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Published on: Dec 26, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Diarrhea Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention ?

First, it is important to distinguish between infantile and non-infantile diarrhea. The first type of diarrhea usually starts as an infection in the intestines and ends as a short illness, typically with weight loss and other symptoms not typical of food poisoning such as fever and bloody stools. The other type refers to gastroenteritis which presents itself with stomach cramps or pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or low energy levels and general sense of unwellness.

How to treat diarrhea:

First and foremost, drink lots of fluids (water!). It is also very important to stay hydrated in order to prevent further dehydration . If your doctor recommends it, you can take medication such as rehydration salts or ZP12 for this
Stay away from spicy food
Eat small portions and eat more frequently than usual -Remember, if you feel better after eating a certain food then you should continue eating that kind of food! It might be helpful to try out different foods until you find what works best for your system. This way the cycle doesn't continue and just becomes worse.

Diarrhea is caused by an infection, food poisoning or water-borne illness.
Diarrhea doesn't usually occur without other symptoms; however, some people experience diarrhea as their first sign of an intestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease.

In most cases of diarrhea, there's no way to avoid it because the cause isn't known. However, certain preventive measures include avoiding contact with people who have infections and washing your hands thoroughly after using a public restroom. In addition, you should wash good kitchen utensils before preparing foods that might have been contaminated with bacteria from raw meat or seafood products that didn't go through a kill step.

Diarrhea is a common sign of a number of different bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The most common kinds are food poisoning from E. coli or Salmonella contamination, traveller's diarrhea from eating dirty salads and drinks, cyclospora infection from eating infected fruits and vegetables - often in South East Asia where outbreaks have been well recognised among backpackers - the rotavirus transmitted by children excreting it to each other during playtime or daycare.

The treatment for diarrhoea is usually supportive care with replenishing fluids lost due to vomiting and premature toilet use. Antibiotics can be prescribed to cover possible bacterial causes but they will not help viruses or parasites.

Diarrhea is a symptom, not an illness. If the diarrhea lasts for more than a few days symtpoms worsen and complications can develop. There are many possible causes including virus, bacteria, food poisoning as well as thyroid disorders and other endocrine diseases that result in diarrhea.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Infection from bacteria or viruses
Infection from parasites
Deficient intake of fluids or foreign substances in stool
Fecal impaction (feces harden inside the rectum)
Systemic bacterial infection due to incompetent immune system, typically found

A healthy adult's body has a certain level of "bacteria", and when the balance between good things you take in, and bad things that happen to your body is out of whack, then you'll experience diarrhea. Probiotic supplements may also help.
Maintaining a Normal Balance- Eat fruits and vegetables to get nutrients from a wide variety of sources. Avoid sugar while your stomach is healing because it often causes gas, bloating, or constipation if eaten within hours after taking Imodium Acids or Kaopectate . Drink enough fluids to keep well hydrated without drinking too many liquids towards the end which may cause an overdose.

There are some things you can do to help deal with diarrhea if it's due to a virus. Drink plenty of fluids, take some over-the-counter anti nausea, and replace electrolytes with a little more sugar or water that the body is going to expel anyway. If drinking liquids isn't something you can handle, talk to a doctor about giving an IV solution of sugar and water as well as magnesium sulfate for cramping.

If your diarrhea is caused by an antibiotic or another chemical make sure you contact your physician immediately! You may want to wait 24 hours from the last dose before taking any medicine for this stomach ache symptom though.
It is essential to have a good source of fluids, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated. This includes water and also other liquids, such as non-carbonated fruit beverage, ginger ale, apple juice without added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Options might include wearing loose-fitting clothing and taking an over the counter medication like Immodium or Loperamide for diarrhea relief.

You should contact the doctor if you are sick with diarrhea for longer than 3 days regardless of age because this could be serious. It is also advised that you do not eat any more uncooked food if your stomach has been upset by these foods in the past.

Diarrhea is also known as acute diarrhoea, the runs or piles. It causes stomach cramps, nausea and excesses of pale yellow bowel movements which are more frequent than normal. There are different types of diarrhea you can have according to the cause or type of bacteria that's causing it. You may want to take for example metronidazole if you're experiencing traveler's diarrhea, take bismuth subcitrate potassium for colitis, tetracycline if you're taking antibiotics...etc.

You always want to drink plenty liquids since dehydration can worsen the symptoms (which worsens diarrhea). Diarrhea is a symptom and not a disease. You need to know what your primary cause or risk factors are in order to eliminate or reduce the chances of it happening again.
Symptoms may include bloated stomach, abdominal cramps, vomiting, excessive gas, mucous in stool. Causes can be food poisoning--such as from Salmonella infection--diarrhea caused by bacteria such as Campylobacter or E coli that gets into food from things like raw fruits and vegetables that have been washed but not peeled well enough before being cut up for use in salads-or Diarrhea caused by bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae which enter the body through contaminated water drunk while swimming in polluted seawater

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Curbing Dengue: How to Protect Yourself and Your Community

Dengue fever is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the Aedes mosquito thrives. With millions of cases reported annually, it’s essential to understand how to curb dengue and protect yourself and your community from this potentially life-threatening disease. This blog will cover effective strategies to reduce the spread of dengue, symptoms to watch for, and tips on preventing mosquito bites.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. This mosquito is known for its black and white stripes and tends to bite during the day, with peak biting periods early in the morning and before dusk.

Once a person is infected, symptoms usually appear within 4 to 10 days. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeds). In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

How Dengue Spreads

Understanding how dengue spreads is crucial to curbing its transmission. The dengue virus cannot spread directly from person to person. Instead, an infected person must first be bitten by a mosquito, which then carries the virus to another person through subsequent bites. This is why controlling the mosquito population is vital in preventing outbreaks.

The Aedes mosquito breeds in stagnant water, such as in flower pots, buckets, discarded tires, and other containers. Urban environments with poor waste management and sanitation provide ideal breeding grounds for these mosquitoes, contributing to the rapid spread of dengue.

Strategies to Curb Dengue

Curbing dengue requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. Here are some key strategies to reduce the spread of dengue:

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

The most effective way to curb dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Since Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and clean areas where water can accumulate. Here’s how you can do your part:

- Empty and Clean Water Containers: Regularly empty and scrub water containers such as buckets, flower pots, and pet dishes to remove any mosquito eggs.

- Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of old tires, bottles, and cans that can collect rainwater. Proper waste management reduces potential breeding grounds.

- Cover Water Storage: If you store water in tanks or containers, make sure they are tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

- Clear Drains and Gutters: Ensure that drains and gutters are not clogged and that water flows freely to avoid pooling.

2. Use Mosquito Repellents and Protective Clothing

Since it’s not always possible to eliminate all mosquito breeding sites, personal protection is essential. Using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your chances of getting bitten.

- Apply Mosquito Repellent: Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, especially during the early morning and late afternoon, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure.

- Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: If you live in or are visiting a dengue-prone area, sleep under a mosquito net, even during the day, to prevent bites.

3. Community Involvement and Education

Community involvement is crucial in the fight against dengue. Educating your community about the risks of dengue and how to prevent it can lead to collective action that significantly reduces the mosquito population.

- Organize Clean-Up Campaigns: Participate in or organize community clean-up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Regularly scheduled clean-ups can make a big difference.

- Educate and Raise Awareness: Use community centers, schools, and social media to spread awareness about dengue prevention. The more people know, the more likely they are to take preventive measures.

- Support Local Health Initiatives: Collaborate with local health authorities and support government initiatives aimed at controlling mosquito populations and preventing dengue.

4. Government and Public Health Interventions

Governments and public health organizations play a critical role in curbing dengue by implementing large-scale interventions. These include:

- Mosquito Control Programs: Governments often conduct fogging operations, which involve spraying insecticides in dengue-prone areas to kill adult mosquitoes. While effective in reducing mosquito populations, these efforts must be combined with community action for lasting results.

- Public Health Campaigns: Public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about dengue prevention are essential. Governments can use media outlets, such as television, radio, and social media, to reach a broad audience.

- Disease Surveillance: Monitoring and reporting dengue cases help health authorities track the spread of the disease and respond promptly to outbreaks. Timely intervention can prevent the situation from escalating.

Recognizing Dengue Symptoms and Seeking Treatment

Despite your best efforts to prevent dengue, it’s essential to know the symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been infected. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can prevent complications and save lives.

If you experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash, seek medical attention immediately. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but supportive care, such as hydration and pain management, can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications.

Conclusion

Curbing dengue is a shared responsibility that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting yourself from bites, educating your community, and supporting public health initiatives, you can play a significant role in preventing the spread of dengue. Remember, every effort counts when it comes to protecting yourself and your community from this dangerous disease. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take action to curb dengue today.