Diarrhea is a very common ailment and affects most of us are affected by it from time to time. Statistics show that most people come down with diarrhea at least twice a year. Diarrhea is an easily treatable disease and poses no threat for most people. However, diarrhea poses a serious threat towards the children and the elderly.
Diarrhea is a condition that cause frequent passing of loose or watery stools. Diarrhea is caused by a number of reasons and this illness is divided into two different classifications by the medical community.
If the symptoms of diarrhea last for a short time then it is defined as acute diarrhea. This form of diarrhea usually appears rapidly usually last from between five to ten days. Acute diarrhea is the leading cause of death amongst the children and the elderly in developing countries.
If the symptoms of diarrhea last for a long time then it is defined as chronic diarrhea. Sadly, this is the second leading cause of death among the children and the elderly in the developing countries.
There are a number of reasons that are responsible of causing diarrhea. The most common form of diarrhea is acute diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is caused when there is bowel infection when the stomach and the intestines become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by the following reasons:
- The most common cause of acute diarrhea is a virus or most commonly norovirus or a rotavirus. Viral diarrhea spreads very easily and if anyone in your house comes down with this then you need to be careful so that you don’t contract the disease yourself.
- Acute diarrhea can also be caused by a bacteria, most commonly campylobacter, Escherichia coli and salmonella.
- Other reasons that cause acute diarrhea is the use of antibiotics or other medicines, too much anxiety, consuming too much alcohol or coffee.
The leading reasons for chronic diarrhea which lasts for a long time is Bacteria, virus and many other diseases which bring in diarrhea with it.
Diarrhea can come with a range of symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloating in the belly, cramps, loose or watery stools, urgent and frequent bowel movement and nausea. You could also suffer from more serious symptoms such as weight loss, fever, blood or mucus in the stool. Click here for more information on medical insurance spain.
In cases of mild or acute diarrhea nothing much is required to treat the problem generally. Have a little restraint when eating if you have a case of mild diarrhea. Make sure that you are drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrated. Being dehydrated can start a set of problems which can easily be avoided. Drink lots of water, fruit juices without pulp, chicken broth without the fat and sports drinks. Have regular sips of whatever you are drinking so that your body stays hydrated. You can buy some over the counter medicines to help you deal with diarrhea. Ask your pharmacist to help you and follow the instructions on the packaging.
However, if you have a severe case of chronic diarrhea then it is high time you call the doctor. For babies and children the risk of having serious complications from diarrhea is higher. So if your child has more than six episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours, blood or mucus in their stool, diarrhea and vomiting together then it is high time to call the doctor. As for adults you should first try to treat the problem yourself but if the problem gets serious you should immediately contact the doctor.
The best way to minimize the risk of diarrhea is being choosy of the foods that suit you and basic cleanliness. Do not eat anything that doesn’t suit your body even if you love it. Make sure you keep yourself clean and always wash your hands before a meal.
