Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know

Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know

With the sudden rise in extreme heat, cases of diarrhea and cholera are increasing at an alarming rate. Hospitals are overflowing, with no space to accommodate the growing number of patients. According to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), the current number of diarrhea patients in hospitals is unprecedented, unmatched in the last 60 years. Experts warn that if this trend continues, diarrhea could soon turn into a full-blown epidemic.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a condition in which a person passes watery stools three times or more in a single day. It can range in severity and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or dehydration. While it may initially seem minor, persistent diarrhea can quickly become life-threatening, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.

Why is Diarrhea Increasing?

The main cause of diarrhea is contaminated water, making it a waterborne disease. Poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water, and unhygienic food practices contribute significantly to its spread. During extreme heat, bacterial growth accelerates in both water and food, increasing the risk of diarrhea outbreaks.

Common Sources of Infection:

• Contaminated water: Drinking or using unclean water can easily transmit bacteria and viruses.
• Unhygienic foods: Food prepared with unclean hands, stored in open spaces, or cooked in stale or reused oil can carry pathogens.
• Street food and juices: Sugarcane juice and other street foods are often prepared in unsanitary conditions.
• Infants: Babies fed with unclean bottles or unhygienically prepared milk are at higher risk.

Proper hygiene, safe water, and careful food handling are essential to prevent diarrhea.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Frequent watery stools (three times or more daily)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and body aches
• Dry mouth and excessive thirst

Blood may or may not be present in the stool depending on the cause. Severe dehydration is the main danger, and timely intervention is critical.

Immediate Steps to Take:

If you or someone around you experiences diarrhea, quick action is crucial:

1. Rehydrate constantly: Drink fluids frequently to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) should be given after every loose stool—half to one glass for adults, adjusted for children based on age and weight as advised by a doctor.
2. Maintain nutrition: Continue consuming normal, nutritious foods to maintain energy levels. Suitable options include:
   • Coconut water for hydration
   • Yogurt or sour curd to restore gut bacteria
   • Chicken soup or light broths
   • Soft foods like porridge, rice, or mashed bananas
3. Avoid harmful foods: Refrain from consuming sugary, oily, or street foods during diarrhea. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages that can worsen dehydration.
4. Maintain hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food. Use clean utensils and safe drinking water.
5. Monitor for warning signs: Persistent vomiting, high fever, blood in stool, or signs of severe dehydration (sunken eyes, lethargy, very little urine) require immediate medical attention.

Read More:- What is acidity ?

Prevention:

Prevention is better than cure. Follow these simple measures:

• Drink only purified or boiled water.
• Avoid foods from unhygienic sources.
• Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consumption.
• Keep infants and children away from contaminated food and water.
• Maintain proper sanitation at home, especially during hot weather when bacteria multiply rapidly.

Conclusion:

Diarrhea is a serious yet preventable condition. With proper hygiene, safe water, timely hydration, and careful food choices, the risk can be significantly reduced. Awareness and immediate action are essential, particularly during extreme heat when diarrheal infections are more likely to spread. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment and do not ignore persistent symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

By staying hydrated, eating safe foods, maintaining hygiene, and seeking timely medical care, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the rising threat of diarrhea this summer. Stay safe, stay alert, and prioritize prevention.

Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know

Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know Diarrhea Treatment Tips You Must Know