Why Do I Have Diarrhea? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

TheIndonesia.id - Diarrhea is one of the most common types of digestive disorders. Anyone can experience diarrhea, from children to adults. The main symptom of diarrhea is an increase in bowel movements. In addition, the stool that comes out tends to be liquid.

Diarrhea may be present alone or be associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or weight loss. Apart from that, there are other symptoms of diarrhea. 

What Is Diarrhea?

Before discussing the causes and symptoms of diarrhea, let's discuss what is diarrhea. Diarrhea is a health problem caused by digestive disorders, characterized by watery bowel movements 3 times or more in one day.

This type of digestive disorder is the most common health problem. In addition, diarrhea is a health problem that often occurs in infants and children.

Although many cases of diarrhea are harmless and can heal on their own, diarrhea is a condition that can cause complications from certain diseases. 

Therefore, the problem of diarrhea must still be treated as soon as possible.

Types of Diarrhea

1. Acute diarrhea
 
Acute diarrhea is a type of indigestion that occurs suddenly with a duration of 3 to 7 days. Generally, the cause of acute diarrhea is due to a viral or bacterial infection in the digestive tract. 

This viral or bacterial infection can occur due to contamination of the food or drink consumed by the sufferer of diarrhea.

2. Persistent diarrhea
 
The condition of persistent diarrhea is characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements, more than 3 times in 24 hours, which lasts for more than 2 weeks, but less than 4 weeks.

Persistent diarrhea is generally caused by different pathogens than the cause of acute diarrhea.

3. Chronic diarrhea
 
The duration of chronic diarrhea lasts 4 weeks or more. Usually, chronic diarrhea is caused by chronic infections, allergies (such as lactose intolerance), the effects of taking certain drugs, and medical conditions.

Some medical conditions that cause chronic diarrhea are Crohn's disease, irritable bowel disease (IBS), and so on.

How to Overcome Diarrhea

The most important action in treating diarrhea is to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea, and drink ORS to prevent dehydration. ORS is a natural diarrhea medicine made from a mixture of sugar, water, and salt.

It is recommended to consume coconut water as a natural diarrhea remedy. Coconut water is a natural electrolyte fluid that helps prevent fluid deficiency in the body as a result of diarrhea.

Taking diarrhea drugs, such as attapulgite. Attapulgite works as a diarrhea medicine by absorbing bacteria or toxins in the digestive tract. Keep in mind, the consumption of this drug must be in accordance with the doctor's recommendations or the recommendations listed on the drug packaging

Treat the health problems that cause diarrhea, such as colitis, Crohn's disease, and others.