Myths and Facts about Diarrhea
September 2, 2022Medical Articles
One of the major digestive issues that result in loose, watery bowel movements is diarrhea. Although it is uncomfortable, one can hardly prevent it from happening if they do not pay attention to what one consumes.
The normal duration of the ailment is two to three days, although it might linger longer and necessitate competent medical care.
When a person has diarrhea, he tries every remedy he is aware of or has possibly heard to treat it. To solve the issue, they use peculiar strategies.
It’s crucial to realize that there are some myths about diarrhea that are untrue, and you should stop believing them right away.
Therefore, you will learn all the facts and myths regarding diarrhea in this post.
Before going to the depth, let’s see some of the symptoms of diarrhea.
Symptoms Of Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Mucus in the stool
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
Causes Of Diarrhea
- Viruses
- Bacteria and parasites
- Medications
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose
- Artificial sweeteners
- Surgery
Myths and Facts about Diarrhea
- To improve, adhere to the BRAT diet: It is a Myth. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the bland “BRAT” foods, were previously suggested as a treatment for diarrhea. However, BRAT diets are deficient in other nutrients like protein and fat that you require. For the first day or so, you can eat bland things. But as soon as you can, you should start eating normally again.
- The Risk of Dehydration Is High: It is a fact that diarrhea results in fluid loss. Dehydration can result from excessive fluid loss, especially in young infants. A child may be dehydrated if they appear to be thirsty, exhibit dry mouth, have sunken soft areas on their heads (in babies), urinate less frequently than usual, or cry dryly. Similar symptoms, as well as sunken eyes and sluggishness, can also affect adults. If you notice dehydration symptoms, call your doctor right away. Your doctor could advise consuming water, low-sugar sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, broths, and oral rehydration solutions.
- Flu vaccines prevent the stomach flu: It is a Myth: Although the seasonal flu, or influenza virus, can bring on symptoms such as fever, body aches, and general discomfort, it rarely results in diarrhea. Typically, influenza affects the lungs and airways. Although the illness that some refer to as “stomach flu” might result in diarrhea, it is not the same as influenza. The term “stomach flu” is only a catch-all for viral gastroenteritis, which is brought on by a variety of microbes.
- Avoid fatty foods at all costs: It is a Myth. Due to their difficulty in digestion, greasy and fried foods frequently make diarrhea worse. However, consuming some fat may assist in relieving diarrhea. Fats digest slowly, which may lessen the symptoms of diarrhea. Add a spoonful of mayo, a pat of butter, or some lean meat to your next meal if you don’t have any trouble absorbing fat. It could ameliorate your symptoms.
- Diarrhea Can Be Caused by Drugs: It is a fact. Diarrhea is a potential pharmaceutical side effect. For instance, some cancer, diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure medications, as well as some antibiotics, might result in diarrhea. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea after beginning a new medication.
- Sugary foods aggravate diarrhea: It is a Fact. When they have diarrhea, some people consume sodas or sports drinks to replace the fluids they’ve lost. However, extremely sweet foods and beverages, including the natural sugars contained in fruit, may exacerbate the symptoms of diarrhea. Sugar attracts liquid into the intestines during digestion, thinning the faces. Sorbitol is one sugar replacement that may have the same result.
- Diarrhea is a result of teething: It is a Myth. Many parents think that babies’ diarrhea during teething is caused by this. However, pediatricians claim it is untrue. When teething, your infant may be grumpy or agitated. However, consult your doctor if they also have diarrhea or a fever.
- Foods High in Fiber Could Be Beneficial: It is a fact. However, it depends on the kind of fiber you consume. Beans, peas, oat bran, peeled fruits, and cooked vegetables all include soluble fiber, which helps to firm up stools by absorbing water in the intestines. However, insoluble fiber, which is present in whole grains, wheat bran, and the skins of fresh fruits and vegetables, may hasten the transit time of stools through the intestines.
- It Can Get Worse with Coffee: The caffeine in chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other foods may cause your bowels to move more quickly. Because caffeine acts as an intestinal stimulant, digestion and bowel movements become more rapid. Decaffeinated coffee still has enough caffeine to stimulate your bowels, even if it contains less than regular coffee.
- When you become ill, take medication: It is a Myth. Treatment is typically not required for diarrhea because it frequently goes away on its own. However, over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea can provide some symptom relief. If you have a fever or any other symptoms, such as bloody stools, stay away from them. Give newborns and kids no diarrhoeal medication unless a pediatrician advises it.
- Washing your hands can help you stay healthy: It is a Fact. Washing your hands is still the best defense against the bacteria that cause diarrhea, according to public health professionals. According to one analysis of the literature, proper hand washing can reduce the spread of contagious diarrhea by over 40%. Scrub for as long as it takes you to recite the alphabet using soap and water.
- Yogurt Could Help with Diarrhea: It is a fact. Yogurt may hasten the recovery process after diarrhea. Some yogurts’ live, natural, “friendly” bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, may aid in promoting a healthy digestive system. Yogurt with live or active cultures may help prevent diarrhea brought on by antibiotics, according to some research.
Consult a doctor if you’re an adult and you:
- Your diarrhoea lasts more than two days without getting better.
- You experience dehydration
- You experience intense rectal or abdominal pain.
- Your stools are dark or crimson.
- Your fever is greater than 102 F. (39 C)
Diarrhea in children, especially young infants, can quickly result in dehydration. If your child’s diarrhea doesn’t get better in 24 hours or if your child experiences any of the following:
- develops a dehydration
- 102 F or higher fever (39 C)
- possesses bloody or dark stools
If you are looking for the best gastroenterologist for proper and safe treatment, Dr. Vatsal Mehta is there for you. Contact him for the details and get the best treatment in Ahmedabad!