Most of us, at some point, have suffered from diarrhea. This is characterized by an increase in bowel movements, loose and watery stools, extremely uncomfortable stomach pain, bloating, and sometimes excessive gas, which lasts for about 3–4 days on an average. However, chronic diarrhea is more intense and lasts for almost four weeks.
Chronic diarrhea is a severe condition that, if left unaided, could turn fatal. Since chronic diarrhea is synonymous with watery stools, a lot of your bodily fluids leave your system; this calls for concern and timely treatment for chronic diarrhea, as it can lead to dehydration.
The need to get to a restroom and relieve yourself is not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing. Luckily, a lot of over-the-counter medications and home remedies are available, and this can help treat your diarrhea. Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for chronic diarrhea.
The signs and symptoms of chronic diarrhea
The most common sign and symptoms of chronic diarrhea are as follows:
- A sensation of excessive bloating in the stomach and abdomen
- A feeling of nausea
- Watery stools
- Thin or loose stools
- Excessive bowel movements
- (Occasionally) blood and mucus in the stool
- Fever and body pain
- Weakness
The causes of chronic diarrhea
There are a number of factors responsible for chronic diarrhea. Some of the most common are as follows:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Complications of the colon, such as colonic neoplasia, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis
- Chronic infections caused by pathogens like giardiasis, amoebiasis, and hookworms.
- Lactose intolerance—some people are allergic or intolerant to certain sugars that are found in milk and other dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant and consume dairy, your body’s most common reaction is diarrhea. This is also the case with people who are fructose intolerant and intolerant to certain artificial sweeteners.
Medications: Some medications, especially antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. This is because antibiotics don’t just destroy bad bacteria, they end up destroying good bacteria as well. This disturbs the natural balance of bacteria in your stomach and intestines.
Surgery: People who undergo abdominal surgery or gallbladder removal surgery might have diarrhea post said procedures.
Other causes: A few other common diarrhea causes are ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Treatment for chronic diarrhea: Few home remedies
Chronic diarrhea requires medical assistance. This is especially important as you might get dehydrated, and neglecting it can be fatal. Here are a few home remedies which you can use as a treatment for chronic diarrhea to get effective relief from the condition. These remedies are inexpensive and easily available and are great as a treatment for chronic diarrhea.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is an effective treatment for chronic diarrhea and abdominal pains and cramps, thanks to its antispasmodic properties. Chamomile tea is also an excellent antioxidant that will help reduce intestinal inflammation. The combined effect of its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities is great for treating diarrhea. Have a cup of warm chamomile tea at least twice a day. You can have this after a light meal to help with digestion.
Bananas
Eat ripe bananas if you are suffering from diarrhea; bananas have a high pectin content. Pectin that is found in bananas is a water-soluble fiber that can help relieve diarrhea. Bananas are also a good source of potassium, which means it works as an excellent electrolyte. Have about two to three bananas a day till your diarrhea subsides.
Yogurt
Yogurt is filled with live cultures that can kill the bad bacterias that cause diarrhea and restore the good bacteria in your intestines and stomach. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium are live bacterial cultures that actually help with your diarrhea. Try to eat unsweetened yogurt though, as the flavored ones can have a negative impact on your stomach. Moreover, avoid consuming yogurt if you are lactose intolerant.
Ginger
Ginger is loaded with medicinal properties. Known as nature’s own healer, ginger can treat a variety of complications like a sore throat, menstrual cramps, and excess gas. There are two chemicals in ginger—gingerol and shogaol—that help relax and treat digestive issues. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your stomach. Drink ginger root tea or simply boil a glass of water and ginger and drink it.
Fenugreek seeds
This is another effective treatment for chronic diarrhea. Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, which helps stop the bad effects of diarrhea almost instantly. Consume fenugreek seeds at least thrice a day for great results. Boil a few seeds with a glass of water and keep sipping on this as and when required.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for chronic diarrhea. It helps you fight off the bad bacteria in your intestines and helps restore good bacteria for their better functioning. Apple cider vinegar also works as a great detoxifying agent; it cleans out your system and leaves you feeling fresh.
Turmeric
Turmeric has antiseptic properties, which means all those bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea can be washed away if you consume this spice. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. This will relax your stomach and ease out all the inflammation.
