Role Of Probiotics In Diarrhoea Management: Restoring Gut Health With Good Bacteria
To maximise the potential advantages of probiotics in diarrhoea management, it is essential to examine individual circumstances and seek expert help.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5, globally. Characterised by frequent bowel movement, loose stool, nausea abdominal cramps and dehydration, diarrhoea is caused by mainly by viruses and bacteria. The most common culprit behind this gut issue is rotavirus. It can also be caused by bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, among others. Apart from these, there can be other underlying health conditions like hormonal disorders and inflammatory bowel disease that contribute to diarrhoea. Some medicines can also be the cause. To a large extent, diarrhoea caused by viruses and bacteria can be prevented if you maintain proper hygiene, avoid street food and drink purified water.
Diarrhoea can be classified under three broad categories. They include:
Acute diarrhoea: This is the most common form of diarrhoea, characterised by loose, watery bowels. Typically, it subsides on its own with sufficient fluid replenishment.
Persistent diarrhoea: This type of diarrhoea lasts for two to four weeks.
Chronic diarrhoea: This form of diarrhoea can trouble you for a long period of time, more than four weeks.
As already mentioned, the most common cause of diarrhoea is a viral or bacterial infection. However, there are several other factors than can be the culprit behind diarrhoea:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is another gut issue that can cause diarrhoea symptoms like blood in the stool. This condition leads to ulcers in the innermost lining of your large intestine and rectum.
Malabsorption: When your digestive tracts fail to absorb nutrients from your food, you are likely experience diarrhoea symptoms.
Medicines: Laxatives and other drugs like antibiotics, can lead to diarrhoea.
Hormonal disorders: Hormonal issues can lead to irregular bowel movement and other diarrhoea symptoms. For example, people living with Addison’s disease have insufficient levels of the hormone steroid. They are likely to experience diarrhoea symptoms.
This condition comes with a combination of symptoms. You may go through one or more of these manifestations depending on the cause. Here are the common signs and symptoms of diarrhoea.
Usually, this condition doesn’t need medical tests for diagnosis. The symptoms are unmistakable. However, some tests may be suggested to figure out the underlying cause or in case the manifestations persist. These tests include:
The treatment for diarrhoea depends on the severity of your condition, your dehydration status, age, medical history and other factors. Typically, this condition necessitates fluid replacement and you need to drink a lot of liquids in the form of water and juices. In severe cases, it needs to be done through intravenous injections. The intention of the medicines is to control your bowel movement. If your diarrhoea has been caused by bacteria, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. In case it is the manifestation of any underlying digestive issue, the treatment modality will be decided based on that.
What you eat plays a crucial role in the way your diarrhoea symptoms manifest. Since this condition depletes you of water, make sure that you keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water and other fluids like juices to ensure that your electrolyte balance isn’t lost. Also, avoid dairy products when suffering from diarrhoea because you may find it difficult to digest. Apart from these, fibrous veggies like cabbage and beans will also be hard on your stomach, leading to flatulence. Cut back on caffeinated drinks like soda, tea and coffee while experiencing diarrhoea symptoms. A low-fibre diet is particularly good for people suffering from this condition. Adding potatoes, white rice, fish and chicken to your meals will help.
There are various factors that can lead to diarrhoea. However, a few precautionary measures can help you prevent this infection.
Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after using the loo. Also, it’s essential clean your hands before and after eating, cooking and handling utensils to keep the infection at bay.
Get vaccinated: The most common culprit behind diarrhoea is rotavirus. It can be prevented by the Rotavirus vaccine, which is administered to children (1 year) in various doses.
Store your food the right way: Make sure that your leftover foods are properly refrigerated. Wash raw fruits and vegetables well before eating and cooking them and do not eat anything that has gone bad. All these food safety measures are essential steps against diarrhoea infections.
Be careful about what you drink and eat: Street foods and tap water are the hotspots of germs that lead to diarrhoea. While eating out, choose trusted food joints and make sure that you drink bottled water when you are travelling. Using a water purifier at home will also protect you from this condition. Also, unpasteurised milk and juices could be the culprit behind this infection. Avoid them.
To maximise the potential advantages of probiotics in diarrhoea management, it is essential to examine individual circumstances and seek expert help.
Washing your hands can aid infection control and prevention of diarrhoea. Know the deets from the expert.
It has been observed that stressful situations might sometimes lead to intestinal cramping and which would result in diarrhoea
Maintaining a correct balance of these microorganisms is vital for good physical and mental health and also essential to achieve a good immune response
Beware! Severe dehydration due to diarrhoea can be life-threatening. Know what to eat and avoid when you have diarrhoea.
After the diarrhoea outbreak in Karaikal, the Puducherry government declared it a public health emergency and issued guidelines to contain the surge.
Instances of infectious diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis can be reduced significantly just by maintaining hand hygiene, say health experts.
On Tuesday, over 40 villagers, including children, are reported to be suffering from diarrhoea in the Nathu Bigha village in Bihar's Aurangabad district.
Diarrhoea can be a pain and it can leave you feeling lethargic and dehydrated. Today, health tips from us will help you deal with this condition.
You must add dietary fibre to your diet if you want to achieve total wellness. It will not only help you lose weight but also bring down your risk of many diseases.
Stevia is a non-toxic, zero-calorie natural sweetener that be used as an alternative to sugar. It comes with a range of health benefits and can help you lose weight too.
Contrary to belief, malaria, a parasitic infection that results from mosquito bites, can also survive in cold regions. Know how to avoid and also deal with this condition.
The alternate day fasting diet is one of the bet tools for fast weight loss. Here, we reveal everything you need to know about this diet.
Without antibiotics, even common diseases can become potentially life threatening. But it has its drawbacks too. Experts say that it can increase our risk of flu by killing gut bacteria.
Are you a foodie who likes to relish junk foods? Be careful during the monsoons because your indulgence can make you prone to certain infections
Sipping a glass of unsalted tomato juice can help in lowering blood pressure, finds a recent study. But going overboard on it can lead to various health conditions.
The National Health Mission, Assam, has launched a campaign to create mass awareness about the most scientific, effective and economic diarrhoea treatment.
A new study reveals that prolonged use of antibiotics can up your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Here, we tell you about the other possible health conditions associated with these anti-bacterial drugs.
To maximise the potential advantages of probiotics in diarrhoea management, it is essential to examine individual circumstances and seek expert help.
Washing your hands can aid infection control and prevention of diarrhoea. Know the deets from the expert.
It has been observed that stressful situations might sometimes lead to intestinal cramping and which would result in diarrhoea
Maintaining a correct balance of these microorganisms is vital for good physical and mental health and also essential to achieve a good immune response
Beware! Severe dehydration due to diarrhoea can be life-threatening. Know what to eat and avoid when you have diarrhoea.
After the diarrhoea outbreak in Karaikal, the Puducherry government declared it a public health emergency and issued guidelines to contain the surge.
Instances of infectious diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis can be reduced significantly just by maintaining hand hygiene, say health experts.
On Tuesday, over 40 villagers, including children, are reported to be suffering from diarrhoea in the Nathu Bigha village in Bihar's Aurangabad district.
Diarrhoea can be a pain and it can leave you feeling lethargic and dehydrated. Today, health tips from us will help you deal with this condition.
You must add dietary fibre to your diet if you want to achieve total wellness. It will not only help you lose weight but also bring down your risk of many diseases.
Stevia is a non-toxic, zero-calorie natural sweetener that be used as an alternative to sugar. It comes with a range of health benefits and can help you lose weight too.
Contrary to belief, malaria, a parasitic infection that results from mosquito bites, can also survive in cold regions. Know how to avoid and also deal with this condition.
The alternate day fasting diet is one of the bet tools for fast weight loss. Here, we reveal everything you need to know about this diet.
Without antibiotics, even common diseases can become potentially life threatening. But it has its drawbacks too. Experts say that it can increase our risk of flu by killing gut bacteria.
Sipping a glass of unsalted tomato juice can help in lowering blood pressure, finds a recent study. But going overboard on it can lead to various health conditions.
The National Health Mission, Assam, has launched a campaign to create mass awareness about the most scientific, effective and economic diarrhoea treatment.
A new study reveals that prolonged use of antibiotics can up your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Here, we tell you about the other possible health conditions associated with these anti-bacterial drugs.
Probiotics which are often called 'good or helpful bacteria', help maintain the right ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut and help prevent a number of diseases.
Are you a foodie who likes to relish junk foods? Be careful during the monsoons because your indulgence can make you prone to certain infections
Stomach problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and gastrointestinal disease can be treated with a few natural remedies. These don't have any adverse side effects.
Can't wait to play Dandiya? Here's something you must read!
Cholera, if left untreated, can put a person in coma or even cause death!
These are the foods you need to avoid especially during night in order to prevent loose motions or diarrhea
Ensure a speedy recovery from the symptoms of diarrhea by staying hydrated and improving digestion with these foods.
Here is a guide to identifying symptoms of dengue.
Diarrhoea can be treated at home with these simple and effective remedies. Here's how it works!