also include genetic conditions, inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity.
- Poisoning with chemicals / drugs. Most often, anti-inflammatory drugs, thyroid hormones and cytostatics are responsible.
Slightly less often, pancreatitis, Crohn’s syndrome, hormonal disorders, as well as parasitic infections, including tapeworm, lamblia, dysentery, are responsible for the development of diarrhea.
How can I prevent diarrhea?
It is not always possible to prevent diarrhea. There are, however, a few guidelines, the observance of which significantly reduces the risk of persistent ailments. They are:
- frequent hand washing, especially after visiting public places,
- avoiding eating dishes of unknown origin, after the expiry date for consumption, lying for a long time at high temperatures, etc.,
- supplementation of probiotics during antibiotic therapy,
- drinking boiled water, especially when on vacation in exotic countries,
- washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
How to Treat Diarrhea Symptoms?
Diarrhea symptoms are treated primarily with home remedies. It is necessary to follow a light and restrictive diet. During diarrhea, it is worth choosing easily digestible products, including boiled rice with carrots, baked apple or rice gruels cooked in water. Lean meat can also be introduced gradually, preferably steamed without spices.
The key issue is also hydrating and replenishing electrolytes. It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of fluids a day (preferably still mineral water). In order to ensure the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora, it is good to take probiotics, which promote the multiplication of the so-called good bacteria.
Symptoms of diarrhea also disappear after natural preparations available over the counter at a pharmacy. An example is Taninal, which contains tannin proteinate that alleviates the symptoms of diarrhea of various origins. It can be used from the age of 4. Taninal stops diarrhea, inhibits the growth of bacteria and supports the removal of toxins from the body.
Recurrent and prolonged diarrhea (lasting more than 3 days) requires medical consultation. Especially when the body is excessively weakened and other symptoms appear, including, for example, severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius, sunken eyes and severe thirst.