Everyone has a bout of diarrhea once in a while, so how do you know when this common occurrence is cause for concern? Here’s how to spot diarrhea that calls for a doctor.
Diarrhea is usually mild and short-lived, so when it sticks with you a little longer, you might get concerned — and rightfully so.
Your stool doesn’t lie. It reveals much about what’s happening inside your body and is often the first warning sign of emerging health problems.
Our Newtown Gastroenterology team knows a lot about poop; we want you to understand it, too. Knowing how to spot the signs of problematic stools gives you an advantage. Here’s a closer look at diarrhea and when to call us.
Loose stools can range from a minor, temporary annoyance to a sign of a serious illness. Here are the four main types of diarrhea.
Osmotic diarrhea happens when there’s an excess of undigested substances in your colon, possibly due to certain foods or medications that your body struggles to absorb. Common culprits include lactose intolerance, fructose, artificial sweeteners, and certain medications such as magnesium-containing antacids.
If you’re experiencing osmotic diarrhea, try to identify and avoid the triggering substances. For example, if lactose is causing your symptoms, reducing your intake of dairy products may help. Before stopping any prescribed medication, talk with us or another health care professional.
When you have diarrhea, you lose a lot of fluid, so drink plenty of water to replenish yourself. You can also try rehydration solutions or broths to maintain your electrolyte balance.
Secretory diarrhea occurs when your intestines secrete too much fluid, often due to stress, certain medications, or food intolerances like lactose or fructose intolerance. To manage secretory diarrhea, you have to identify and address the root cause.
If stress is a factor, stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation might be beneficial.
If a particular food triggers your symptoms, adjust your diet.
Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause inflammatory or infectious diarrhea. These organisms infect your intestines and stimulate an immune response, leading to inflammation and diarrhea.
Good hygiene is your best defense against this type of diarrhea — wash your hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the bathroom, and ensure your food is cooked properly.
If you’re already experiencing infectious diarrhea, staying hydrated is important. In some cases, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be necessary.
You can usually manage diarrhea at home with simple remedies and dietary changes. We already mentioned that hydration is the best way to counteract fluid loss. In addition to water and other drinks, foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) can help firm up your stools. But avoid dairy, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods.
Diarrhea becomes serious when it leads to severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms of severe dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, and lightheadedness.
Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection or condition, like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
A high fever accompanying diarrhea could indicate a severe infection requiring medical attention.
People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or patients undergoing cancer treatment, are at a higher risk for severe complications from diarrhea. Similarly, people with preexisting digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may experience more severe bouts of diarrhea.
Call us immediately or seek urgent care if you experience any of these symptoms. Reaching Newtown Gastroenterology is easy; just call or click to schedule an appointment.
