Diarrhea - Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. It can be acute (lasting 1-2 days) or chronic (lasting more than 4 weeks).
Overview
Diarrhea is one of the most common health issues worldwide. In India, it remains a leading cause of illness, particularly due to contaminated water and food. While usually self-limiting, severe diarrhea can cause dangerous dehydration.
Conditions That Cause Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be associated with several medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is important for proper treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing the body's metabolism to speed up significantly.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Common causeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever, weakness, and digestive problems.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea
See a doctor if diarrhea persists for more than 2 days (adults) or 24 hours (children), is accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, blood or pus in stool, signs of dehydration, or dark/tarry stools.
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Related Symptoms
People experiencing diarrhea may also notice these symptoms:
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.