What Is Diarrhea And Nausea

Diarrhea is defined as a loose bowel. Most of the time, it is very common and not serious. Many who get it will have it once or twice yearly for one reason or another. Typically, it lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. The most common causes of diarrhea is a virus that infects the stomach, usually known as the “flu.” Other causes can be food poisoning, food allergies, certain stomach problems like colitis and IBS, hyperthyroidism, certain cancers, laxative abuse, otherwise known as bulimia, and diabetes.

It’s symptoms include abnormal bloating and/pr cramps, loose stools, nausea and/or vomiting, and the urge to go to the bathroom. Diarrhea becomes more serious when it involves symptoms that include blood, undigested food, or mucus in the stool, loss of weight, and fever.

If the symptoms are mild, it can be treated with medications like Imodium A-D, Pepto Bismol, and Kaopectate. Also, it is advised to drink six 8 ounce glasses of fluid a day to keep hydrated. Do not drink anything with caffeine and keep away from juice with pulp, broth, or soda. Pick sports drinks, low-fat broth, and pulp free juice.

Signs that medical attention is needed include dark urine, a fast heartbeat, headache, irritability, dry skin, confusion, and decreased urine. In addition, for children, the signs can be a dry mouth and tongue, no tear production, decreased wetness in diapers, and sunken eyes or cheeks. If the rectal area becomes sore during frequent bowel movements, application of a hemorrhoid cream or petroleum jelly to the infected area can help, as well as warm baths. Nausea goes hand in hand with diarrhea and nausea can lead to vomiting.

Its causes include motion or seasickness, pregnancy, emotional stress, food poisoning, overeating, heart attack, ulcers, brain tumors, bulimia, infections like the stomach flu, and some cancers.

If one is vomiting right after a meal, it can indicate an allergy, food poisoning, or gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers, or bulimia. If it happens several hours later, it can indicate bacteria like salmonella. Vomiting is usually not harmful, but it can be the sign of a more serious condition like a concussion, meningitis, an infection of the membrane linings of the brain, intestinal blockage, appendicitis, or brain tumors. Also, as younger children can often not express the symptoms of dehydration, they are more susceptible to it. The most visible signs include dry lips and mount, quicker breathing, and sunken eyes.

Call the doctor if the diarrhea lasts more than a few days or if there is an increased chance of becoming pregnant, if caring for it at home is not working or dehydration become apparent, also if there is an injury that could be causing vomiting.

If vomiting lasts for more than one day or diarrhea and vomiting persist past 24 hours. If an infant or child is afflicted under the age of 6, take him or her to the doctor, particularly if he or she gets a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With a child over the age of 6, take him or her to the doctor if the symptoms persist past a day, if he or she has a fever of 102, or has not urinated in 6 hours.

Medical attention requiring hospitalization should be used if there is blood in vomit It will look bright red or like coffee grounds, if the person has a stiff neck or bad headache, confusion and tiredness, severe pain in the abdomen, or a fever over 101. Also, vomiting continuously during pregnancy can bring on a serious condition called hyper emesis gravid arum in which the mother can get fluid or mineral imbalances that can harm her unborn child.

Vomiting is treated by staying away from solid foods and only drinking clear liquids until the episode has passed. Also, be sure to drink Pedialyte to comate dehydration and if pregnant, eat crackers before getting out of bed and stick to high protein snacks like lean meats and cheeses. Some medications can cause the condition. Discontinue after speaking with a doctor.

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