Did you know that diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of five, killing approximately 525000 children each year? Diarrhea can last for several days and deplete the body of necessary water and salts. In fact, acute diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported illnesses in the United States. It lasts less than two weeks. Let’s know more about diarrhea in detail.

Types of Diarrheal Diseases

Diarrheal Diseases are categorised into the following types:

Acute diarrhea: It is characterised by loose, watery stools that last one to two days. This type does not require treatment and usually resolves itself within a few days.

Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea usually lasts between two to four weeks.

Chronic diarrhea: It is defined as diarrhea that lasts more than four weeks or that comes and goes on a regular basis over a long period of time.

Causes of Diarrheal Diseases

The causes of diarrheal diseases are as follows:

Infection: Diarrhea is a symptom of infections caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms, the majority of which are transmitted through feces-contaminated water. When there is a lack of adequate sanitation, hygiene, and safe water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, diarrheal infections become more common.

Source: Water polluted with human faeces, such as that from sewage, and septic tanks is especially dangerous. Microorganisms that cause diarrhea are also found in animal faeces.

Malnutrition: Children who die from diarrhea are often malnourished, making them more vulnerable to diarrhea. Each diarrheal episode exacerbates their malnutrition. Diarrhea is the most common cause of malnutrition in children under the age of five.

Other causes: Diarrhea can also be spread from person to person, which is exacerbated by poor personal hygiene. When food is prepared or stored in unsanitary conditions, it is another major source of diarrhea. An important risk factor is unsafe domestic water storage and handling. Polluted water’s fish and seafood may also contribute to the disease. Diarrhea can also be caused due to infection by bacteria or other organisms, medications, and eating food that can upset the digestive system.

How to prevent diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be fatal, so it is best to take precautions. You should follow these measures to prevent diarrhea:

• getting rotavirus vaccination
• hand washing with soap
• good personal and food hygiene
• health education on the spread of infections
• access to safe drinking water
• improved sanitation
• nursing the infant for the first six months

Treatment of diarrhea

Diarrhea can be treated by using the following measures:

• Rehydration is accomplished through the use of an oral rehydration salts solution. ORS is made up of pure water, salt, and sugar. ORS, which is absorbed in the small intestine, replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces.

• Zinc supplements are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume and a 25% reduction in diarrhea episode duration.

• In the case of severe dehydration or shock, rehydration with intravenous fluids is recommended.

• The vicious circle of malnutrition and diarrhea can be broken by continuing to give nutrient-rich foods, including breast milk, during an episode and by providing a nutritious diet.

• Consultation with a health professional, especially for persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration.

Diarrhea is extremely common, but that does not mean it can not be dangerous. In severe cases of diarrhea, you can become dehydrated, which can lead to serious complications. It is better to be aware of it in order to avoid it. Even if you have diarrhea, you can treat it with medications and other measures. Make sure to buy diarrhea medicine from e-pharmacies like Rigmeds.