Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stools and a feeling that you urgently need to use the restroom. This can last for a few days, or become a regular problem if you suffer from certain chronic conditions. Everyone has diarrhea occasionally, but it can be a sign of a number of health problems as well, especially when it’s severe, long-lasting, or both.
If you have diarrhea, you’ll likely experience:
Nausea or vomiting can also sometimes accompany diarrhea, and in some serious cases you may also notice blood or mucus in your stool or run a fever. Chronic or severe diarrhea can also lead to unintended weight loss.
Diarrhea can be a symptom of a large number of different health problems, especially those related to the gastrointestinal system. Some of the most common causes of diarrhea include:
Diarrhea can also follow a period of constipation, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, sometimes other factors like eating certain foods or traveling to a new place with new bacteria can cause diarrhea, especially in people with gastrointestinal conditions like IBS.
There are a number of ways to know if your diarrhea is just a passing problem or something more serious. Schedule a visit to see a physician if you:
Diarrhea isn’t usually dangerous, but dehydration can be very serious, so if notice signs of dehydration it’s much more urgent that you seek medical attention.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved, By Dr Ruchit Patel