What is diarrhea?

If you feel cramping, abdominal pain, bloating nausea, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, yes, you are experiencing diarrhea. Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, you may also experience fever or bloody stools.

 

Now, what is diarrhea? In medicine, diarrhea (from the Greek, "diarrhoia" meaning "a flowing through"), also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences), is the condition of having frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. Diarrhea simply means if you have passed stools more than three times a day. Stools are watery and loose and usually, a person with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Acute diarrhea is one of the common problems that may last for one to two days but usually goes away without the need for special treatment. However, if diarrhea is prolonged for more than two days, more problems may persist and may cause dehydration.

 

Diarrhea may cause dehydration which is dangerous for children and older people. This must be treated promptly to avoid more serious health problems. Though diarrhea is not harmful illness, a person should consult the doctor if you may be experiencing the following

·        A fever of 38.8 degrees celcius

·        You see blood in your stools or black stools                 

·        Have signs of dehydration

 

Your body is losing fluid and electrolytes during diarrhea; it should be replaced immediately because your body cannot function well without it. Although water is really important to prevent dehydration, it is not enough because water does not have electrolytes. Broth, soups, fruit juices, soft fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium can help you restore the body’s electrolyte level. Children may need oral rehydration solution to replace electrolyte and fluid.