Why Diarrhea Occurs and How you can Treat it

Are you suffering from diarrhea? If yes, then your stools or bowel movements may probably become watery and loose. This is something very common and not that serious. Many people get diarrhea at least once or two in a year that lasts for around 2 to 3 days. However, it can be treated by taking over-the-counter medicines. Others suffer from it very often, being a part of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or other conditions. It is advised that you seek private GP appointment and get the treatment in a timely manner.

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Symptoms associated with the disease

• Cramps

• Bloating in the belly

• Loose or watery stools

• Sudden feeling for a bowel movement

• Nausea

• Mucus or blood in the stool

• Fever

• Weight loss

In case you have had watery stools for more than three times in a day and you are not taking sufficient fluid, you may become dehydrated. This might lead to serious complications unless it is treated.

Causes of the disease

Usually, diarrhea occurs due to a virus that infects the gut which is often called as "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu."

Some other causes are:

• Allergies to certain food items

• Alcohol

• Diabetes

• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (intestine disease)

• Foods that upset your digestive system

• Infection due to bacteria or other organisms

• Laxative abuse

• Medications

• Overactive thyroid

• Radiation therapy

• Trouble absorbing some nutrients, also known as “malabsorption”

Other than these, diarrhea may also lead to constipation, particularly for the ones who have irritable bowel syndrome.

When to call the doctor

You need to fix an appointment at private doctors clinic, if you are having:

• Blood in the diarrhea or having black, tarry stools

• Fever above 101 F and which lasts for more than 24 hours

• Diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days

• Nausea due to which you cannot drink liquids to replace fluids

• Severe pain in the rectum or abdomen

Other symptoms include:

• Dark coloured urine

• Small amount of urine

• Fewer wet diapers in a child

• Quick heart rate

• Headaches

• Confusion

• Irritability

• Dry skin

How you can treat it

If your condition is mild, there is no need to take anything. You may take over-the-counter medicine that is available in the form of tablets or liquids. For this, you should read through o the instructions on the package.

You need to drink at least 6-8 ounce glasses of fluids daily and remain hydrated. Drink fruit juice that does not contain pulp, soda or broth. Chicken broth, sports drinks and tea with honey are certainly a good choice in this situation. Rather than drinking liquids with the meals, you should drink liquids in between the meals and sip smaller amount of liquid every now and then.

The rectal part may become sore due to bowel movements resulting from diarrhea. Thus, you might have burning, itching or pain at the bathroom. It is advised to take hot water bath and get some relief. You may path the area with a soft and clean towel and then use hemorrhoid cream for relief. You may visit your nearest clinic in harley street if you are looking for immediate treatment to overcome the problem of diarrhea.