Dr. Uma Alurkar

Diarrhea is a very common condition, which is associated with the passage of the ingested fluids and foods through your colon more frequently than usual or in huge amounts. This condition is mostly caused by the action of viruses, parasites, bacteria, medications like antibiotics, certain digestive disorders, abdominal surgery, lactose intolerance, and consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol etc. Here are some of the common symptoms, which indicate that you are suffering from diarrhea:

• Passing watery and loose stools
• Frequent bowel movements
• Pain or cramps in the abdomen
• Feeling of nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating in the stomach

If you are suffering from a more serious form of diarrhea, you might also experience symptoms like:

• Presence of mucus, blood and traces of undigested food in your stool
• Fever

Diarrhea mostly gets cured even without consuming any medicines within a couple of days. However, you need to consult a doctor and get proper treatment for diarrhea in the following cases:

• If you are continuously experiencing the condition for more than two days
• Your stools contain blood or are black
• Severe pain in the rectum or abdomen is bothering you
• You experience signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, urine of dark color or reduced frequency and amount of urination
• Your body temperature exceeds 102 F (39 C)

'Consult'.

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