Diarrhea Causes and Treatment
Diarrhea
is a disease that can affect individuals of almost every age group.
However, this disease, caused by a virus, is usually found in infants
and small children. If this condition persists for more than a couple of
weeks, it is termed as Chronic Diarrhea.
Diarrhea Signs and Symptoms
The patient passes a thin stool
frequently. At times, a severe stomach ache is also experienced. Due to
the frequent passing of stools, the body becomes dehydrated and an
individual suffers from a deficiency of essential minerals. The skin
becomes dry and rough and severe weakness occurs. The patients of
Diarrhea suffer from rapid weight loss and they become pale. Children,
in particular, look extremely dull and weak. In severe cases, the
intestines may also bleed.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea may occur due to a number of
various reasons including virus and bacteria. Most people get in contact
with this disease during the rainy season when the virus spreads
easily. The most dangerous virus is called Rotavirus which affects
infants. Diarrhea may also be caused due to bacteria called E. Coli,
which may be found in food items like rice, milk or yoghurt. Bacterial
infection may be caused if you eat fruits and vegetables without washing
them.
Diarrhea causing germs are also found in unpurified water and can be transmitted to humans through this water. Many other dangerous parasites can also be the reason behind Diarrhea.
Diarrhea causing germs are also found in unpurified water and can be transmitted to humans through this water. Many other dangerous parasites can also be the reason behind Diarrhea.
Diagnosis of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is diagnosed by carrying out a
stool test. Viral Diarrhea is detected with the help of Elisa test.
Dehydration can be detected in children judging from their pale and dull
faces. Apart from that, bacteria are detected by conducting three
separate culture tests.
Diarrhea Treatment and Prevention
After carrying out the laboratory test
for Diarrhea, treatment should be conducted under the supervision of an
experienced physician so that further complications can be avoided. The
treatment depends on the type of virus. Usually, antibiotics are
prescribed by doctors to treat Diarrhea. They can be taken by the
patients for a prolonged period of time –up to three weeks. In case of
severe pain, Bascopan may be prescribed.
An individual suffering from Diarrhea
should only take simple and easily digestible food and should only drink
boiled water. Spicy and oily food should be given up and cold water
should also be avoided as much as possible. Children can be given ORS to
treat their dehydration and mineral deficiency, whereas adults should
drink more and more boiled water. In case there is severe deficiency of
minerals, it should be treated by intravenous glucose drips. Diarrhea is
very dangerous for children and old aged people. This is because
Diarrhea leads to weakness instantly. This may lead to more health
complications. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to treat Diarrhea
promptly.
