Diarrhea, a prevalent gastrointestinal issue, manifests as frequent and excessive bowel movements accompanied by abnormally watery stools and abdominal discomfort. When faced with this predicament, you may ask, “What’s the quickest way to stop diarrhoea?”
If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you might be dealing with acute diarrhoea lasting one to two weeks during temporary illness. Alternatively, you may grapple with chronic diarrhoea, which persists longer.
Officially, diarrhoea entails having loose or watery stools three or more times within 24 hours.
Acute diarrhoea can defend your body against temporary infections or viruses. Despite being uncomfortable, short-term diarrhoea expedites the expelling of harmful substances from your gastrointestinal tract, preventing potential complications.
Chronic diarrhoea presents differently and is influenced by various dietary and lifestyle factors such as immune system status and stress levels.
Research indicates that approximately 3 per cent of individuals travelling to developing countries experience chronic/persistent diarrhoea, commonly known as traveller’s diarrhoea. While acute diarrhoea can often be managed without medical intervention, chronic diarrhoea poses challenges, potentially leading to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
What causes chronic diarrhoea? Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and ulcerative colitis are frequent culprits.
Fortunately, there are natural approaches to treating both types of diarrhoea. Below, we’ll explore methods for thickening stools, rehydrating the body, and alleviating diarrhoea symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
Diarrhea typically arises as a response to dehydration, infection, or toxins in the digestive system, including various bacteria, parasites, and food allergies.
One significant risk of diarrhoea is its potential to exacerbate dehydration and illness, leading to electrolyte imbalances and mineral loss.
If you’re unfamiliar with the symptoms of diarrhoea, they often include:
- Frequent bowel movements exceeding one to two times daily
- Watery or loose stools
- Abdominal discomfort, accompanied by cramping and bloating
- Occasional nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty eating
- Increased thirst due to frequent urination
- Occasionally, fever symptoms, depending on the underlying cause of diarrhoea
- Signs of dehydration, such as weakness, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure
Effectively addressing diarrhoea symptoms and preventing recurrence hinges on identifying the underlying causes, including dehydration, illness, or food poisoning.
Causes of Watery Diarrhea in Adults
In adults, common causes and risk factors for diarrhoea encompass bacterial infections, SIBO, food allergies (particularly lactose intolerance), contaminated water or food, dehydration, digestive disorders (like IBS, IBD, or Crohn’s disease), excessive consumption of certain foods or beverages, emotional stress, medication side effects (especially antacids), and excessive intake of certain supplements like vitamin C and magnesium.
What Causes Diarrhea in Adults and Children?
Children and infants often experience diarrhoea due to causes such as rotavirus (viral gastroenteritis), food allergies (especially lactose intolerance), reactions to formula or breastfeeding, inadequate fluid intake, bacterial infections, and antibiotic use.
While softer bowel movements and increased frequency are typical in infants, prolonged diarrhoea or accompanying symptoms like dehydration warrant medical attention.
Conventional Treatments for Diarrhea
If diarrhoea persists for over one to two weeks without improvement despite home remedies, seeking medical advice is advisable. However, for acute cases where symptoms are manageable and not indicative of complications, healthcare professionals may recommend:
- Anti-diarrheal medications, also known as anti-motility medicines, provide quick relief from diarrhoea symptoms. However, suppressing diarrhoea may prolong the presence of harmful microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, using them judiciously and prioritising natural methods to combat dehydration is essential.
- Following an elimination diet: Healthcare providers may suggest an elimination diet to identify trigger foods for chronic diarrhoea. By temporarily avoiding certain foods like dairy products and gradually reintroducing them, individuals can gauge their impact on symptoms and make informed dietary choices.
Natural Home Remedies
Opting for natural remedies can be gentle yet effective. From soothing foods to essential oils, let’s explore the power of nature in calming your upset stomach.
Hydration and Rest
Staying hydrated and getting ample rest is paramount when battling diarrhoea. We’ll delve into hydration strategies and the importance of giving your body the rest it needs.
Recommended Supplements
Certain supplements, like probiotics and digestive enzymes, can help restore gut health and ease digestive discomfort. Let’s explore their role in managing diarrhoea.
The Power of Essential Oils
Essential oils, particularly peppermint oil, have shown promise in alleviating diarrhoea symptoms. We’ll uncover how these oils work their magic on your upset stomach.
Addressing Diarrhea in Infants and Children
Diarrhoea in infants and children requires special attention due to their vulnerability to dehydration. Discover gentle yet effective ways to manage diarrhoea in the little ones.
Precautions to Take
When dealing with acute diarrhoea, it’s often advisable to attempt self-treatment for a few days, monitoring symptom improvement using the recommendations provided while allowing the condition to resolve naturally. However, it’s essential to seek medical attention if:
- Diarrhea persists for several days in infants, young children, or the elderly, especially if accompanied by other health issues or underweight conditions.
- More severe symptoms emerge, such as blood or mucus in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or fever.
Keep a close eye on signs of dehydration and take measures to replenish fluids and electrolytes. If you experience dizziness, weakness, or confusion, consulting a doctor promptly can help prevent potential complications.
Final Thoughts
Diarrhea, though bothersome, is often manageable with the right approach. By understanding its causes and implementing effective remedies, you can bid farewell to discomfort and return to feeling your best.
FAQs About Diarrhea
What are the common symptoms of diarrhoea?
Common symptoms include frequent loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration.
Can stress cause diarrhoea?
Yes, emotional stress can contribute to diarrhoea, especially in individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Is it safe to give anti-diarrheal medications to infants?
It’s not recommended to give anti-diarrheal medications to infants without consulting a paediatrician first.
How long does diarrhoea usually last?
Acute diarrhoea typically resolves within a few days, while chronic diarrhoea may persist for several weeks or longer.
When should I see a doctor for diarrhoea?
It’s advisable to seek medical attention if diarrhoea persists for over a few days, is accompanied by severe symptoms like fever or dehydration, or occurs in infants or the elderly.