• Published on: Apr 15, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Diarrhea – Causes & Treatment!

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Diarrhea – causes & treatment!

Diarrhea is a condition that causes you to have three or more loose, watery stools in a day. If you have diarrhea, you may also have nausea, vomiting, cramps, and a fever. Diarrhea can be caused by many things, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, food poisoning, and medications. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatments and other health conditions. If you have diarrhea for more than 2 days or it is severe, contact your doctor. You may need intravenous fluids if you are dehydrated. Book a doctor's visit to get the help you need today!

It is best to speak to your doctor online or in person. However, some causes of diarrhea include: eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, a virus, bacterial infection, or parasite. Sometimes antibiotics can cause diarrhea as a side effect.  If you are experiencing diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolyte-containing drinks such as sports drinks or coconut water. If your diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, or if you develop other symptoms, you should consult your doctor. You may need medication to stop diarrhea or to treat an underlying infection.

Diarrhea is caused by different things, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, food allergies, and intolerances, and stress. It's important to find the cause of your diarrhea so that you can get the right treatment. Often times people will just try to ride it out and not seek medical help which can lead to further health complications. If the diarrhea is accompanied by fever, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, then you should go to the ER. Otherwise, you can try taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium and drink plenty of fluids. It's also a good idea to avoid dairy products and caffeine while you're recovering.

If your diarrhea persists for more than a few days or if it keeps coming back, then you should see a doctor. Book an appointment online today. There are many causes of diarrhea, but some common ones include food poisoning, a virus, or bacteria. If you have diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by fever, blood in your stool, or severe abdominal pain, it's important to see a doctor. In the meantime, you can try to ease your symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding dairy products and sugary drinks. You may also find that certain foods make your diarrhea worse - for example, spicy foods or caffeine. If you're having trouble keeping anything down, try taking small sips of water or an electrolyte drink like Gatorade.

There are many possible causes of diarrhea, ranging from mild to life-threatening. It's important to see a doctor if you have diarrhea so that the cause can be identified and treated.

Some common causes of diarrhea include:

-Food poisoning

-A reaction to the medication

-A virus such as the flu or norovirus

-Bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella

-Parasites, such as Giardia lamblia or cryptosporidium

-Lactose intolerance

Diarrhea can be a symptom of many diseases and conditions, such as bacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. In some cases it may be a side effect of medication. If you have diarrhea for more than two days – or if you have blood in your stool – please see your doctor. Untreated diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious health problems.

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of things, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, or food allergies. It can also be the side effect of medication or radiation therapy. If you are experiencing diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can also take over-the-counter medication such as Pepto-Bismol or Imodium to help relieve symptoms. Dehydration is the most common complication of diarrhea. It can be caused by diarrhea itself, or by vomiting associated with it. Children are more likely to become dehydrated than adults.

Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, decreased urine output, dry mouth, and sunken eyes. In severe cases, a person may develop confusion or seizures. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting. If you are unable to keep liquids down or if your symptoms worsen, see your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

There are many potential causes of diarrhea, and it is best to speak to a doctor if the diarrhea persists for more than a day or two. Some common causes of diarrhea include food poisoning, viral or bacterial infections, and medications. Frequent consumption of dairy products, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or alcohol can also lead to episodes of diarrhea. In addition, problems with the digestive system such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause persistent episodes of diarrhea. You can try some over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Imodium to help relieve your symptoms. However, if you have frequent episodes of diarrhea, then it may be a good idea to see your doctor and get some medication to help regulate your bowel movements. There are a variety of different medications that can be prescribed depending on the underlying cause of your diarrhea.

You can also try natural remedies such as ginger tea or probiotics. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. If your diarrhea is mild and you're not pregnant, the best home treatment is to drink plenty of fluids, including water, sports drinks, or broth. You can also eat light foods such as saltine crackers, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Read Blog

Heart Related Health Issues: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Heart related health issues remain one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Despite advancements in medical care, many heart conditions are diagnosed late because early symptoms are subtle, misunderstood or ignored. Understanding early warning signs of heart related health issues is crucial, as timely action can prevent life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Public health data consistently shows that most cardiovascular events are preceded by warning signals that appear weeks, months or even years earlier. Recognising these signs allows for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.

 

What Are Heart Related Health Issues?

Heart related health issues include conditions that affect:

  • the heart muscle
     

  • coronary arteries
     

  • heart valves
     

  • electrical system of the heart
     

Common conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension-related heart damage.

 

Why Heart Problems Often Go Unnoticed

Heart disease is often called a “silent killer” because:

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • early signs are mild
     

  • discomfort is mistaken for fatigue or indigestion
     

  • people delay medical evaluation
     

Unfortunately, waiting for severe pain or emergencies increases risk.

 

Early Warning Signs of Heart Related Health Issues

Chest Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is the most recognised warning sign, but it does not always feel severe.

It may present as:

  • pressure
     

  • tightness
     

  • heaviness
     

  • burning sensation
     

Chest discomfort may come and go and worsen with exertion.

 

Breathlessness

Shortness of breath during routine activities or at rest may indicate:

  • reduced heart pumping capacity
     

  • fluid buildup in lungs
     

Breathlessness is often an early sign of heart failure or coronary disease.

 

Unusual Fatigue

Persistent, unexplained fatigue can signal reduced blood supply to the body.

People may notice:

  • exhaustion after minimal activity
     

  • reduced stamina
     

  • prolonged recovery after exertion
     

Fatigue is frequently overlooked as stress or ageing.

 

Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat

Feeling the heart race, flutter or skip beats may indicate rhythm disturbances.

Symptoms include:

  • rapid heartbeat
     

  • pounding sensation
     

  • irregular pulse
     

Some arrhythmias increase stroke risk if untreated.

 

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause:

  • dizziness
     

  • fainting spells
     

  • imbalance
     

These symptoms may signal heart rhythm or blood pressure issues.

 

Swelling in Legs or Ankles

Fluid retention in lower limbs suggests:

  • weakened heart function
     

  • poor circulation
     

Swelling often worsens by evening and improves overnight.

 

Pain in Other Areas

Heart-related pain may radiate to:

  • left arm
     

  • neck
     

  • jaw
     

  • back
     

  • upper abdomen
     

This atypical pain is common and frequently misdiagnosed.

 

Symptoms That Are More Common in Women

Women may experience:

  • nausea
     

  • jaw pain
     

  • back pain
     

  • extreme fatigue
     

  • shortness of breath without chest pain
     

These non-classic symptoms often delay diagnosis.

 

Risk Factors for Heart Related Health Issues

Major risk factors include:

  • high blood pressure
     

  • diabetes
     

  • high cholesterol
     

  • smoking
     

  • obesity
     

  • sedentary lifestyle
     

  • chronic stress
     

  • family history
     

Risk increases when multiple factors coexist.

 

Why Early Detection Is Critical

Early diagnosis:

  • prevents heart attacks
     

  • reduces heart muscle damage
     

  • lowers hospitalisation risk
     

  • improves quality of life
     

Most heart conditions are manageable when detected early.

 

How Heart Problems Are Diagnosed

Evaluation may involve:

  • blood pressure measurement
     

  • blood tests
     

  • electrocardiogram (ECG)
     

  • imaging studies
     

  • stress testing
     

Tests are chosen based on symptoms and risk profile.

 

Treatment and Management

Medical Management

Depending on the condition:

  • medications
     

  • lifestyle changes
     

  • monitoring
     

Early treatment slows disease progression.

 

Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle plays a major role in heart health:

  • balanced diet
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • stress management
     

  • adequate sleep
     

  • smoking cessation
     

Lifestyle changes significantly reduce risk.

 

Preventive Measures for Heart Health

  • regular health checkups
     

  • blood pressure and sugar monitoring
     

  • cholesterol screening
     

  • physical activity
     

  • heart-healthy diet
     

Prevention is the most effective strategy against heart disease.

 

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Seek urgent care if:

  • chest pain is severe or persistent
     

  • breathlessness occurs suddenly
     

  • fainting happens
     

  • pain radiates to arm or jaw
     

Prompt action saves lives.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Warning Signs

Ignoring early symptoms may lead to:

  • heart attack
     

  • stroke
     

  • heart failure
     

  • permanent heart damage
     

  • sudden cardiac events
     

Delayed care increases mortality risk.

 

Conclusion

Heart related health issues rarely appear suddenly without warning. The body often sends early signals such as chest discomfort, fatigue, breathlessness and palpitations long before emergencies occur. Recognising these early warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent serious complications and save lives. Heart health requires awareness, proactive care and early action—because when it comes to the heart, ignoring symptoms is a risk no one should take.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular Disease Report

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Health Guidelines

  • National Heart Institute – Early Signs of Heart Disease

  • Lancet – Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Studies

  • Indian Journal of Cardiology – Heart Disease Detection and Preventio

  •  Statista – Heart Disease Trends and Risk Factors

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