Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools more than three times in a day. It occurs when the digestive system fails to properly absorb water from the food waste in the intestine. Diarrhea can be acute (short-term), persistent, or chronic (long-term) depending on its duration and cause.
When the intestine moves too quickly or cannot absorb nutrients and fluids properly, excess water remains in the stool, making it loose or watery.
This may happen due to:
Viruses: Rotavirus, Norovirus
Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter
Parasites: Giardia, Entamoeba (amoebiasis)
Contaminated food or water
Food allergy/intolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance)
Excess caffeine or alcohol
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol or mannitol
IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea)
IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)
Inflammation damages absorption
Increased bowel movement in hyperthyroidism
Poor digestion and nutrient absorption
Antibiotics (destroy gut flora)
Frequent loose/watery stools
Urgent need to pass stools
Sunken eyes (in children)
Most cases are diagnosed clinically and improve within a few days. Medical tests are required if diarrhea is severe or persistent.
Stool microscopy / culture
Routine blood tests (CBC, electrolytes)
Food intolerance testing if suspected
Colonoscopy in chronic or unclear cases
The main treatment is fluid and electrolyte replacement.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution):
Sip small amounts frequently
Especially important for children & elderly
Homemade ORS (1 liter boiled & cooled water)
Raw salads during active diarrhea
Rice, curd, bananas, toast (BRAT diet)
Milk (if lactose sensitive)
Reduces frequency (avoid in bloody diarrhea/fever)
Anti-secretory, reduces fluid loss
Restores healthy gut bacteria
Only if bacterial infection confirmed/strong suspicion
⚠️ Avoid self-medication with antibiotics unless advised by a doctor.
Following recent travel or contaminated food exposure
In infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals
Drink clean, treated or boiled water
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Avoid street food in unsafe areas
Safe food storage and preparation
Avoid sharing water bottles during infections
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The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of information you read on this website. The use of any information provided here is solely at your own risk.