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Diarrhoea

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea

Last updated: 15 January 2025

Category: diseases

Understanding Diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea is a common condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. While often temporary and mild, persistent or severe cases can indicate underlying health issues. At Bangalore Gastro Centre, our specialists are adept at diagnosing and treating Diarrhoea, offering tailored solutions to suit your specific needs.

Causes.

  1. Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can lead to acute diarrhoea.
  2. Dietary Factors: Consuming contaminated food or water, excessive alcohol, or certain food intolerances can trigger diarrhoea.
  3. Medications: Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhoea.
  4. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease can manifest with chronic diarrhoea.

Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Symptoms.

Diarrhoea may present with various symptoms, including:

  • Frequent loose stools
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Dehydration

Prompt recognition of these symptoms is essential for timely intervention.

How Bangalore Gastro Centre Can Help.

Accurate Diagnosis.

Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to identify the root cause of your diarrhoea, ensuring targeted treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans.

Our experienced gastroenterologists design customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition and needs, promoting optimal outcomes.

Comprehensive Care.

We offer compassionate support and guidance throughout your journey, addressing concerns and providing necessary resources for your well-being.

Results.

Timely intervention and appropriate management are crucial in resolving diarrhoea and preventing complications such as dehydration or malnutrition.

Prevention.

Preventive measures for diarrhoea include:

  • Practicing good hygiene, especially handwashing
  • Avoiding contaminated food or water
  • Vaccination against specific pathogens (e.g., rotavirus)
  • Managing underlying conditions effectively

Meet Our Expert Gastroenterologists.

Our team of dedicated gastroenterologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, including diarrhoea. With their expertise and personalized approach, you can trust that you are in capable hands.

Contact Information.

For appointments and inquiries, please contact us:

  • Tel: 080-4688-8888
  • Email: info@bangaloregastrocentre.com
  • Visit our website www.bangaloregastrocentre.com for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this treatment and condition.

What causes diarrhoea and when should I see a doctor immediately?

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Diarrhoea can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, medications (especially antibiotics), food intolerances, stress, or chronic conditions like IBS or IBD. You should see a doctor immediately if diarrhoea persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied by high fever over 101°F, severe dehydration, blood or mucus in stool, severe abdominal cramping, or signs of dehydration like dizziness and decreased urination.

How can I prevent dehydration during diarrhoea and what should I drink?

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Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, and sugary drinks which can worsen diarrhoea. Aim for small, frequent sips rather than large amounts. Adults should drink at least 2-3 liters daily during acute episodes. Seek immediate medical attention if you show signs of severe dehydration like extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, or weakness.

What foods should I eat and avoid when I have diarrhoea?

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Follow the BRAT diet initially: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are easy to digest and help firm up stools. Other good options include plain crackers, boiled potatoes, lean chicken, and clear soups. Avoid dairy products, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, high-fiber foods, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as symptoms improve. Probiotics may help restore healthy gut bacteria.

How long does diarrhoea typically last and when does it become chronic?

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Acute diarrhoea typically lasts 1-3 days and resolves on its own. Persistent diarrhoea lasts 2-4 weeks, while chronic diarrhoea continues for more than 4 weeks and indicates an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. Viral gastroenteritis usually resolves within 1-3 days, bacterial infections may last 3-7 days, and parasitic infections can persist for weeks without treatment. If diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days or worsens, consult a healthcare provider.

What over-the-counter medications can help treat diarrhoea?

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Over-the-counter options include loperamide (Imodium) to slow intestinal movement and reduce frequency, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for mild cases and upset stomach, and oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. However, avoid anti-diarrheal medications if you have fever, blood in stool, or suspected bacterial infection, as they can trap harmful bacteria. Always read labels carefully and consult a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking other medications.

Can stress and anxiety cause diarrhoea?

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Yes, stress and anxiety can definitely cause diarrhoea through the gut-brain connection. Stress hormones like cortisol can affect gut motility, increase intestinal contractions, and alter the gut microbiome. This is common in conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) where stress is a major trigger. Management includes stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation methods like meditation or yoga, and sometimes counseling or stress management therapy.

What are the warning signs of serious complications from diarrhoea?

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Serious warning signs include signs of severe dehydration (dizziness, rapid heartbeat, decreased urination, extreme thirst), high fever over 102°F, severe abdominal or rectal pain, blood or pus in stool, black or tarry stools, symptoms of shock (weakness, confusion, rapid breathing), or worsening symptoms despite treatment. In children, watch for sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or unusual drowsiness. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

How is infectious diarrhoea different from other types?

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Infectious diarrhoea is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and often includes fever, cramping, and sometimes blood or mucus in stool. It's usually acute and may be accompanied by vomiting. Non-infectious causes include medications, food intolerances, chronic conditions like IBD or IBS, and don't typically cause fever. Infectious diarrhoea may require specific treatments like antibiotics for certain bacterial infections, while non-infectious types focus on symptom management and addressing underlying causes.

When should I take antibiotics for diarrhoea?

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Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial causes of diarrhoea and should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor after proper evaluation. They're typically prescribed for severe bacterial infections, traveler's diarrhoea caused by specific bacteria, or when stool tests confirm bacterial pathogens. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can worsen diarrhoea by disrupting normal gut bacteria and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Most viral diarrhoea resolves without antibiotics.

How can I prevent diarrhoea when traveling?

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Prevent traveler's diarrhoea by drinking only bottled or properly treated water, avoiding ice, raw fruits and vegetables you can't peel yourself, undercooked meat or seafood, dairy products, and street vendor food. Eat only hot, freshly cooked foods and stick to sealed bottled beverages. Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer. Consider bringing probiotics and oral rehydration solutions. If traveling to high-risk areas, consult your doctor about preventive antibiotics or other medications.

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