What Is Diarrhea?
question |
answer |
|
What is diarrhea? |
Diarrhea is loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel
movements. |
|
What are the symptoms associated with diarrhea? |
Symptoms associated with diarrhea may include belly cramps
or pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, blood in the stool, mucus in the
stool, and urgent need to have a bowel movement. |
|
When should you see a doctor if you have diarrhea? |
If you're an adult, see your doctor if your diarrhea
persists beyond two days with no improvement, you become dehydrated, you have
severe abdominal or rectal pain, you have bloody or black stools, or you have
a fever above 102 F (39 C). |
|
When should you call a doctor for a child with diarrhea? |
Call your doctor if your child's diarrhea doesn't improve
within 24 hours or if your child becomes dehydrated, has a fever above 102 F
(39 C), or has bloody or black stools. |
|
What are some common causes of diarrhea? |
Some common causes of diarrhea include viruses, bacteria
and parasites, medicines, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance,
artificial sweeteners, surgery, and other digestive disorders. |
|
What are the complications of diarrhea? |
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be
life-threatening if untreated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in
children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. |
|
What are the indications of dehydration in adults? |
Indications of dehydration in adults include excessive thirst,
dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, weakness, dizziness or
lightheadedness, fatigue, and dark-colored urine. |
|
What are the indications of dehydration in infants and
young children? |
Indications of dehydration in infants and young children
include not having a wet diaper in three or more hours, dry mouth and tongue,
fever above 102 F (39 C), crying without tears, drowsiness, unresponsiveness
or irritability, and sunken appearance to the belly, eyes or cheeks. |
|
How can you prevent infectious diarrhea? |
To prevent infectious diarrhea, wash your hands
frequently, especially before and after preparing food, after using the
toilet, and after sneezing or coughing. Use hand sanitizer when washing isn't
possible. Vaccination can also help protect against certain causes of viral
diarrhea. |
|
How can you prevent traveler's diarrhea? |
To prevent traveler's diarrhea, eat hot, well-cooked
foods, avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself,
avoid raw or undercooked meats and dairy foods, drink bottled water or other
sealed beverages, and check for travel warnings and tips for reducing your
risk. |