Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common disease that everyone can face unexpectedly. Diarrhea, or loose stools (Diarrhea), means passing loose or watery stools three or more times, or passing mucus stools one or more times per day. If diarrhea lasts no more than 2 weeks, it is called acute diarrhea. If it lasts longer, it is called chronic diarrhea.
The cause of diarrhea is due to the body being infected by pathogens, which produce toxins that react with the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The abdominal pain usually comes in waves of contraction and relaxation. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount and type of pathogens entering the body. If the body rapidly loses water and electrolytes, it may cause low blood pressure and can be life-threatening.
Diarrhea is caused by consuming contaminated food and drinks or those containing pathogens, which may be bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It can also result from taking certain medications, eating spicy foods, food allergies, pancreatitis, or receiving radiation therapy for cancer, among others.
Diarrhea can be classified according to the characteristics of the stool as follows:
- Watery diarrhea
- Mucus diarrhea, mucus with blood
Diarrhea is another disease that the general public often considers normal and self-limiting. But did you know that severe diarrhea can be life-threatening? Therefore, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Severe vomiting
- High fever over 38 degrees Celsius
- Stool with mucus and abnormal foul odor
- Severe abdominal pain along with diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
- Stool containing blood
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, food intake, medication use, frequency of bowel movements, stool characteristics, odor, and color. In some cases, additional tests may be required.
Treatment and Self-Care
- The doctor will treat and prevent dehydration according to the severity of symptoms. In some cases, antibiotics, pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, and antipyretics may be prescribed. For severe diarrhea, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluids and treatment as deemed appropriate by the doctor.
- Eat clean, soft, liquid, freshly cooked, and bland foods.
- Drink clean water.
- Wash hands before eating and after using the restroom every time.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
Dr. Sirinthip Srideemma
Head of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Disease Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
