Diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common issues that we all deal with at some point in time. Mostly, its episodes do not last long. They are generally short-term or acute. However, there are also reported cases of chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is a condition that lasts for weeks or even longer.
This blog will cover all the ins and outs of acute gastroenteritis, its symptoms, diarrhea medicines, and treatment.
What Exactly is Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common medical condition affecting people of all age groups. Frequent loose and watery stools are signs that you might be suffering from this health condition. It is generally not a matter of grave concern if it lasts for a shorter duration as it may resolve independently. However, if the condition lasts beyond that, then you might have to seek medical attention.
It is how your body tells you something is wrong with your gastrointestinal system.
Check Points of Diarrhea: Symptoms You Ought to Know
Frequent loose and watery bowel movements are the most common symptoms of diarrhea. You may experience other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Here are some of the most prominent symptoms of diarrhea to watch out for:
- Belly pain and cramps
- Blood stools
- Fever
- Bloating
- Stools with mucus
Acute diarrhea may last for around two weeks and may result from a viral infection, a bacterial infection, a parasitic infection, food poisoning, or consumption of contaminated food or water.
Children often suffer from infectious diarrhea caused by a virus. You might also experience acute gastroenteritis while traveling if you consume contaminated food or water. This is called traveler’s diarrhea. Improperly stored cooked food is typically responsible for food poisoning.
Hence, diarrhea is always an unwelcome experience. But do not worry! There are plenty of self-care remedies, medicines, and dietary change options to help you treat your diarrhea.
How You Can Treat Diarrhea
Do you know, if your condition is acute, you can manage your gastroenteritis at home? Want to learn about the ways? Here are effective home remedies for your diarrhea treatment:
Hydration
The first and foremost thing you should do is keep your body well-hydrated. Acute gastroenteritis results in excessive water loss from the body, which might dehydrate your body. Dehydration can often result in fatality. In case your infant is suffering from diarrhea, keep your child hydrated with proper breast-feeding.
Probiotics
Probiotics are made from gut-friendly bacteria. These are important for maintaining a healthy environment within your intestinal tract. While the market has artificial ones, certain foods naturally act as probiotics. Examples are beet, green olives, yogurt, and non-spicy pickles.
Fermented Foods
Research suggests that fermented foods are effective in treating diarrhea. You can try organic acid-rich foods such as miso, kimchi, tempeh, and sourdough bread to combat the condition and witness a speedy recovery.
Relieve Your Diarrhea Symptoms with these Drinks
Besides the food listed above, certain drinks can aid you in relieving your diarrhea symptoms. Below are some of them:
Milk and Clear Fluids
- Adults should try consuming clear juices and broth.
- Kids may benefit from breast, cow’s, or formula milk.
Rice Water
Another effective and easily accessible remedy for treating diarrhea symptoms is rice water. This has been traditionally used in India. Along with supporting the binding of your stools, rice water provides the essential nutrients that might be lost in the process. This is even better than your electrolyte formulation, which is readily available on the market.
Conclusion
So, now you have everything you need to know about diarrhea, its symptoms, and the effective remedies for managing it at home. Usually, most of the symptoms resolve within a couple of days. While the remedies mentioned above are perfect for managing acute gastroenteritis, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated to maintain sufficient fluid levels within your body. If your symptoms persist longer, then seek immediate medical attention.