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If you have never suffered from diarrhea ever in your life, then you are one of the luckiest people on earth as almost all of us suffer from this health disorder at least once. But for some people it turns into a chronic problem that can persist for more than four weeks. Acute diarrhea can be a manifestation of comparatively severe diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and dehydration.

Causes of diarrhea

There can be several reasons behind acute as well as chronic diarrhea. The viruses causing diarrhea are Rotavirus, Norwalk virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, Cytomegalovirus etc. Viral diarrhea has a tendency to spread from one to other. Intake of foods and beverages that are contaminated with harmful parasites and bacteria often cause diarrhea. Some of the diarrhea causing organisms includes salmonella, Escherichia Coli, Shigella etc. Antibiotic medicines are also considered as a cause to diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners are sometimes responsible for diarrhea. People who have undergone abdominal surgeries often suffer from diarrhea as an after effect. Crohn’s disease, IBS, Colitis are few common diseases which cause diarrhea in adults.

Symptoms of diarrhea

The commonest symptom of diarrhea is watery loose frequent stool. Acute diarrhea symptoms also include cramps at lower abdomen, bloating tummy, fever and sometimes blood in stool. When diarrhea is caused due to infection or contamination, the patient experiences nausea and vomits several times. If the diarrhea persists for more than three days, chances of dehydration go up. If you are experiencing severe pain in the rectum or abdomen, getting black stools and the body temperature is more than 102 F, it is time to consult a doctor. Infants often cry without tears, become unresponsive as a result of continuous diarrhea.

Diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea

Generally the physicians diagnose diarrhea by the common symptoms but if your case is serious they might perform a rectal analysis test. If the diarrhea is resulting in dehydration, immediate tests are performed for extensive treatment. You will be provided with adequate fluids and mineral at the first go in order to compensate for the lost water content of the body. Antibiotics are also used at times to diarrhea patients.

Home remedies for diarrhea

Some of the over-the-counter medications can reduce the effects of diarrhea but they are not able to cure it completely. Take plenty of pure water and juices. Eating gelatinous foods can also help. You should strictly avoid caffeine, alcohol and juices of pear and apple. Once your condition improves, include chicken and egg to the diet. Foods with low fiber content often improve the condition. Seasoned foods, dairy products, preservative containing foods need to be avoided.

Prevention of diarrhea

Simple changes to your diet can help you get rid of diarrhea. Whenever you take dairy products, make sure they are pasteurized. Always eat food that is well-cooked and never let your cooked food items get exposed to air at room temperature as this instigates the growth of harmful bacteria. Follow these nominal instructions and keep diarrhea at bay.