Diarrhea
A patient with diarrhea may experience loose, watery stool and frequent defecation urges. Diarrhea is common and can be developed because of harmful bacteria, food poisoning, contaminated food or drinks, parasites, and viruses. Usually, diarrhea is not a cause for worry since it’ll be gone once the body has expelled the contaminant. Children typically recover after a week, while adult men show improvement after four days. However, a recent study shows that women on their periods have severe symptoms of diarrhea and take more time to recover.
Diarrhea lasting for weeks can signify IBS. Extreme cases of diarrhea can lead to intolerable abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting, nausea, and fainting. If left untreated, this will become life-threatening. In addition, experts have identified the difference between regular diarrhea and IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea). IBS-D usually happens during the day when the patient is awake and active, and the symptoms are generally worse after a meal.
Patients with IBS-D are advised to avoid diet triggers like coffee, alcohol, and processed food. Managing stress and taking medications can also help in preventing flare-ups.
