What Your Diarrhea is Trying to Show You
Passing urine more often than usual? Perhaps, that is what your gut is telling you. Diarrhea is not just a nuisance it can point to some other serious process that is occurring in your body.
You might be up in the heights of Houston or in Galveston bay but it is good to know the signs. In this guide , we'll explain:
- So what causes recurring diarrhea in adults?
- When your symptoms are severe?
- When to see a doctor?
- So what does chronic diarrhea mean?
Professional advice of Houston gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, will also be provided in a way that is easy to understand.
1. Why Diarrhea Happens
Diarrhea is a term which means that your bowel is soft and wet. It is the way where your body is attempting to eliminate something that it does not like.
Most cases are short-lived. However, beware when it keeps on reoccurring or when it is excessive.
Common Causes of acute (sudden) diarrhea:
- Stomach bug or food poisoning
- Medication side effects
- Viral illnesses, including norovirus
Causes Some Adults have diarrhea often:
- High stress
- Food issues (e.g. lactose or gluten)
- Persistent intestinal illness (as IBS or Crohn disease)
It is sensitive in your gut, says Dr. Pothuri. Diarrhea is often the body’s way of trying to clear something irritating or harmful from the digestive system, such as an infection or bad bacteria. Most cases improve with fluids and rest, but diarrhea can become urgent when it is severe, lasts more than a few days, or happens with dehydration, fever, blood in the stool, severe pain, or weakness.
2. Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea
| Characteristic | Acute Diarrhea | Chronic Diarrhea |
|---|---|---|
| How Long | Less than 2 weeks | More than 4 weeks |
| Common Causes | Infections, food disease | IBS, IBD, inefficient nutrient take up |
| Symptoms | This occurs suddenly | Includes cramps, fever |
| When to Worry | More than 48 hrs or fever | Not improving with the treatment |
It is wonderful to have an idea of what you have so that you are sure of what to do next.
3. What Is the Cause of Repeat Diarrhea in Adults
The reasons could be the repetitive visits to the toilet:
- Infections
- Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli
- Viruses: Rotavirus, Adenovirus
- Parasites: Giardia
- Food Sensitivities
- Lactose intolerance
- Gluten (Celiac disease)
- Fructose malabsorption
- Medications
- Antibiotics (please bowel bacteria)
- Antacids with magnesium
- Gut Conditions
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- IBD (Crohn Colitis or Ulcerative Colitis)
- Stress and Anxiety
The gut is very much associated with the brain. Stress can cause increase in the digestive system.
4. What Diarrhea Could Be Telling you
Your stool is at times trying to say to you a very important thing.
- Blood or Black Stools - Could show bleeding in your gut. Get checked.
- Severe Cramps or Pain - This can be a sign of infection or inflammation.
- Losing weight fast -It may be a sign that your body is not receiving the nutrients.
- Fever or Chills - Fevers may be an outcome of infection.
- Recurring Diarrhea - It might be an indication of a chronic condition like IBS.
5. When Diarrhea May Be Serious
Not all diarrhea is harmless. These are symptoms which you must act on:
- Fever over 102 degree F
- Blood or pus in your stool
- Sharp stomach pain
- Dehydration symptoms (except a dry mouth, which is an early symptom of diabetes)
- Diarrhea that is over 2 days
These are symptoms which must not be ignored, according to Dr. Pothuri. They can be of a serious nature like ulcerative colitis or bowel infection.
6. When to See a Doctor
Get medical help if:
- Diarrhea has a duration of over 48 hours
- You have a high fever
- You see blood or black stool
- You are too weak to imbibe
- You feel rather dehydrated
At least go down to Gastrodoxs in Houston or nearby, to get an appointment. Pre-emptive treatment will have you feeling better.
7. Managing Diarrhea at Home
You do not necessarily have to rush to a clinic. Try these home tips first:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
- Water, clear broth or electrolyte drinks
- Skip caffeine and alcohol
- Try the BRAT Diet
- Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast
- Soothes your stomach and slackens bowel movements
- Take Probiotics - Yogurt or supplements may help to replace healthy gut bacteria
- Over-the-Counter Help
- Imodium (Loperamide) slows down the stool
- Pepto-Bismol relieves pain
8. Possible Meaning of What Chronic Diarrhea Means
In case it is longer than 4 weeks, it might be:
- Malabsorption Difficulty absorbing nutrition
- Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease
- Parasites (long-term) Bacteria or Infection
- IBS Intestinal sensitivity without an apparent cause
IBS Intestinal sensitivity without an apparent cause. It is not normal to have chronic diarrhea, says Dr. Pothuri. We might require such tests as blood work or colonoscopy to determine what is happening.
9. Preventing Future Attacks
These measures will help you keep ahead of the problem:
- Always wash hands, particularly after visiting the toilet
- Cook meat thoroughly
- Wash fruits and veggies throughly
- Casisar and spicy foods do not suit you, so avoid them
- Deal with stress through exercise or relaxation
Extra Resources
Conclusion
Diarrhea may not appear to be a serious case, yet it may be indicative of bigger problems. Get to know the most common causes, the danger signs and do not delay in seeking care in case the symptoms persist.
Live in Houston? Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the entire team of Gastrodoxs are available to assist. You can book a visit and it is possible to feel better, sooner with Gastrodoxs.com.
