What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be defined as loose, watery bowel movements and usually happen more often than normal bowel movements. Having loose stools three times a day or more is considered diarrhea. Usually, diarrhea only lasts for a short period of time, but chronic or persistent diarrhea can point to a much more serious complication. At Apollo Clinic , our team is happy to help you identify the cause of your GI discomforts to find you relief and help your GI tract function normally.

What can cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a generally common condition. Most of us have experienced watery and loose stools after eating some bad food, during stressful times in our lives, or after starting a new medication. It can sometimes, however, indicate that something more serious is going on in your body. Here is a list of possible habits or conditions that can cause diarrhea:

Bacteria and parasites from contaminated food or water
Viruses
Lactose intolerance
Alcohol abuse
Laxative abuse
Overactive thyroid
Radiation therapy
Runner’s diarrhea
Some cancers
Difficulty digesting fructose
Artificial sweeteners
Surgery—sometimes abdominal and gallbladder removal surgeries can cause diarrhea
Malabsorption—trouble absorbing certain nutrients

How can I relieve my diarrhea?

When you or a loved one is experiencing diarrhea, the most important thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids being lost during watery bowel movements. You can also include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast into your diet. If you believe you have a virus or bacteria, antibiotics or antivirals might be prescribed. You can also use over-the-counter medications with your physician’s oversight.

What conditions and diseases manifest themselves through diarrhea?

There are several conditions, diseases, and cancers that manifest themselves through diarrhea. Some of these conditions include:

Food poisoning
Colon cancer
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Lactose intolerance
Gluten intolerance
Constipation
Gallbladder disease
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis
Colorectal polyps

Diarrhea is manifested in several GI issues. That is why it is important to not self-diagnose and seek out the help of a GI specialist if severe diarrhea develops. Read some of our suggestions below on when you should visit a doctor.

When should I visit a gastroenterologist for diarrhea?

When your diarrhea becomes severe, contact a GI location as soon as possible. Some signs of severe diarrhea include:

Diarrhea accompanied by a fever
Lasts longer than 2 days
Dark urine and diarrhea
Severe stomach pain
Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
After a vacation in a foreign country

If any of these issues manifest themselves, it is important to contact our Guwahati network to find out if it’s time for you to visit a gastroenterologist.

Diarrhea could be a symptom of something serious

Diarrhea, while uncomfortable to deal with, can often be a sign of other GI issues. If you or a loved one is experiencing diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days, is accompanied by a fever, is present after a vacation to a foreign country, or something else, we urge you to reach out to find a GI specialist in our network near you. Our physician-led network is proud to have a patient-centered focus and is always striving to help you resolve your gastrointestinal issues so you can live comfortably. For more information, Call now