Why It’S Important To Not Ignore Diarrhea?

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Diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years old, causing around 443,832 deaths annually. Acute diarrhea, which can last several days and may be the only symptom of a condition, usually resolves on its own within a few days. Severe diarrhea, which involves more than 10 bowel movements per day or fluid loss, is more common in people living in or traveling to developing countries and usually resolves after one or two days. When diarrhea lasts more than a few days, it may indicate a serious health issue.

In developing countries, most episodes of diarrhea morbidity are not reported to the health system, requiring active surveillance. Diarrhea can be caused by viruses such as the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus, as well as food intolerances and sensitivities. Diarrhea can also have causes other than underlying diseases, such as a liquid diet, food intolerance, stress, anxiety, or laxative use.

Current diarrhea, lasting more than 3 or 4 weeks, has various possible causes, including dehydration, which can be serious. Replacing lost body fluids is crucial for the first 24 hours. Diarrhea may also be associated with other gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, fecal urgency, and tenesmus. Diagnosis and effective therapy are essential for eradicating the infection and life-long risk involved.

Diarrhoea accounts for nearly 760,000 deaths per year, and only one third of children with diarrheal diseases receive the recommended treatment. The aid system should target resources to diseases that pose the greatest burden to a population, like diarrhea.

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Why is it important to prevent diarrhea?

  • Key facts. Diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of death in children 1–59 months of age. It is both preventable and treatable.
  • Each year diarrhoea kills around 443 832 children under 5 and an additional 50 851 children aged 5 to 9 years.
  • A significant proportion of diarrhoeal disease can be prevented through safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene.
  • Globally, there are nearly 1. 7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease every year.
  • Diarrhoea is a leading cause of malnutrition in children under 5 years old.

Overview. Diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years old and is responsible for killing around 443 832 children every year. Diarrhoea can last several days and can leave the body without the water and salts that are necessary for survival. In the past, for most people, severe dehydration and fluid loss were the main causes of diarrhoea-associated deaths. Now, other causes such as septic bacterial infections are likely to account for an increasing proportion of all diarrhoea-associated deaths. Children who are malnourished or have impaired immunity, as well as people living with HIV, are most at risk of life-threatening diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual). Frequent passing of formed stools is not diarrhoea, nor is the passing of loose, pasty stools by breastfed babies.

Is diarrhea harmful to humans?
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Is diarrhea harmful to humans?

Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. It’s important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out.

How is diarrhea treated?. Usually, you can get rid of diarrhea at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for diarrhea, like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate®), often help people feel better quickly. You’ll need to see a healthcare provider for diarrhea that doesn’t improve or that happens alongside symptoms of severe diarrhea.

  • Antibiotics or antiparasitics. These drugs kill infection-causing germs.
  • Medications that treat chronic conditions. Treating underlying conditions that cause diarrhea, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS, can help.
  • Probiotics. Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your gut to combat diarrhea. Your healthcare provider may suggest you try them. Always talk to your provider before starting a probiotic or any supplement.

Can I stop diarrhea without taking anti-diarrhea medicine?. You can often get rid of acute diarrhea through lifestyle changes you can make at home.

Why is it important to treat diarrhea?
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Why is it important to treat diarrhea?

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?. Symptoms of diarrhea may vary from person to person. It is possible to list the most common complaints as follows; • Stool is usually liquid, loose or watery. In this way, defecation may occur many times during the day. • Pain in the abdominal area, cramps, bloating or gas are among the complaints experienced. • If the underlying cause of diarrhea is an infectious disease, fever is also observed along with diarrhea. In such a case, it is important to consult a physician without wasting time. • Since fluid loss occurs with diarrhea, dry mouth and dry skin may also be observed due to dehydration. At the same time, urine output may decrease due to fluid loss. • Diarrhea can also cause weakness and fatigue due to both fluid loss and inadequate nutritional intake.

What Causes Diarrhea?. Many problems, from digestive disorders to infections, from parasites to stress, can cause diarrhea. Viral and bacterial infections caused by pathogens such as norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli and Salmonella can cause diarrhea. Food left out in the open or not stored under appropriate conditions, especially in the summer months, can cause food poisoning. Intestinal parasites such as amoebas and giardia can also cause diarrhea. Some medications, especially antibiotics, can also cause diarrhea because they can affect the intestinal flora. It is known that intense stress, which affects the whole body, also has an effect on the intestines. Therefore, the person’s psychological structure can also affect bowel movements, causing diarrhea.

What are the Types of Diarrhea?. Acute Diarrhea. Sudden onset of acute diarrhea can usually be experienced due to reasons such as viral or bacterial diseases or food poisoning. Acute diarrhea can continue for several days.

What is a bad case of diarrhea?
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What is a bad case of diarrhea?

Call your doctor right away if you have: Blood in your diarrhea or black, tarry stools. A fever that is high (above 101 F) or that lasts more than 24 hours. Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days.

When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (or stools) are loose and watery. It’s common and usually not serious.

Many people get diarrhea a few times a year. It normally lasts 2 to 3 days. Some people get it more often. That could be because they have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other conditions.

This most common type lasts a couple of days at the most and usually gets better without treatment.

Is it important to eat when you have diarrhea?
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Is it important to eat when you have diarrhea?

During gastroenteritis, it is important to eat as normally as possible. In fact, eating helps the lining of the intestine to heal quickly and allows the body to regain strength. On the contrary, not eating prolongs diarrhea.

During gastroenteritis, it is important to eat as normally as possible. In fact, eating helps the lining of the intestine to heal quickly and allows the body to regain strength. On the contrary, not eating prolongs diarrhea.

Start by eating small amounts of food. Then, gradually increase quantities depending on your appetite and the improvement of your condition.

Make sure you rehydrate well by drinking water or a rehydration solution preferably, especially if you cannot eat. If your child is breast or bottle-fed, he or she can continue drinking his or her regular milk, without diluting it. Offer it more often, in small quantities. To find out more about rehydration, read the page Hydrating and rehydrating when you have gastroenteritis.

How do you deal with diarrhoea in public?
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How do you deal with diarrhoea in public?

While annoying, inconvenient and embarrassing, there are ways to quickly and discreetly manage diarrhea in public. Prevention is Key. If you are experiencing an upset stomach or other common warning signs of diarrhea, be careful about what you eat. … Be Prepared. … Stay Calm. … Locate the Nearest Restroom. … Ask for Help.

Whether it’s an everyday event like running errands or a special occasion like a holiday gathering, obligations that take you out of the house are one of the worst times for an unexpected bout of diarrhea. Experiencing diarrhea while in public, surrounded by people, can be a very uncomfortable situation.

Interestingly, studies show a significant correlation between stress and diarrhea, so you might find that stressful public events make you more likely to experience diarrhea than when you’re relaxing at home. While annoying, inconvenient and embarrassing, there are ways to quickly and discreetly manage diarrhea in public.

1. Prevention is Key. If you are experiencing an upset stomach or other common warning signs of diarrhea, be careful about what you eat. Stick with easy-to-digest and bland foods like bananas, unsweetened applesauce, soups and stews. This is not the time to indulge in spicy or greasy foods, and best to avoid large portions. Other common irritants include alcohol, coffee and, of course, it’s best to avoid foods that have caused you digestive upset in the past.

Why is diarrhea a concern?
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Why is diarrhea a concern?

Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days, it is usually a clue to another problem — such as medicine side effects, changes in diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Symptoms. Symptoms associated with loose, watery stools, also called diarrhea, may include:

  • Belly cramps or pain.
  • Bloating.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Fever.
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Mucus in the stool.
  • Urgent need to pass stool.
What are the safety considerations for diarrhea?
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What are the safety considerations for diarrhea?

Understanding Diarrhea — PreventionDrink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing. Avoid eating food from street vendors. Avoid ice made with tap water. Eat only those fruits or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.

Though some types of diarrhea, such as those due to other medical conditions, are unavoidable, infectious diarrhea can be prevented.

The most important way to avoid diarrhea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause it. This means that good hand washing and hygiene are very important.

Also, if you travel to developing countries, you should take the following precautions:

How do you care for a patient who has diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.

Should not be included in the diet of a patient of diarrhoea?
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Should not be included in the diet of a patient of diarrhoea?

You should avoid certain kinds of foods when you have diarrhea, including fried foods and greasy foods. Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stool. For some, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make you lose too much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak. It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss.

A stomach or intestinal illness is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea. Many other medicines can also cause diarrhea.

These things may help you feel better if you have diarrhea:


📹 Do not neglect nagging pain or discomfort in lower abdomen .


Why It'S Important To Not Ignore Diarrhea
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Elle Pierson

Hi, I’m Elle Pierson, RN, MBA—a passionate Healthcare Consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve better health outcomes. As a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Mentor, I bring my expertise in medicine and healthcare management to help others navigate complex systems with confidence. My mission is to inspire change and create meaningful solutions in the world of healthcare. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Executive MBA from Texas Woman’s University.
Email: [email protected]

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