What Exactly Is Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements.
The stool is normally 60-90% water. Diarrhoea occurs when the stool does not absorb enough water, causing it to become loose and poorly formed.
These frequent bowel movements can be caused by a wide range of conditions ranging from minor viral and bacterial infections like food poisoning to more serious medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Acute diarrhoea can last up to two weeks, whereas chronic or persistent diarrhoea can last two to four weeks and may indicate a more severe issue.
It is critical to keep track of how long your diarrhoea lasts, how it appears, and whether you are experiencing any other symptoms.
What is the main cause of diarrhoea?
Most cases of self-limited diarrhoea have no known cause. A virus that infects your bowel ("viral gastroenteritis") is the most common cause of diarrhoea. The infection usually lasts a few days and is referred to as "intestinal flu."
Other potential causes of diarrhoea include:
Bacterial infection
Other organisms' infections and pre-formed toxins
Consuming foods that cause digestive upset.
Food allergies and intolerances (Celiac disease or lactose intolerance).
Medications.
Radiation treatment
Food malabsorption (poor absorption).
What signs and symptoms can a diarrhoea patient have?
You may occasionally experience additional symptoms in addition to the loss of weight, and watery faeces associated with diarrhoea, such as:
- Nausea (feeling sick).
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Flatulence and bloating (excess gas).
- Stomach pain with colicky symptoms.
- Abdominal pain.
- Reduced appetite.
- weakness.
- dehydration.
- You might have a sudden urge to use the restroom.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DIARRHOEA.
1. Take ginger juice.
Thousands of years ago, people used ginger as a treatment for various gastrointestinal issues, according to a 2016 study that was published in Integrative Medicine Insights. It is frequently added to meals, tea, and supplements to treat motion sickness, nausea brought on by pregnancy, and nausea following chemotherapy or surgery.
Ginger can relieve an upset stomach, but it generally won't do anything for diarrhoea, according to Dr Schiller.
Ginger has the potential to induce heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive problems in some people. An article on ginger's potential for moderate gastrointestinal side effects, including heartburn, belching, and gastrointestinal discomfort, was published in Food Science and Nutrition in 2019. But this is uncommon.
If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor before using ginger. Always seek medical advice from a professional before starting a new drug or dietary supplement if you are pregnant.
2. Raw bananas:
For the majority of folks, this one is fantastic.
Raw bananas are high in pectin, a fibre that aids in the absorption of water from the intestines and firms up the stool, as well as oligofructose, which nourishes the gut. It also contains a lot of potassium. Chronic diarrhoea has a significant impact on potassium levels.
3. Drink herbal tea.
Some people swear by chamomile tea as a simple diarrhoea remedy, but the evidence is mixed. One study published in the journal BMJ Open Gastroenterology in 2014 discovered that combining chamomile flower extract, myrrh (a tree resin), and coffee charcoal helped with acute diarrhoea.
4. ORS made at home:
To recover from diarrhoea, it is critical to hydrate the body. Fluid loss can result in a deficiency of sodium and chloride, or electrolytes, in the body. It is therefore critical to replenish fluids for recovery.
You can also make an ORS at home by combining 5 teaspoon salt and 5-6 teaspoon sugar in 1 litre of water. Consuming sugar and salt with water improves intestine fluid absorption. This solution rehydrates the body more effectively than water alone after diarrhoea.
Mint, salt, and sugar in lukewarm water: Mint has long been used to treat indigestion, bloating, and diarrhoea. Sugar and salt help your body maintain electrolyte balance and water levels.
Foods To Avoid When You Have Diarrhoea:
You should refrain from eating certain foods. As an example,
Food that is greasy and oily
Spicy food
Artificial sweetener-containing foods
Foods with a high-fat content
Lactose intolerance is a rare condition that causes diarrhoea after consuming milk and milk products. Your doctor may even forbid you from consuming milk.
Diarrhoea can be fatal if not treated properly and at the appropriate time. If you believe that your diarrhoea has not been cured despite using diarrhoea home remedies, do not waste time and seek medical attention.