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There are many causes of diarrhea. These may range from food intolerances to viral infections. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of diarrhea. You may be surprised to learn that some of them are completely preventable. You may even find that you don’t have to suffer from diarrhea as long as you follow a few simple tips.
Food intolerances
Symptoms of food intolerances are usually mild and temporary, lasting only a few hours or days. If you suspect that you have an intolerance, you should cut out the food in question from your diet for a while. Then, gradually reintroduce it in smaller portions until your symptoms subside. In the meantime, you can take supplements to help your body digest food.
Food intolerances usually affect the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Sometimes, food intolerances also lead to a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which requires epinephrine.
Aside from the gastrointestinal symptoms, food intolerances can also lead to chronic diarrhea. It is crucial to consult a doctor if your diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a week. Medications for diarrhea can control the symptoms, such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate.
In some cases, people with food intolerances experience diarrhea due to an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient. These reactions can also trigger by a lack of diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme in the intestine that deactivates histamines. If a patient has low DAO levels, it can lead to flushing, headaches, and digestive distress after eating histamine-rich foods. Some diseases and medications block the production of DAO. Because symptoms are often unclear, it is best to consult a doctor.
Because the symptoms of food intolerance and food allergy are similar, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. Symptoms vary between people and can even mimic those of chronic digestive illnesses. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods are causing your symptoms. Then, you can choose the best treatment for your particular condition.
Food intolerances can be triggered by different factors, such as the type of protein and the food’s preparation. Some people who have a food intolerance can also develop diarrhea caused by foods that contain protein. Therefore, avoiding certain foods can be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms.
Food intolerances can also cause digestive distress and symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence. For example, lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea because it lacks an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme is necessary for digesting dairy sugar.
While food intolerances can be difficult to identify, most cases are not life-threatening. In some cases, an elimination diet may be necessary to help pinpoint the culprit. If you are unsure, talk to a healthcare provider who can recommend a specific food elimination diet. They may also suggest testing for food allergy allergens.
While you can avoid fruit and vegetables that are high in fructose, it is important to limit the amount of fructose in your diet. Too much fructose in your diet can lead to diarrhea. In addition, eating a lot of onions and garlic can cause gas and loose bowel movements. These foods also contain insoluble fiber, which can speed up the digestion process.
If you’re suffering from stomach problems and diarrhea, you may be suffering from food intolerance. These problems are less severe than food allergies, but they can be just as painful. Food intolerances can cause diarrhea, nausea, and bloating. Some people also experience vomiting, abdominal pain, or both.
Food intolerances can also result in low vitamin D and calcium levels in your body. If your symptoms cause by dairy products, you can try a lactase enzyme to help you eat these products without upset stomach. In addition, you may need to eat more fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as gluten-free whole grains. It is important to include plenty of fiber in your diet, as this is essential for the absorption of B vitamins.
Viral infection
In children, viral infection can cause diarrhea. Enteric viruses have been found to be the most common cause. A recent study examined the prevalence of rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus infection in children. The study included 223 stool specimens from children aged 0 to 36 months. It also included 59 age-matched children who did not exhibit diarrhea. The researchers tested the samples using an immunochromatographic technique.
Viral infections cause diarrhea when they disrupt the absorptive and secretory processes in the digestive system. They can invade intestinal villous epithelial cells and cause the villi to slough. Children commonly contract rotavirus, but a vaccine has recently been developed to prevent rotavirus disease. This virus is contagious and causes severe diarrhea in children. It can also affect adults, so if you suspect you have it, see your doctor right away.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis may include high fever, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. A doctor may also order imaging studies of the abdomen to rule out more serious etiologies. A stool sample may also be taken to test for viral infection. The stool test can detect rotavirus and norovirus.
Viral gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by several viruses. These viruses can infect the small and large intestines and cause diarrhea and vomiting. The infection is contagious, but it will usually run its course in a few days. However, it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms continue or if symptoms are accompanied by dehydration.
To avoid the spread of a viral infection, wash your hands thoroughly after touching a sick person. This will prevent the spread of the virus to surfaces and food. Moreover, you can use a disinfectant to kill any traces of the virus. To further reduce the risk of spreading the infection, stay away from undercooked meat or raw eggs. It is also important to avoid close contact with sick people and not share personal items or food with them.
A stomach flu is a common viral infection that affects the stomach and small intestine. The symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. In addition, diarrhea can cause dehydration, so you should drink plenty of water. A dehydration test may also be recommended to make sure the infection is not something more serious.
The most common types of diarrhea cause by norovirus. Norovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus, and causes about 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in the world. The virus is very contagious, so keep your hands clean and stay away from others to prevent the spread of the virus.
The most common symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It can also cause a low-grade fever and muscle aches. Symptoms usually appear between 24 hours and 48 hours after the infected person has been exposed to the virus. In addition, the disease may last for several days and may cause dehydration.
Viral gastroenteritis is usually easy to treat with rest and natural remedies. If you cannot drink enough liquids, you should see a doctor immediately. Taking oral rehydration solutions and sports drinks will help your body absorb fluids and replace lost electrolytes. Other helpful foods include salty crackers and ginger ale. However, be sure to avoid dairy products, which can worsen the condition. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure to an infected person. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis can last for up to 14 days. They can be mild, moderate, or severe. For children, diarrhea can be debilitating, and blood in the stool can be a sign of a more serious infection. If you are worried about your child’s diarrhea, seek medical care right away.
Antibiotics can be effective for viral diarrhea. In addition, probiotics can replace healthy bacteria lost during diarrhea. Certain medications can also be used to treat severe vomiting. While these remedies are useful for most children, they are not safe for children with high fevers or serious illness. If you suspect your child of having a viral infection, visit your doctor immediately.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, you must wash your hands thoroughly before touching food or drink. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and changing diapers. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid consuming any foods with warning labels on them.
