Diarrhea - Causes and Effects

Diarrhea is defined as increase in frequency of stools compared to normal or loose bowel movements than usual; causes might include infections of the digestive system, medications such as antibiotics, mal-absorption, and irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea is something everyone is familiar to. It often means more frequent trips to the toilet and a greater volume of stool. Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition that can be caused because of a lot of reasons. Most cases of diarrhea will have a natural departure. Rarely diarrhea may cause dehydration or can be a sign of more serious problem. Many-a-times diarrhea signs and symptoms persists a couple of days, but sometimes it lasts for weeks. If this happens then it may be a sign of a serious disorder, like inflammatory bowel disease, or a less serious condition, like irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhea may come with mucus, or undigested food in the stool, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the toilet. Because of the causes of diarrhea the person may have a fever or bloody stools. It happens when food and fluids consumed passes too quickly or in large an amount or both through the colon. The colon absorbs the liquids from the food you eat, leaving a semisolid stool. The cause of a watery stool is because the liquids from the foods you eat are not absorbed by the colon.

Children are more prone to diarrhea. They can experience both acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. The main reasons for this are bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, functional bowel disorders, and food sensitivities. The most common of all is the rotavirus it stops within 3 to 9 days. To prevent this there is a vaccination named rotateq which is given to infants who are 6 to 32 weeks old.

Diarrhea can be prevented by avoiding:

• Dirty hands


• Contaminated food


• Contaminated water


• Dirty pets


• Direct contact with fecal matter

Whenever your kid has diarrhea, call the doctor for advice immediately. It is dangerous for newborns and infants. A baby may die because of dehydration. The most important treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration as it helps replace lost fluid. If you do not see any improvement in 24 hours time immediately see a doctor or if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. If the babies stools containing blood or pus


2. If you see black stools


3. If the infant has temperature above 102 degrees


4. Or you notice signs of dehydration

Any medications to treat diarrhea given to adults can be dangerous for children and you must give it only if the doctor advices you to do so. It is a very common problem that normally resolves on its own. It gets dangerous if the person becomes dehydrated.

As the cause differs the person would have to stop the medication. Mostly children may need an oral rehydration solution like electrolytes. Please do not hesitate and see a doctor immediately and take all the medications advised.