Do you find yourself constantly rushing to the bathroom with loose, watery stools? If so, you’re not alone. Diarrhea is a common problem that affects people of all ages. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 worldwide.
While diarrhea can be a nuisance, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. If you’re experiencing frequent diarrhea, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any potential underlying causes.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infection
- Food poisoning
- Medication
- Stress
- Travel
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain medical conditions
Symptoms of Diarrhea
In addition to loose or watery stools, diarrhea can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing diarrhea, it’s important to see a doctor if you:
- Have a fever
- Have bloody stools
- Are vomiting
- Are unable to keep down fluids
- Have diarrhea for more than 2 days
- Have a weakened immune system
Diagnosis of Diarrhea
Your doctor will diagnose diarrhea based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests, such as:
- Stool culture
- Blood test
- Imaging test
Treatment of Diarrhea
The treatment for diarrhea will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, such as:
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Eat bland foods, such as rice, bananas, and toast.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Get plenty of rest.
If your diarrhea is severe or does not improve after a few days, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Prevention of Diarrhea
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent diarrhea, such as:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cook meat and seafood thoroughly.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
- Drink clean water.
- Get vaccinated against rotavirus and norovirus.
- Travel safely.
FAQs
1. What is the most common cause of diarrhea?
The most common cause of diarrhea is infection.
2. What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
The symptoms of diarrhea include loose or watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
3. When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?
You should see a doctor for diarrhea if you have a fever, have bloody stools, are vomiting, are unable to keep down fluids, have diarrhea for more than 2 days, or have a weakened immune system.
4. How is diarrhea diagnosed?
Diarrhea is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests, such as a stool culture, blood test, or imaging test.
5. How is diarrhea treated?
The treatment for diarrhea will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating bland foods, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting plenty of rest. If your diarrhea is severe or does not improve after a few days, your doctor may prescribe medication.
6. How can I prevent diarrhea?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent diarrhea, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, cooking meat and seafood thoroughly, avoiding eating raw or undercooked food, drinking clean water, getting vaccinated against rotavirus and norovirus, and traveling safely.
Tables
Table 1. Causes of Diarrhea
| Cause | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Infection | 60-70% |
| Food poisoning | 10-20% |
| Medication | 5-10% |
| Stress | 5-10% |
| Travel | 5-10% |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | 5-10% |
| Certain medical conditions | 5-10% |
Table 2. Symptoms of Diarrhea
| Symptom | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Loose or watery stools | 100% |
| Abdominal cramps | 60-70% |
| Nausea | 40-50% |
| Vomiting | 20-30% |
| Fever | 20-30% |
| Fatigue | 20-30% |
| Weight loss | 20-30% |
Table 3. When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea
| Symptom | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fever | See a doctor. |
| Bloody stools | See a doctor. |
| Vomiting | See a doctor. |
| Unable to keep down fluids | See a doctor. |
| Diarrhea for more than 2 days | See a doctor. |
| Weakened immune system | See a doctor. |
Table 4. Prevention of Diarrhea
| Measure | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Wash your hands frequently with soap and water | Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after changing a diaper. |
| Cook meat and seafood thoroughly | Cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and seafood to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Avoid eating raw or undercooked food | Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy products. |
| Drink clean water | Drink bottled water or water that has been boiled. |
| Get vaccinated against rotavirus and norovirus | Rotavirus and norovirus are two of the most common causes of diarrhea. |
| Travel safely | Follow these tips when traveling to prevent diarrhea: |
| > * Drink bottled water or water that has been boiled. | |
| > * Eat cooked food. | |
| > * Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. | |
| > * Get vaccinated against rotavirus and norovirus. |
