Identify the Causes, Signs, and Treatment Tips for Diarrhoea with Health Insurance Benefits
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Diarrhea is different from breastfeeding babies who pass loose and sticky stools, which is normal for them. Diarrhoea is the most common symptom of food poisoning and a health issue suffered by millions of people. The level at which this illness can affect a person ranges from mild and temporary to life-threatening. Children below the age of five years are most likely to be affected severely because of diarrhoea. It is the second-largest cause of death in this age group. We are here to look at the different diarrhoea causes, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. Let us begin by understanding its symptoms.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea
Besides watery and abnormal stools, the patient suffering from diarrhoea can show the following symptoms.
- Stomach pains
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Mild fever
- Body aches
- Chills
In cases of extreme diarrhoea, the person can show the following symptoms.
- Blood of pus in the stool
- Persistent vomiting
- Dehydration
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the chances are that you are suffering from chronic diarrhoea. Get medical assistance immediately before it severely affects your health any further.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea in Children
When it comes to diarrhoea in babies or young children, parents can look out for the following symptoms.
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lack of tears when crying
- Dry skin
- Sunken eyes
- Sunken fontanel
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
It is imperative to take your child to a doctor as soon as possible before these symptoms get any severe. In extreme cases of diarrhoea, the child might be experiencing the following.
- Diarrhoea for more than 24 hours
- Fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher
- Stools containing blood
- Stools containing pus
- Stools that are black or tarry
These symptoms are highly concerning and need medical assistance immediately.
Causes of Diarrhoea
As stated earlier, diarrhoea is caused due to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It is a gastrointestinal tract infection. Some of the most common causes of acute diarrhoea are the bacteria Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia Coli. Some chronic diarrhoea cases are known as functional diarrhoea. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common cause of functional diarrhoea. The symptoms of IBS include cramping, abdominal pain, abnormal bowel activity (that is diarrhoea).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is another common cause of functional diarrhoea. It leads to conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease where there is blood in the stool. Besides this, a few other significant causes of chronic/functional diarrhoea are as follows:
1. Microscopic Colitis
A type of diarrhoea that is common in adults. It is known to be developed because of inflammation.
2. Malabsorption and Maldigestion Diarrhoea
The first type of diarrhoea is because of impaired nutrient absorption. Whereas, the latter one is because of impaired digestive function. An example of the same is Celiac disease.
3. Chronic Infections
Chronic diarrhoea is most likely due to a vast travel history or use of various antibiotics. Certain bacteria and parasites can also cause this infection.
4. Drug-induced Diarrhoea
Using laxatives and other drugs, which also includes antibiotics, tend to trigger this type of diarrhoea.
5. Endocrine-related Causes
At times, hormonal changes or related factors can cause diarrhoea. It is observed in Addison’s disease and carcinoid tumours.
6. Cancer-related Causes
Neoplastic diarrhoea is a type of infection linked to several gut cancers.
Treatment for Diarrhoea
One of the basic recovery paths for diarrhoea includes replacing the lost fluids in the body. In simple terms, it means drinking more water or electrolyte beverages such as sports drinks. For diarrhoea leading to extreme dehydration, the patient might need to go through intravenous therapy. Besides, if it is a bacterial infection causing this illness, doctors can prescribe antibiotics.
Overall, the recommended treatment for diarrhoea depends on the following factors:
- The severity of the diarrhoea and its related symptoms
- Frequency of the diarrhoea
- Level of your dehydration
- Existing health of the patient
- Medical history of the patient
- Patient’s age
- Patient’s ability to tolerate different procedures or medications
Conclusion
Diarrhoea is a very common infection in people that has several causes. As explained earlier, most cases can be treated with home remedies and simple medical treatments. However, if diarrhoea leads to other health complications and concerns, it is highly requested to get medical assistance immediately. Overall, diarrhoea is treatable and does not pose severe danger to one’s health. But make sure you get proper medication before the symptoms worsen.
Also read- Advantages of Buying an Aditya Birla Health Insurance Policy
