Essential Guide to Recognizing and Managing Diarrhea

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diarrhea are crucial to prevent serious health complications. Common signs include mild stomach discomfort, dehydration, or severe intestinal bleeding causing intense abdominal pain. In many cases within the country, primarily children are affected, with nearly 90% of cases occurring in this age group.

Caused mainly by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, diarrhea symptoms can sometimes be misleading, especially because frequent stools are common among breastfeeding mothers. Proper nutrition and hygiene practices can help in prevention and recovery. Vaccines are available for children, whereas adults should focus on preventive measures.

What causes diarrhea?
Food and water contamination during travel, poor sanitation, and hygiene are major contributors. Common causes include viruses like rotavirus and norovirus, bacteria, and parasites. Certain medications such as antibiotics, antacids, and chemotherapy drugs can trigger diarrhea. Digestive issues post-surgery, food intolerances to substances like lactose or fructose, and excessive alcohol consumption are also culprits. Additionally, radiation therapy and health conditions like hyperthyroidism or diabetes can lead to diarrhea.

Recognizing symptoms of diarrhea
Symptoms include abdominal pain, urgent need to defecate, loose stools, dehydration lasting over two days, high fever, and stool that may be bloody or tarry with pus. Typical signs are:

Stomach cramps

Intense thirst

Reduced urine output with dark-colored urine

Abdominal bloating

Fever with chills

Weight loss

Repeated vomiting and dehydration

Malabsorption leading to persistent diarrhea

Nausea, drowsiness, confusion, irritability, increased heart rate in adults

Since dehydration and stomach upset symptoms overlap, prompt medical attention is necessary. Kids showing bloody stools, mucus, temperatures over 102°F, or dehydration for over a day require immediate consultation. Adults with severe symptoms persisting for two days should seek urgent care.

How to treat diarrhea
Hydration is vital—drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions while avoiding milk, fatty foods, and spicy dishes. Following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) aids recovery. If nausea occurs, sucking on ice chips helps. Rest and avoid strenuous activity. Additional measures include:

Antibiotics are effective mainly against bacterial or parasitic infections, not viral. They are particularly useful in travel-related cases.

If medications trigger diarrhea, consult a doctor to modify the prescription.

Consume foods rich in fiber, potassium, and iodine—such as bananas, potatoes, soups, and crackers.

Avoid lactose, fructose, caffeine, and sugar-free candies or gums.

Probiotics may assist in recovery, especially when antibiotics cause diarrhea.