Diarrhea
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose, watery stool with more frequent bowel moments.diarrhea is usually self-limiting. However, if diarrhea persists for several weeks it is likely irritable bowel disorder or persistent infection or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Watery and loose stools
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping in abdomen
- Fever
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
Causes
Following are the causes of diarrhea:
- Viral infection which can be caused by norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and viral hepatitis.
- Bacterial and parasitic infections
- Certain medications like antibiotics causes diarrhea
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose
- Abdominal or gallbladder removal surgeries
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Prescription of antibiotics
- Taking fluid replacements to combat dehydration
- oral rehydration solution is prescribed
- Treating the underlying serious medical condition like inflammatory bowel syndrome