Easy Diarrhea Treatment

Diarrhea is a condition in which patients pass loose watery stools more than three times a day. In acute cases, stools may be extremely watery and may contain mucus. In many cases, the urge to go is so strong that patients may be unable to deny themselves.

There are many causes for diarrhea.

Bacterial infection from unhygienic food and contaminated water is the main cause of diarrhea in developing countries. Some viruses may also cause diarrhea. Viral hepatitis and herpes virus are examples. Some parasitic infections may also lead to diarrhea. Intestinal diseases like the inflammatory bowel disease and conditions like piles also lead to diarrhea. Some people experience runny bowels when they take in medications like antibiotics or antacids.

A significant number of people suffer from diarrhea because of food intolerance. Food allergies may lead to runny bowels. Common examples of food that are not tolerated are milk, oranges and sugary foods.

Diarrhea may affect people of either sexes and at any age. Generally, children are more vulnerable because they are more prone to bacterial infections.

In most cases, diarrhea goes away on its own. However, if symptoms persist, it is vital that treatment for diarrhea starts immediately. This is because prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and the loss of nutrients and minerals. In children, particularly infants, diarrhea can even lead to death, in as little as a day.

When should you seek treatment for diarrhea?

* If symptoms persist for more than 3 days
* If you experience severe abdominal cramps or pain elsewhere
* If diarrhea is accompanied by fever
* If you spot blood in the stool
* If you feel dehydrated

A simple home remedy for mild diarrhea is to mix sugar and salt in lemonade and have it every few minutes. Replacing lost water and minerals is vital.

Medications to stop diarrhea might prove dangerous if a bacterial or parasitical infection has caused it because the body is trying to flush out toxins through the stools. Stopping diarrhea will arrest this process.

In case there is no apparent reason for the frequent bouts of diarrhea, it is recommended that victims take a food allergy test. Several foodstuffs like milk, complex carbohydrates, roughage and eggs may lead to flatulence and diarrhea in people. Avoiding such foods is one of the best treatments for diarrhea. Sometimes, spicy food can also cause stomach irritation. The fact is, most people who suffer from intermittent diarrhea never make the connection between their symptoms and the food they eat. The result is that they have to suffer from the condition needlessly.