Diarrhea is a common illness that affects everyone like fever, headache and cold. On average, adults suffer from diarrheal diseases four times a year and children under the age of five about ten times. ‘Diarrhea does not cause serious health problems for us; It is generally considered that ‘only causes great embarrassment and discomfort’.
But, due to stress, workload and lack of sleep, today’s youth are more and more affected by ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’. The resulting diarrhea affects them physically, reduces their work capacity and causes economic loss.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools or more than three bowel movements in a day, according to the World Health Organization definition. If the diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks, it is called ‘Persistent Diarrhea’. If there is blood in the stool, it is diarrhea. Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks requires treatment.
What causes it? – It cannot be defined as the only cause of diarrheal diseases. Various factors can trigger diarrhea. Diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Diarrhea can also be caused by factors such as food allergies and poor hygiene. Apart from these, antibiotic drugs, antacids, high blood pressure drugs are also common causes of diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease can cause diarrhea that lasts two weeks or more. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, tension, travel, lack of sleep, drinking alcohol, smoking etc. Some types of cancer can also cause diarrhea.
Affected children: Diarrhea in children can be serious. They require immediate medical attention as they become dehydrated quickly. Infants who are not breastfed are more likely to develop diarrhea. Malnutrition can also cause diarrhea. However, infection and poor hygiene are the most common causes of this condition in children. Sugary drinks can also cause diarrhea.
Every year, 17 crore children under the age of five suffer from diarrhoea. According to the World Health Organization, more than five lakh people die. Most of these deaths could have been prevented by providing safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene.
Dehydration: Dehydration due to diarrhea is the first problem we face. It is also very dangerous. Our body is 60 percent water. With continued diarrhoea, this water is completely eliminated through the stool. Not only water, but electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) required by the body also come out along with it. Due to the excretion of micronutrients, the acid-alkaline balance of our body will be affected. There is also a risk of death due to this.
Malnutrition: As the food we eat during diarrhea is not digested, our body may not get the nutrients it needs. Nutrients in our body are used to compensate for nutritional deficiencies. Due to expenditure without income, our body’s nutrients are quickly depleted. This leads us to malnutrition.
Treatment: 95 percent of cases of diarrhea last only a few days (three days). These effects can be cured at home without any treatment. However, water-rich fluids are needed to compensate for dehydration and malnutrition caused by diarrhoea. Salt, sugar water, salted porridge, fresh water, unsweetened fruit juices, ors. Drinking more drinks etc. will recover from the damage. If the victim is severely dehydrated or faints, seek immediate hospitalization.
Ways to prevent: Cleanliness and hygiene are the best way to prevent diarrhea. Keeping our hands clean is the first step. Undercooked meat and other foods may contain bacteria that cause diarrhea. Hence, hygiene and cleanliness are very important in the kitchen.
Keep the kitchen surface clean. Food items should be stored properly. Importantly, smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided; Engage in stress-reducing activities; Get enough sleep.
Who can get it?
People living in unsanitary places.
Those who drink impure water.
Malnutrition sufferers.
People with low immunity.
Children who are not breast fed.
People suffering from chronic diseases including AIDS, cancer.
Symptoms:
irritable mood
reduced tear production
dry mouth, tongue
extreme thirst
difficulty urinating
severe drowsiness or fainting
When should you see a doctor?
Diarrhea lasting more than three days
Abdominal pain that worsens within 24 hours
Frequent nausea or vomiting
Blood in stools
Dry bloody stools (coffee-colored)
Excessive thirst
Dry mouth
Inability to speak or see
Mental confusion
Fainting
Yellow skin and eyes Discoloration
Convulsions
Swelling in genital area
In general, diarrhea is more dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Seeing the doctors immediately can avoid the danger.