Diarrhoea

Overview of Diarrhoea

Diarrhea Meaning in Urdu

ڈائریا یا اسہال ایک عام طبی علامت ہے جس کی وجہ سے بے چینی کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے۔ اس بیماری کے ساتھ متلی، قے، پیٹ درد، اور وزن میں کمی جیسی طبی علامات بھی لاحق ہو سکتی ہیں۔ عام طور پر اسہال صرف تھوڑے وقت کے لیے متاثر کرتا ہے۔ اگر یہ زیادہ دنوں تک متاثر کرے تو اس بات کے امکانات ہوتے ہیں کہ آنتوں کے شدید مسائل کی وجہ سے یہ لاحق ہوا ہے۔ ڈائریا کی وجہ سے پانی کی کمی کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے اس لیے جب یہ آپ کو متاثر کرے تو پانی کو زیادہ استعمال کریں۔

Loose watery stools or frequent bowel movements are the classic symptoms of Diarrhea. Depending upon the condition, it can be acute or chronic. It is a pretty common issue among children and adults. It usually goes away on its own but sometimes can linger for an extended amount of time. 

If you have diarrhea for longer than 1 week, it may be an indication of some other underlying issue.  

Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhoea

There are many symptoms of diarrhea. You may feel most of them or only some of them depending upon your overall health and your immune system. Usually the symptoms you are feeling depend upon the cause of the disease in the first place. The symptoms that most people feel are: 

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Dehydration 
  • A frequent need to pass the stool 
  • Body aches 
  • Feverish body 
  • Bloating 
  • Cramps 

 

Types of Diarrhoea

Generally, there are two types of diarrhea. 

1. Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea remains for a course of one to two days. You may suffer from this because of some viral or bacterial infection. 

 2. Chronic Diarrhea 

Chronic diarrhea remains for a course of up to 4 weeks. Chronic diarrhea occurs as a result of some intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. 

Some people also suffer from Traveller’s Diarrhea. This happens when one is exposed to some bacteria or parasites while being on vacation. 

Causes of Diarrhoea

From over-eating to some viral infection, you can have diarrhea for any number of reasons. Some pretty common reasons are: 

  • Consuming food you have an intolerance for. Like consuming lactose when you are lactose intolerant.  
  • You have some sort of food allergy 
  • Food poisoning 
  • Sometimes, you can have diarrhea as a side effect of some high-potency medication 
  • A viral infection can also make you sick 
  • You may have diarrhea as a result of some intestinal disease 
  • A parasitic infection can also make you have diarrhea
  • Artificial sweeteners are also known to cause diarrhea in people 
  • Undergoing a gallbladder or abdominal surgery can also cause diarrhea.
  • In some people, fructose can also cause diarrhea
  • Some other digestive issues can also cause diarrhea

Among children, rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea. Some bacterial infections due to E. Coli or Salmonella are also common causes of diarrhea.

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Risk Factors of Diarrhoea

Diarrhea makes you lose fluids quickly and greatly increases your chances of being dehydrated. Proper treatment and diet are pretty crucial to stay healthy and not trigger any complications. 

Watch out for these symptoms of dehydration in your body: 

  • Fatigue 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Decreased urination 
  • Headache 
  • Elevated heart rate 
  • Increased thirst 
  • A lightness

Young children and infants having diarrhea also face dehydration issues. Proper intake of fluid is very important for a speedy recovery. Look out for these symptoms in younger children:

  • Dry mouth/lips 
  • Fatigue 
  • Increased irritability 
  • Dry skin 
  • Sleepiness 
  • Decreased urination 
  • Headache 

Sometimes in more severe cases, diarrhea can be paired with severe vomiting and fever. It is a must to consult a doctor for proper treatment. Some complications that require immediate medical attention may include:

  • A young child having diarrhea for longer than 24 hours 
  • Having a fever higher or equal to 102 F.
  • Passing stools that contain blood 
  • Passing stool that contains pus 
  • Black-colored or tarry stools 

All of these symptoms indicate some sort of infection and require immediate medical consultation. 

 

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Prevention

You can prevent diarrhea by following several simple practices. Some of these tips can also help you: 

  • Wash the cooking utensils, raw food items, and your hands properly. 
  • Serve food immediately after preparing it 
  • Refrigerating the leftovers properly 
  • Eating cooked food while on vacation 
  • Drink only bottled water while on vacation
  • Washing hands 
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Diagnosis

Diarrhea is diagnosed through a couple of physical examination procedures. Your doctor will also require your medical history and some medical lab tests to examine your urine or blood samples. 

Some tests that can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment are:

  • Fasting Tests - These tests are conducted to rule out any food intolerance or food allergy
  • Imaging Tests - These tests are used to check for any inflammation or the occurrence of any abdominal abnormalities 
  • Stool Culture - This is done to check for any bacterial, parasitical, or some other disease in your body 
  • Colonoscopy - This is done to thoroughly check the colon for any signs of intestinal disease
  • Sigmoidoscopy - This is done to check the lower colon and rectum for any possible intestinal disease

Treatment of Diarrhoea | When to Consult a Doctor

Generally, diarrhea becomes better without treatment. However, certain treatment measures can be taken for symptoms to become better. 

  • Drink plenty of fluids 
  • Take anti-diarrheal medications after consulting with your doctor 
  • Consider taking probiotics 

Your doctor might need to know more information in order to know better about your condition. 

 

In case you exhibit any concerning signs and symptoms of diarrhoea, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.