Diarrhoea

Diarrhea is when you have loose and watery bowel movements that happen more frequently than usual. If you have loose stools three times a day or more, it’s considered diarrhea. Normally, diarrhea goes away on its own after a short time, but if it continues for a long time, it could be a sign of a serious problem. You can try some home remedies like drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated and eating foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. If you have a virus or bacteria, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. Over-the-counter medications can also help, but it’s important to check with your doctor first. However, there are certain conditions, diseases, and cancers that can cause diarrhea, such as colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. That’s why it’s crucial not to self-diagnose and instead seek medical help if you have severe diarrhea. You can find a local gastrointestinal specialist by contacting The Gut Clinic UK in your area.

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors and conditions. Some common causes of diarrhea include:

– Bacterial or parasitic infections: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to an infection that causes diarrhea.
– Viral infections: Viruses, such as the flu or norovirus, can cause diarrhea as a symptom.
– Lactose intolerance: Some people have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, which can lead to diarrhea.
– Alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can irritate the digestive system and result in diarrhea.
– Laxative abuse: Overusing laxatives can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and cause diarrhea.
– Overactive thyroid: Hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, can contribute to diarrhea.
– Radiation therapy: Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in the abdominal area may experience diarrhea as a side effect.
– Runner’s diarrhea: Intense physical activity, such as long-distance running, can trigger diarrhea in some individuals.
– Certain cancers: Some types of cancer, such as colon or pancreatic cancer, can cause diarrhea as a symptom.
– Fructose intolerance: Difficulty digesting fructose, a sugar found in fruits and some sweeteners, can lead to diarrhea.
– Artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol or mannitol, can have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
– Surgery: Abdominal surgeries or gallbladder removal can sometimes disrupt the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea.
– Malabsorption: Conditions that interfere with the absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, can cause chronic diarrhea.

If you experience persistent or severe diarrhea, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

If your diarrhea becomes severe and you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to contact a gastroenterologist at The Gut Clinic UK:

– If you have a fever along with diarrhea.
– If your diarrhea lasts for more than two days.
– If you have dark urine in addition to diarrhea.
– If you experience severe stomach pain.
– If you vomit along with having diarrhea.
– If you recently traveled to a foreign country.

These signs may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention. It’s always better to be safe and seek professional help when you’re unsure or concerned about your symptoms. If you feel the need to visit a gastroenterologist due to your diarrhea, don’t hesitate to make an appointment.