Watery Diarrhea

Diarrhea, often characterized as frequent and watery bowel movement, is an intestinal disorder that most of us have experienced more than once in our lives. Watery diarrhea, also called acute diarrhea is a severe form of diarrhea, causing abnormal and excessive loosening of stools, infrequent and urgent bowel movements and continence.

The condition usually lasts for less than 2 weeks and is often accompanied by other symptoms like cramping, bloating, and gas. Moreover, if left unaddressed, watery diarrhea can further lead to chronic dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body. Hence, in comparison to normal diarrhea, it is more life threatening. In fact, watery diarrhea in children and even in adults has become one of the major cause of mortality worldwide. But what causes this kind of diarrhea and what does it take to cure it, we will know in the coming section.

Causes

Generally, watery diarrhea is caused by a virus infestation that infiltrate the digestive tract and affect the stool formation. Apart from viral infection, some bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella that enter the body and hamper its immune system can also result in acute diarrhea. Cholera, an infectious disease resulting due to an exposure to contaminated water, if not treated in time can lead to watery diarrhea. It is a bacterial infection wherein the bacteria attaches itself to the intestine and intervenes with the sodium and potassium exchange, which is essential to regulate fluid and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Similarly, Crohn's disease is another inflammatory bowel disease which is characterized by infrequent and loose bowel movements, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, etc.

Another uncommon yet a probable cause of watery diarrhea and nausea is fecal impaction. It is a condition of chronic constipation, wherein, hard and dry stools develop within the rectum, causing excessive straining while defecating. The condition often results in acute diarrhea, stomach pain and at times rectal bleeding. Beside these, though rarely, some dietary changes like intake of coffee, tea, colas, dietetic foods, gums or mints (containing low absorbable sugars) or consumption of raw shellfish, raw vegetables or fruits and grains like rice, etc., can also lead to watery diarrhea after eating in many people. Use of certain medications, antibiotics, blood pressure or cancer drugs, and antacids containing magnesium can also contribute to acute, watery diarrhea.

Treatment

Treatment of watery diarrhea mainly aims for controlling the loss of fluids from the body and other severe symptoms. Hence, the treatment involves destruction of bacteria using certain antibiotics and replacement of fluids and electrolytes with oral rehydration salts and intravenous fluids. Also in order to avoid dehydration and maintain fluid and electrolyte concentrations in the body, it is essential for the patient to have plenty of fluids and salts. Also one should avoid milk and dairy products, as they can aggravate the symptoms and worsen the condition.

Watery diarrhea is more prevalent in people who live in unhygienic conditions and are more exposed to contaminated water or foods. It is a severe health disorder, which if not treated in time can even cause a person's death. Hence, it is essential that if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms or experience bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, etc. lasting for more than 48 hours, do not delay. You should instantly consult your doctor to diagnose the cause and prescribe the necessary medications.