When the stools appear more fluid and lighter in color than usual, we have diarrhea. Incidentally, this medical term is known as irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea
It is an uncomfortable condition for the patient, as there is usually a greater need to go to the bathroom due to an intestinal disorder caused by some bacteria, virus or parasite. It should be taken into account that the intestine and colon are in contact with toxins and infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. This way, when the daily evacuation is altered for any reason, atypical stools are produced that cause dehydration to the body, followed by the loss of water, minerals and electrolytes. In relation to the structure and appearance of the stool, it is worth remembering that medicine establishes a scale (known as Bristol scale) to describe their type. Diarrhea
Types, causes and treatment
From a medical point of view, there are several types: osmotic, secretory, motor, watery, mixed, inflammatory, chronic and acute. There are many causes of origin: celiac disease , cystic fibrosis, lesions of the intestinal mucosa, pancreatitis or a simple flu. Diarrhea usually goes away by itself, but when this change lasts for several weeks it can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
On the other hand, doctors consider that there are some warning signs about diarrhea, especially fever. As for treatment, doctors advise greater hydration and if the cause of the problem is bacterial, it is advisable to take antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs if the cause is the parasites. However, doctors emphasize that the most important thing is not to self-medicate and not to resort to popular recipes without any scientific basis (certain popular myths are harmful in combating diarrhea, such as drinking sodas or other carbonated drinks).
children’s diarrhea
Most illnesses have a particular meaning in relation to children. In the case of childhood diarrhea, this is a symptom that can be worrying. When diarrhea appears in a child, it is accompanied by fever and vomiting, dehydration is more common. Specialists in pediatric pediatrics give some guidelines to fight diarrhea: make a good hydration, do not give milk or apple juice to children (both are harmful because they increase diarrhea), as well as eating a proper diet through cooked vegetables, toasted and pastas.
