Diarrhea, which is the frequent passing
of abnormally loose or watery feces, is usually a result of
infection or allergy. However, persistent diarrhea may be
caused by a serious gastrointestinal disorder. Consult your
doctor if diarrhea continues for more than 2 days or if it
recurs.
WARNING:
Dehydration - A person with severe
diarrhea can become dehydrated if fluids are not replaced
quickly enough. The symptoms of dehydration include drowsiness
or confusion, a dry mouth, loss of elasticity in the skin,
and failure to urinate for several hours. Elderly people are
particularly at risk. Get urgent medical help if there are
symptoms of dehydration.
|
|
|
Recommended
Product:
Charak product for
regularizing Bowel Movement>>Ojus;
Charak product for improving Digestive Health in children>>Paedritone |
|
|
| Have you noticed blood in
your feces? |
 |
|
|
| Blood |
 |
You may be suffering from an intestinal infection, such as AMEBIASIS,
or an inflammatory condition of the intestines, such as ULCERATIVE
COLITIS.
However, there is a slight possibility of COLORECTAL CANCER.
Call your doctor within 24 hrs. |
|
| |
|
|
| No Blood |
|
Have you suffered from
repeated bouts of diarrhea over the past few weeks? |
|
|
|
Recurrent Diarrhea |
|
Have you been
experiencing constipation alternating with diarrhea? |
|
|
|
Constipation & Diarrhea |
|
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME is the most likely cause
of your symptoms.
In rare cases, these symptoms may be an indication
of COLORECTAL CANCER.
Make an appointment to see your doctor, |
|
| Diarrhea alone |
|
Has the
attacks of diarrhea occured since a visit abroad? |
|
|
|
Foreign travel |
|
You may have picked up an intestinal infection,
such as GIARDIASIS, during your foreign visit.
Call your doctor within 24 hrs. |
|
| No foreign travel |
|
Do
you have recurrent pain in the lower abdomen? |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Yes |
Refer
chart on 'RECURRENT ABDOMINAL PAIN'. |
| |
|
|
| No |
|
Is
your diarrhea associated with either
of the following? |
|
|
|
Eating particular
foods |
|
There is a possibility that you
have a FOOD ALLERGY or FOOD INTOLERANCE.
Make an appointment to see your
doctor, |
|
| Period of stress |
|
ANXIETY DISORDERS can be a cause
of diarrhea.
Make an appointment to see your
doctor, |
|
| Neither |
|
Are
you currently taking any prescribed
or over-the-counter medication? |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Medication |
|
Your symptoms may be a side
effect of the medication.
Make an appointment to see
your doctor, Stop taking
any over-the-counter medicines
but continue to take prescribed
medication unless advised
to stop by your doctor. |
|
|
| No medication |
If you cannot identify a possible
cause for your diarrhea from this
chart, make an appointment to
your doctor. |
|
|
|
|
|
| First Attack |
|
Have you recently
eaten either of the following? |
|
|
|
Food that could have been
spoiled |
 |
|
You may have FOOD POISONING, a FOOD ALLERGY or FOOD
INTOLERANCE.
Maintain fluid intake. Consult your doctor if you
are no better in 2 days,
if any other symptoms develop, or if you suspect
a food allergy. |
|
|
| Food to which you may be allergic or intolerant |
| Neither |
|
Do you have
either of the following symptoms? |
|
|
|
Nausea or vomiting |
|
|
GASTROENTRITIS or FOOD POISONING are the most
likely possibilities.
Maintain fluid intake. Consult your doctor
if you are no better in 2 days or if other
symptoms develop. |
|
|
| Temperature of 100oF (38oC) or above |
| Neither |
|
|
|
|
|
