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What Your Diarrhea May Be Signaling

The diarrhea is loose and liquid filled stools that are alarming and distasteful. And usually it is your own case, which is acute and due to some small, temporary infection, or to something you drank or ate.

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Bharat Pothuri

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:

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:

Causes Some Adults have diarrhea often:

It is sensitive in your gut, says Dr. Pothuri. It increases digestion rate in response to bad bacteria suspected, in order to clear the bacteria. That is why diarrhea can be emergency.

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:

  1. Infections
    • Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli
    • Viruses: Rotavirus, Adenovirus
    • Parasites: Giardia
  2. Food Sensitivities
    • Lactose intolerance
    • Gluten (Celiac disease)
    • Fructose malabsorption
  3. Medications
    • Antibiotics (please bowel bacteria)
    • Antacids with magnesium
  4. Gut Conditions
    • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
    • IBD (Crohn Colitis or Ulcerative Colitis)
  5. Stress and Anxiety

    The doctor, Pothuri, says 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.

5. When Diarrhea May Be Serious

Not all diarrhea is harmless. These are symptoms which you must act on:

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:

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:

  1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
    • Water, clear broth or electrolyte drinks
    • Skip caffeine and alcohol
  2. Try the BRAT Diet
    • Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast
    • Soothes your stomach and slackens bowel movements
  3. Take Probiotics - Yogurt or supplements may help to replace healthy gut bacteria
  4. 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:

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:

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.

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cause of diarrhea in adults.

Infection, stress, food complications, or chronic intestinal upsets such as IBS.

When is diarrhea something I need to be worried about?

However, when it takes more than 48 hours, has a fever, pain or provides blood.

What are symptoms that indicate that it can be serious?

Body temperature of more than 38.3 C, dehydration, bloody diarrhea, or symptoms that persist beyond 2 days.

When should I see a doctor?

In case you are weak, dehydrated or have one of the red flags above.

What is the meaning of chronic diarrhea?

It can indicate intestinal disorders such as IBS, malabsorption or autoimmune diseases.

How can I treat it at home?

Keep hydrated, eat a light diet, take probiotics, and take over-the-counter medicine.

Is it possible that stress causes diarrhea?

Yes. Stress influences the rate of movement of your gut.

Do probiotics help?

Yes, they are capable of restoring the gut bacteria to normal.

How could I escape it in the heat of Houston?

Wash hands, do not eat unsafe street food and consume clean water.

Where shall I get help in Houston?

To get expert GI treatment with Dr. Pothuri of Gastrodoxs, you need to make an appointment.

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