Diarrhea - Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

The most prevalent illness is diarrhea It might vary from a moderate, transitory to a life-threatening illness. Every year, over the world, there are an estimated 2 billion instances of diarrhea illness. In addition, around 1.9 million children under 5 years of age, mostly in underdeveloped countries, die each year from diarrhea. It is the second most important cause of mortality in this age range.

Diarrhea has excessively loose or watery feces. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites are the main cause of diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can also result from digestive system issues.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Diarrhea may involve signs and symptoms:

⦁ Watery, loose stools

⦁ Cramps of the abdomen

⦁ Pain in the abdomen

⦁ Fever

⦁ Bloating

⦁ Nausea

Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea, involving several illnesses and situations

Viruses 

Include Norwalk Virus, CMV, and hepatitis virus, viruses that can induce diarrhea. 

A frequent cause of acute infantile diarrhea is Rotavirus. The 2019 COVID-19 virus is also linked to gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Parasites and bacteria 

Food or water contamination may spread to your body by germs and parasites. 

Diarrhea caused by germs and parasites is sometimes referred to as traveler diarrhea that happened when going to underdeveloped nations.

Lactose intolerance 

Lactose is a sugar present in dairy products as well as in milk. 

Persons with lactose digestion problems are diarrhea when milk products are eaten. Lactose intolerance might grow as a result of age because of enzyme levels to aid in the digestion of lactose in infancy.

Fructose 

It is naturally present in fruit and sweetness. Fructose is sugar. It is occasionally added to some drinks as a sweetener. It can cause diarrhea in persons with difficulties digesting fructose. Those who can not digest or take in fructose substances are prone to diarrhea. 

Surgery 

Diarrhea occasionally might be caused by abdominal or gallbladder removal operations.

Other problems of the digestive system 

There are a variety of different causes of chronic diarrhea, including Crohn's disease, colitis ulcerative, celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Prevention of Diarrhea

• Wash your hands so that diarrhea does not spread. 
• To guarantee proper washing of hands:
• Lather soap after applying clean water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Then, Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds after placing soap on your hands. Sing your favorite song, if that feels like it takes a long time. 
• When washing is not feasible, use hand sanitizer. 
• If you can't get to a sink, use an alcoholic hand sanitizer.

Traveler Diarrhea Prevention

Diarrhea usually affects persons visiting nations in which insufficient sanitation and contaminated food are found. 

To lessen the risk:

Watch what you eat 

Eat hot, well-cooked food. Avoid uncooked fruit and vegetables unless they can be peeled. Avoid meals and dairy items, either raw or undercooked.

Watch what you drink 

Drink directly from the original container of bottled water, soda, beer, or wine. Avoid ice and tap water. Even brushing your teeth with bottled water is advisable. 

Keep the mouth shut when you're showering.

Drinks like coffee and tea are safe because the water is boiled. Remember that alcohol and caffeine may increase and exacerbate diarrhea

Ask for antibiotics from your doctor 

If you are traveling for long periods in a poor nation, ask your doctor about antibiotics before you depart, particularly those that come in handy when your immune system is affected.

Check for caution when traveling 

The Disease Prevention Centers maintain a travel health website where warnings about diseases are published in different nations. Check out cautions and methods to reduce your risk if you intend to travel outside the United States. Better safe than sorry!