Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Bangalore

Diarrhea is the passage of loose, watery stools occurring more than 3 times a day. It can be acute (less than 2 weeks), persistent (2–4 weeks), or chronic (more than 4 weeks). Chronic diarrhea may indicate a serious condition requiring medical attention. Complications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition if left untreated.

Causes of Diarrhea

1. Infectious Causes

  • Bacterial: E.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter (from contaminated food).

  • Viral: E.g., Rotavirus, Norovirus, Adenovirus.

  • Parasitic: E.g., Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica.

2. Non-Infectious Causes

  • Food intolerance/allergies: e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity.

  • Medications: antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids, chemotherapy.

  • Malabsorption syndromes: celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Endocrine disorders: hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency.

  • Post-surgical changes: post-cholecystectomy, bowel surgeries.

  • Tumors: carcinoid syndrome, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

  • Toxins: alcohol, food poisoning (e.g., Clostridium difficile).

  • Stress and anxiety

Signs and Symptoms of Severe Diarrhea

  • Fever, severe pain, or vomiting.

  • Blood or mucus in stool.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Signs of dehydration: dry skin, irritability, confusion, nausea, light-headedness, fatigue.

Investigations for Diarrhea
1. Stool Testss

  • Stool culture for bacterial pathogens.

  • Ova and parasite examination for parasitic infections.

  • Fecal leukocytes or calprotectin for inflammation (e.g., IBD).

  • Fecal fat test for malabsorption.

2. Blood Tests

  • Complete blood count (CBC).

  • Electrolytes for dehydration assessment.

  • CRP/ESR for inflammation.

  • Thyroid function tests.

  • Anti-TTG antibodies for celiac disease.

3. Endoscopy and Biopsy

  • Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy for IBD or tumors.

  • Upper endoscopy with biopsy for celiac disease.

Management of Diarrhea
1. Rehydration

  • Oral rehydration solution (ORS): for mild to moderate dehydration.

  • Intravenous fluids: for severe dehydration.

2. Medications

  • Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections.

  • Antiparasitic drugs for parasitic infections.

  • Anti-motility agents (e.g., Loperamide) in non-infectious diarrhea.

  • Probiotics to restore gut flora.

  • Cholestyramine for bile salt diarrhea.

  • Steroids or immunosuppressants for IBD.

3. Dietary Modifications

  • Avoid dairy, high-fat, and high-fiber foods during acute episodes.

  • Lactose-free diet if intolerant.

  • Gluten-free diet for celiac disease.

4. Address Underlying Causes

  • Example: Gluten-free diet for celiac disease, medications for IBD or thyroid conditions.

5. Prevention

  • Vaccination (e.g., rotavirus for infants).

  • Safe food handling and hygiene practices.

  • Clean drinking water access.

If you experience persistent or severe diarrhea, it's important to consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Diarrhea - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Bangalore