Diarrhoea Symptoms, Causes and Natural Remedies

Diarrhea occurs when there is an increase in the number of bowel movements or bowel movements are more watery and loose than normal. When the intestines push stools through the bowel before the water in the stool can be reabsorbed, diarrhea occurs. It can also occur when inflammation of the bowel lining causes excess fluid to leak into the stool. Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or a fever may occur along with the diarrhea.
Diarrhea is one of the most commonly occurring health problems affecting all ages. Most adults will have 4 episodes of diarrhea each year. Diarrhea that comes on suddenly may last up to 14 days.

What is diarrhoea?

Acute diarrhea is something nearly everyone has experienced at one time or another. The loose, watery stools and abdominal cramps that characterize diarrhea usually last a couple of days. Diarrhea often means more-frequent trips to the toilet and a greater volume of stool.
By definition, chronic diarrhea lasts much longer than does acute diarrhea, generally longer than four weeks. It can be a sign of a serious disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amounts of water and salts. Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own without treatment. But see your doctor if diarrhea persists, if you become dehydrated or if you pass blood in your stool.
Symptoms of diarrhea

Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhoea may include frequent, loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, bloating. In addition, other signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may precede diarrhoea that's caused by, for example, an infection. Bacterial or parasitic infections sometimes cause bloody stools, and fever may accompany these infections as well.

Causes of diarrhoea

In diarrhoea, the food and fluids you ingest pass too quickly or in too large an amount — or both — through your colon. The fluids aren't sufficiently absorbed, and the result is a watery bowel movement. In addition, the lining of your colon may be inflamed or diseased, making it less able to absorb fluids.
The most common causes of diarrhoea include viruses. Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea. Diarrhoea caused by bacteria and parasites can be common when travelling. Many medications can cause diarrhoea. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria, which can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. Other causes include lactose. A sugar found in milk and milk products, lactose is a common cause of diarrhoea in some people. Fructose, a sugar found in many fruits, is a common cause of diarrhoea, especially in children. Artificial sweeteners are also a cause for diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea has a number of other causes, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Natural Remedies for diarrhoea

Drink blackberry tea for mild diarrhoea. Wild oregano oil is an antibacterial, anti parasitic and anti viral. Ginger tea can stop cramps and pain. Drink plenty of fluids, but stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Drinks like ginger ale or carrot juice is good for making the stools less watery.