DIARRHEA:
Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Signs of dehydration often begin with loss of the normal stretchiness of the skin and irritable behaviour. This can progress to decreased urination, loss of skin color, a fast heart rate, and a decrease in responsiveness as it becomes more severe. Loose but non-watery stools in babies who are exclusively breastfed, however, are normal.
SYMPTOMS
°Bloating in your belly
°Cramps
°Thin or loose stools
°Watery stools
°An urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement
°Nausea and throwing up
More serious symptoms include:
°Blood or mucus in your stool
°Weight loss
°Fever
CAUSES
°Alcohol abuse
°Allergies to certain foods
°Diabetes
°Diseases of the intestines (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
°Eating foods that upset the digestive system
°Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning) or other organisms
°Laxative abuse
Medications
°Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
°Radiation therapy
°Running (Some people get “runner’s diarrhea” for reasons that aren’t clear)
°Some cancers
Surgery on your digestive system
°Trouble absorbing certain nutrients, also called “malabsorption”
TREATMENT:
If your case is mild, you may not need to take anything. Or you can take an over-the-counter medicine such as bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide, which are available as liquids or tablets. Follow the instructions on the package.
You also need to stay hydrated. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. Choose fruit juice without pulp, broth, or soda (without caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals. Sip small amounts of fluids often