Diarrhea

If the frequency of passing watery or loose stools is three or more times, then it is called diarrhea.

Causes of Diarrhea

1. Infection- The gastrointestinal infection can be viral, bacterial, or protozoal. The infectant can enter the body through contaminated food and water.

2. Food allergies and intolerances e.g., lactose intolerance and allergy due to gluten in wheat can trigger gastrointestinal issues.

3. Immune disorder- Immune disorders, like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

4. Medications.- Some antibiotics can induce diarrhea as a side-effect, medicines used to treat acidity, like omeprazole, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, and metmorphin used for diabetes are some examples of drug-induced diarrhea.

Types of diarrhea

1. Osmotic diarrhea - Due to the presence of too many solutes that hinder water absorption in the intestine. Sugars such as mannitol and sorbitol, Epsom salt (MgSO4), and certain antacids (MgOH2) may be absorbed poorly, leading to diarrhea.

2. Secretory diarrhea- If the water secretion exceeds the water absorption in the intestine, it causes diarrhea. Cholera, some hormones secreted by tumors, and certain organic and inorganic metals can cause this type of diarrhea.

3. Inflammatory or Infectious diarrhea- When pathogens like E.coli, coronaviruses, and amoeba attack the epithelium of the intestine it disrupts and leads to an inflammatory response.

4. Motility-related diarrhea -Nutrients and water are efficiently absorbed if they get adequate exposure to the intestinal epithelium and remain in the intestine for sufficient time (transit time). Any condition that increases transit time could lead to diarrhea, even if the absorption isn’t affected much. (Jacob and Sheikh, 2022) (2)

Diagnosis

1. Direct examination of stools to identify the kind of pathogen.

2. Blood test

3. Kidney function test

4. Colonoscopy for examining large intestine

5. Endoscopy for checking stomach and small intestine

Treatment of diarrhea

1. Stay Hydrated

2. Eat fiber-rich food

3. Antibiotics

4. Probiotics

5. Avoid food you are allergic to.

Prevention of diarrhea

1. Personal hygiene like washing and sanitization of hands.

2. Use clean utensils.

3. Use clean toilets.

4. Educating people about infectious diseases and how they spread.

5. Eating clean and well-cooked vegetables and fruits.

6. Vaccination.