Diarrhoea always catches you by surprise: But this can stop it in time

Diarrhoea comes unannounced and often catches you at the worst possible time. It can be caused by many factors, from bad food to viral illnesses. If it’s a momentary thing, your body is just reacting to the situation, and if it persists for longer, you need effective treatment. For this reason, you should stop diarrhea right at the start before it develops into an unpleasant longer-term problem.

Your body is telling you something

Diarrhoea is not a disease, but a symptom that acts as a defence mechanism for the body. It tries to get rid of substances that are bad for it. It usually goes away on its own within a few days, unless it signals a more serious illness.

There are three types of diarrhea. The first is acute diarrhea, which is thin, watery and lasts one to two days. This is the most common type and usually does not need to be treated. The next type is persistent diarrhea, which lasts about two to four weeks, and the third is chronic diarrhea, which lasts longer than four weeks or returns periodically over a period of time. It usually indicates a more serious illness that should be consulted with a doctor.

During diarrhea , you lose fluids, so care should be taken to ensure adequate hydration with water and minerals. Drinking a rehydration solution is also often recommended. You should definitely avoid drinks that irritate the intestines: juices, coffee or alcohol.

Causes of occurrence

Diarrhoea can have several causes, with a common cause being an infection, such as a virus. In adults it is norovirus and in children rotavirus. It is also commonly caused by food poisoning or foods that may not suit your digestive system and irritate it. Diarrhoea also occurs when you find yourself in a new environment, especially when travelling, when you are exposed to bacteria.

Many medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. An example is antibiotics, which destroy beneficial bacteria in the gut. Often it is also stress diarrhea, which is a reaction to psychological stress. In more severe cases, the cause is a more serious illness that causes irritation and inflammation in the intestines. This includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics to help

When diarrhoea strikes, you think about how to cure it as soon as possible. You routinely adjust your diet and reach for black coal. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can benefit your digestive system, can be a good option. They support the natural functioning of the gut, so they bring balance by providing lots of good bacteria, and also help fight infection.

Some studies have confirmed that probiotics reduce the duration of diarrhoea, but they also improve the frequency and composition of stools or reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics in their natural form can be found in some yogurts, but are most commonly given in the form of probiotic supplements. However, research is still ongoing in this area.