Here's When to Seek Help for Diarrhea

When to consult in case of Diarrhea

Diarrhea may attack any children, adults, even the old people. In the majority of cases it makes itself in one or two days. However, when do you call your doctor? This is a simple guide on how to understand whether your diarrhea is a serious one or not, written by Houston gastroenterologist Dr. Bharat Pothuri. We will also discuss the usual causes, special situations, and the easy way of feeling better.

Table of Contents

• 1. What is Diarrhea?
• 2. Common Causes of Diarrhea
• 3. Special Scenarios
  • Diarrhea: Is It an Indication of Pregnancy?
  • Diarrhea in the Morning
  • Would it diarrhea due to an Ulcer?
  • Head Pain and Diarrhea
  • Are Diarrhea and Kidney Stones Cause and Effect?
• 4. When to Seek Medical Help
• 5. Sharp vs. Mild Diarrhea: A Rapid Compare and Contrast
• 6. Home Care Tips
• 7. Prevention Strategies

1. What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea refers to presence of loose watery stools 3 or more times in a day. It may cramp you, or give you a weak feeling or even a dizzy feeling. The average length of the bouts is one to three days. However, at times diarrhea is an indication of a greater issue.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri, as a Houston gastroenterologist, informs his patients that their gut usually speaks to them. We just need to listen.

2. Common Causes of Diarrhea

• Virus infections (stomach flu)
• Bacterial (food poisoning) infections
• Parasites (polluted water)
• Drugs (antibiotics, antacids)
• Lactose, gluten (food intolerances)
• Chronic conditions (IBS, IBD)

You should keep a simple food and symptom diary 24-48 hours in the event you are not certain about the cause of your symptoms. Record your food, bathroom visits, etc. and any other indications such as fever or nausea.

3. Special Scenarios

Some of the frequently asked questions by patients are shown below. We describe each one in a rather informal manner.

a. Diarrhea: Is It an Indication of Pregnancy?

Any type of changes to tummy can come as a result of early pregnancy. Hormone changes make the digestive process slow in some women yet accelerate it in others.

Key points:

• Not all of them have diarrhea during early pregnancy.
• Watch other symptoms: missed period, nausea, tenderness of the breasts.
• In case you think you are pregnant, you should take a test or visit your OB/GYN.

According to Dr. Pothuri stool consistency may vary due to variations in hormone levels. But diarrhea never makes a person sure of being pregnant.

b. Diarrhea in the Morning

It is possible to wake up with diarrhea because of a variety of reasons:

• Food poisoning (dinner) overnight
• Anxiety-related IBS
• Late night eating of the triggers
• Post-antibiotics change in the gut microbes

When you have frequent diarrhea in the morning, record your sleep, stress and food intake. Until 7 pm. it might help to avoid spicy or fatty foods.

c. Would it diarrhea due to an Ulcer?

The peptic ulcers tend to produce pain or indigestion in the belly. But may they also cause diarrhea?

• In the rare occasions, a small intestine ulcer can accelerate digestion.
• The infection of ulcer (H. pylori) occasionally causes soft stools.
• Ulcer medicine (NSAIDs) may irritate the gut, as well as diarrhea.

Consult a gastroenterologist in case of chronic belly pain and diarrhea. You might require such tests as an endoscopy.

d. Head Pain and Diarrhea

Diarrhea may go hand in hand with headaches. Common links include:

• Viral infections (you have them both, flu-like diarrhea and headache)
• Dehydration (through diarrhea, you have a thirst headache)
• Food poisoning (both of them are caused by the presence of bacterial toxins)
• Migraines (another person gets gut migraines with diarrhea)

Keep fluid by taking in little doses of water or oral rehydrating salts. In case your headache is incessable, or in case you experience blurred vision, then call your doctor immediately.

e. Are Diarrhea and Kidney Stones Cause and Effect?

The majority of symptoms of kidney stones include back pain or side pain not diarrhea. But there are those who enquire, If kidney stones give diarrhea?

• Rocks may tense up your organism and distort the digestion.
• Some of these pain killers against stones can irritate your bowel.
• When used as a preventative against infection about a stone, there is a possibility of diarrhea with the intake of antibiotics.

A complete checkup is required in case of severe flank pain in addition to diarrhea. The appropriate imaging tests can be ordered by your Houston or Greater Houston expert.

4. When to Seek Medical Help

What makes you realize that it is time to call your doctor or go to the ER? Look for these red flags.

Immediate Care (Call 911 or Go to the ER)

• Black or bloody tar-like stools
• High fever (over 102 degree F)
• Brutal abdominal pain that is not going away
• Shock (weak pulse, fainting)
• The inability to retain fluids 24 hours

Would You Call Your Hospital Gastroenterologist If!

• In adults, diarrhea takes over 2 days (24 hours in children) to end
• You observe mucus/pus in stool
• You are also losing great weight (over 5 percent body mass)
• Recurring illnesses (IBD, cancer) and fresh diarrhea
• You are above 65 of age with pre-existing health conditions

Houston has great GI clinics which are willing to assist, says Dr. Pothuri. Do not wait until you are thirsty

5. Sharp vs. Mild Diarrhea: A Rapid Compare and Contrast

6. Home Care Tips

A majority of the mild cases of diarrhea resolve at home. Try these simple steps:

Hydration

• Sip water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) at an interval of 15-20 min.
• Avoid drinks that contain sugar, caffeine and alcohol they may aggravate diarrhea.

Diet

• BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.
• Add dry crackers, boiled potatoes or clear broths.
• It is advisable to avoid spicy, fiber-rich food and high-fat foods until you feel better.

Rest

• Give your body time to heal.
• It helps relieve cramps by practicing gentle breathing or meditation.

Probiotics

• Take into consideration live culture yogurt or supplement.
• Probiotics may contain the process of restoring healthy gut bacteria.

Medication (Only If Advised)

• Loperamide (Imodium) is also used to treat minor diarrhea over the counter.
• Antidiarrheal drugs should be avoided in case of a fever or bloody stools.

7. Prevention Strategies

A few habits a day can help you decrease your susceptibility to diarrhea:

Food Safety

• Clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Fry meat to the correct temperature.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy.
• Clean your kitchen and utensils.

Hand Hygiene

• Clean hands before eating and entirely after using the bathroom.
• Apply alcohol-based sanitizer in absence of soap.

Travel Tips

• Consume bottled water where there is insecure supply.
• Avoid uncooked salads, ice and high risk areas food.

Stress Management

• Do yoga, meditation or light exercise.
• Consult a counselor in case anxiety causes your gut problems.

Final Thoughts

Majority of the diarrhea episodes resolve through easy home management. However, when you notice some red flags such as blood in your stool, high fever or any sign of dehydration, then go without wasting more time. Contact your local gastroenterologist of Houston or visit the closest ER.

We are of the opinion that all people are entitled to a quick and clear counsel when tummy ills arise at Gastrodoxs. You can contact the office of Dr. Bharat Pothuri in case you require a personalized care in Houston or the Greater Houston area. Your gut will thank you!