Diarrhea is not only embarrassing but an alarming situation if there are several bouts along with other complaints such as pain, dehydration, etc. It is said that Diarrhea is the second leading cause of deaths in children all around the world as per WHO. This is very much concerning because diarrhea can be avoided in many situations.
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the passage of stools that are loose and more than the usual number of times an individual passes. Clinically it is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools that occurs three or more times in 24 hours. Along with diarrhea there might be accompanying symptoms like pain, abdominal cramps, bloating, thirst, weight loss, loss of appetite and fever. Most diarrheal cases are caused by bacteria, viruses or bacteria.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of problems. The most common of them all is Gastroenteritis or a Bowel infection that usually occurs in both adult and children. Diarrheas can be acute, chronic, persistent or dysentery.
- Gastroenteritis may be caused due to bacteria (Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella); viruses (Rotavirus, Novovirus) or a parasite infestation (Giardiasis).
- Functional diarrheas are caused due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (cause is unknown)
- Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition in which there is blood along with diarrheal stools
- Other non-infective, medical conditions in which diarrhea occurs are lactose intolerance, celiac disease, pancreatic conditions, short bowel syndrome, gallbladder removal, endocrine disease, some uncommon tumors (pheochromocytoma), diverticulitis, bowel cancer, etc.
Why is Diarrhea a matter of concern?
As already mentioned, Diarrhea is the second leading cause of deaths in children. Diarrhea causes dehydration as it drains one?s body of water and sodium which are essential for living. If the salts and water are not replenished, dehydration sets in. Death can result if more than 10% of the fluids from the body is lost. Thus, Diarrhea is a matter of concern.
Preventing diarrhea…
It is seen that lower socioeconomic groups who live in poor sanitary conditions are more likely to be affected with acute diarrheas, and these are the people who get dehydrated and further cause death. Diarrheas caused by poor sanitary conditions can be prevented with improved sanitation. Other ways of prevention are:
- Improving access to safe and clean drinking water
- Educating about hygiene
- Breastfeeding exclusively for infants below and 6 months of age and later better weaning practices
- Regular hand washing
- Using latrines (in places where such a facility is unavailable)
- If detected with lactose intolerance then avoidance of lactose-containing foodstuff
What can be done about Diarrhea?
Treating the cause is definitely crucial. However, we can prevent the situation from worsening.
- Replenishing fluids are vital. Oral rehydration salts also replenish the essential minerals lost in diarrhea. Even fruit juices without sugar will help reduce dehydration.
- Consumption of Potassium and Sodium rich foods such as banana (potassium), soups and salted crackers (Sodium) reduce diarrhea. Also, foods rich in soluble fiber aid in solidifying the stool.
- Usage of probiotics has shown a reduction of diarrhea.
Treating the condition
Doliosis D32 Diarrhea, a Homoeopathic product, relieves symptoms of loose stools, gas, nausea, lightheadedness and weakness associated with diarrhea. There are no side effects upon the use of this medicine. It is easy to take this product and also it can be consumed with other medicines, for all age groups.