Symptoms of diarrhea that people with diarrhea often experience are increased bowel movements, which are more than three times a day. In addition, the stools that come out are also liquid in texture.
In addition, another symptom of diarrhea is dehydration. In children, it is characterized by infrequent urination, dry mouth, and crying without tears.
While in adults, it is characterized by fatigue and lack of energy, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are some other symptoms of diarrhea that you need to know about. Before discussing what the symptoms of diarrhea are, you need to know what diarrhea is in general.
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition where the sufferer defecates more often than usual. A person can be said to have diarrhea if he defecates more than three or more times in one day. In addition, the feces that are excreted are also waterier.
Two types of diarrheas can occur, acute or chronic (persistent). Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts for a short time. This is a common health problem. Acute diarrhea usually lasts about a day or two, but can also be longer, then disappears on its own.
Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days is a sign of a more severe problem. Chronic diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Symptoms of chronic diarrhea can be persistent or come and go.
Diarrhea Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s exposure to diarrhea, such as:
– Rarely wash hands after using the toilet
– Unclean food storage area
– Rarely clean the kitchen and toilet
– Unclean water sources
– Often eat cold leftovers
– Rarely wash hands with soap
Causes of Diarrhea
Several conditions can make a person experience diarrhea. Generally caused by the following:
– Bacteria from contaminated food or water
– Viruses such as flu, Norovirus, or Rotavirus. Please note Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children.
– Parasites are tiny organisms found in contaminated food or water.
– Intolerance or sensitivity to foods, such as lactose and fructose.
Some people also experience diarrhea after stomach surgery, as surgery can cause food to move through the digestive system more quickly.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Symptoms of diarrhea themselves vary. A person affected by diarrhea will experience symptoms of diarrhea, such as:
– Stool and liquid
– Abdominal pain and cramps
– Nausea and vomiting
– Headache
– Loss of appetite
– Constant thirst
– Blood in feces
Most diarrhea symptoms above are caused by viral or bacterial infections in the large intestine that come from the food or drink consumed.
Diarrhea Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose diarrhea by conducting a medical interview, physical examination, and supporting examinations, such as:
– Examination of stool samples in the laboratory to identify infections that occur in sufferers.
– Blood tests to determine the cause of diarrhea.
– Additional tests, such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, if a more severe disease is suspected.
Diarrhea Symptoms Treatment and Prevention
The primary treatment for diarrhea is to prevent dehydration. Patients can drink electrolyte fluids to replace body fluids lost due to diarrhea. In addition, consuming soft foods, probiotic supplements, and antidiarrheal drugs obtained at pharmacies is also recommended to speed up recovery from diarrhea.
In more severe conditions, the doctor will give drugs, such as:
– Antibiotics
– Pain reliever
– Drugs that can slow down bowel movements
To prevent diarrhea, it is always recommended to maintain personal and food hygiene, for example, by washing fruits and vegetables, not consuming food or drinking water that has not been cooked until cooked, and diligently washing hands.
If you recognize any symptoms of diarrhea or if you have suffered from persistent or unexplained vomiting and diarrhea, please make sure that you see a doctor immediately. Our English-speaking team of excellent doctors at Prime Plus Medical Canggu is always ready to assist you 24/7.
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