When most people hear about diarrhea, they do not always think that this is something serious. While there are medications available for it, the reality is that it is one of the common causes of child death around the world. Over 2,000 kids die each day because of this.
Diarrhea is a medical condition involving loose and frequent bowel movements in a short time. It feels like your stomach is on hyperdrive, and you keep needing to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, it is associated with stomach aches, vomiting, and weight loss.
While it is short-lived, there are types of diarrhea that are more severe.
What Are the 3 Types of Diarrhea?
There are different ways to classify diarrhea, including:
- Acute Diarrhea – This is the most common type and lasts for a day or two. It usually resolves on its own without medical treatment.
- Persistent Diarrhea – This type of diarrhea lasts for two to four weeks.
- Chronic Diarrhea – This is when the condition lasts for over four weeks, or it comes and goes over a long period.
Who Is at Risk of Getting Diarrhea?
It is not uncommon for any person to get diarrhea. Some even get several cases in a single year. There is usually nothing to worry about. But, some are at risk if they catch this.
Young children and the elderly are at the most risk. They can quickly lose their electrolytes and suffer from dehydration. Those with a prior medical condition risk developing complications if they catch diarrhea.
The Causes of Diarrhea
Several causes can trigger diarrhea. The most common one is a virus that gets into your bowels. It is sometimes known as intestinal or stomach flu.
Other causes include:
- Infection from other organisms, like an amoeba.
- Eating food that does not agree with your digestive system. For example, a lactose-intolerant person consuming dairy can suffer from diarrhea afterward.
- Drinking certain types of medication.
- Undergoing radiation therapy.
- Poor food absorption.
Symptoms Associated with Diarrhea
The symptoms that people experience with diarrhea can vary depending on the severity of their case. Everyone will have the main one, which is a loose and watery stool. Other symptoms can include:
- Bloating
- Cramping in the abdomen
- A strong urge for bowel movement
- Nausea
In more severe cases, the symptoms can also have:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Intolerable pain
- Dehydration
What the Color of Diarrhea Means
The stool of people suffering from diarrhea can vary. Color is influenced by what you eat. However, there is reason to worry if you find blood on your stool during diarrhea. Other things to look out for are black and tarry bowel movements.
Treatment for Diarrhea
Diarrhea treatment will vary depending on the severity or cause. For some people, it can go away without taking medication. In other cases, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics or medications specific to your situation.
There is over-the-counter medicine you can use that helps you feel better quickly. But, if you have blood in your stool or experiencing fever, avoid OTC medicine and consult your doctor first.
Get Fast Treatment at PresNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care
Most cases of diarrhea could be treated at home. It usually lasts a couple of days and goes away on its own. However, if it extends to weeks, you need medical attention. You should visit your doctor or the PresNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care locations.
You are at risk of complications if diarrhea does not go away. It can lead to electrolyte imbalance in your body, kidney failure, organ damage, and dehydration. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Dark urine
- Dry lips and skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Severe nausea
If you are dehydrated or experiencing other severe symptoms, get to a doctor immediately.
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
