Acute diarrhea occurs when this condition persists for one to two days. It can occur as a result of a viral or bacterial infection or from food poisoning. Bacteria and parasites encountered in developing or third-world countries during visits and holidays can cause another type of acute diarrhea called tourist diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea refers to diarrhea that lasts for at least four weeks. Often, there is an underlying medical cause, such as a bowel disease or disorder. Examples of these are more serious conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, persistent infection, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Why Does Diarrhea Occur?
A number of different diseases and medical conditions can cause diarrhea. One of them is diarrhea caused by viruses. Viruses that can cause diarrhea include the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis. In addition, rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea in childhood.
Bacteria and parasites are among the most common causes of diarrhea. Food or water that has been spoiled, contaminated, or contaminated with bacteria or parasites can cause bacteria and parasites to enter the human body directly. Clostridium difficile is another type of bacteria that causes diarrhea and can lead to more serious infections. It can occur after a course of antibiotics or during hospitalization.
Many types of medications, including antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics can upset the natural balance of the digestive system by destroying all the good and bad bacteria that help nourish the human gut. Other drugs that cause diarrhea include cancer drugs and antacids with magnesium.
Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Some people may have trouble digesting lactose and experience diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactose intolerance can increase with age because levels of enzymes that help digest lactose naturally begin to decline after childhood.
Diarrhea may also occur in people who have difficulty digesting fructose. Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruit and honey. It is added as a sweetener to some drinks.
Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol found in chewing gum and similar sugar-free products can cause diarrhea in healthy people in some cases.
In some cases, diarrhea may occur after abdominal or gallbladder removal surgery.
Individuals may also experience chronic diarrhea due to a number of other digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
How do I prevent diarrhea?
Hands should be washed with soap to prevent viral diarrhea caused by viruses. Hands should be washed frequently to remain adequately and properly clean. Hands should be washed before and after preparing food. Hands should be washed after touching raw meat, using the toilet, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, and blowing the nose.
Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20 seconds. During these 20 seconds, hands should continue to be rubbed with soap. If it is not possible to wash hands, alcohol-based hand cleaners and disinfectants containing at least 60% alcohol should be used. Like hand lotion, hand disinfectant should be applied by rubbing the front and back of both hands.
It is possible to be protected with vaccines developed against rotavirus, which is the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children.
To prevent traveler's diarrhea, which often affects people traveling to countries with poor environmental and food sanitation, individuals should be mindful of what they eat. Well-cooked and hot foods should be preferred. Raw fruits and vegetables that the individual does not peel themselves should be avoided. Raw or undercooked meat and dairy products should be avoided. Bottled water, soda, fruit juice, and fermented beverages served in their original containers should be preferred.
Tap water and ice should be avoided in drinks. Bottled water should be used for brushing teeth. Mouths should be kept closed while showering. Drinks such as coffee or tea made with boiling water will likely be safe. However, there is a risk that caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate diarrhea and lead to further dehydration.
