We are all aware that constipation can lead to hemorrhoids but only a few knows that diarrhea can also affect and irritate your hemorrhoids. Diarrhea should not be taken for granted since it can lead to dehydration and to more serious health condition if not immediately cured. There were already many cases, especially in developing countries, where diarrhea is considered as one of the major causes of deaths of infants and young adults. In the estimate of World Health Organization, diarrhea contributes to more than 3.5 million deaths each year.

There are two general classifications, the acute and chronic diarrhea. Both are considered dangerous which can lead to death if no medical attention is given. You have this condition if you experience frequent passing of watery and loose stool accompanied by abdominal cramps or fever. The condition may last for 5 to 10 days.

Different Causes of Diarrhea

There are many causes of diarrhea. It may be caused by viral or bacterial infection. Viral infection may spread easily which may pose health risks to other people like norovirus or rotavirus infections. Hepatitis virus and herpes simplex virus are also included. Contaminated water usually causes diarrhea like the presence of Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, e. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, and shigella. People with allergies may also experience the symptoms. However, patients should be wary of other possible causes such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.

For mild cases of diarrhea, the common causes are linked to the consumption of too much coffee and alcohol. If you are taking other medications including antibiotics, it is more likely that you will get diarrhea. Experts also linked anxiety to this condition. Eating habits can also lead to diarrhea like eating unhealthy and fatty foods. A chewing gum sweetener called sorbitol can also cause chronic diarrhea but other supplement companies are marketing this as a weight loss supplement. Laxatives when not properly used like overdosage can lead to diarrhea. So if you want to treat constipation using laxatives, ask for a doctor’s advice first to avoid another complication.

Other health conditions may also trigger or cause diarrhea. If you avoided the causes listed above, then there is a possibility that the diarrhea is caused by a more serious health problem. Tell your doctor if you have other illnesses or subject yourself to laboratory exams to properly diagnose your condition. Some of these diseases include diabetes, celiac disease, IBS, Chron’s disease, pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The common symptoms may range from mild to severe abdominal pain or cramping. Frequent and sudden urge to go to the toilet is an indication that you are having a diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting, fever and headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating. There are also some instances where an individual sees blood in stool when doing a bowel movement. Others may also feel rectal pain and irritation of the hemorrhoids.

If these symptoms last for more than 5 days, severe complications may happen and it should need immediate medical intervention. Dry mouth, excessive thirst, little or no urination are indications that you are severely dehydrated. Babies who are suffering from diarrhea for more than 2 days should be immediately brought to a health care provider or hospital.

For immediate and initial treatment just drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Maintain the balance of salts and electrolytes in your body by taking dehydration drinks which are available in pharmacies and health stores. Anti-diarrhea medications may also help but ask your doctor if you will be giving it to babies. Stomach cramps and pain attacks can be treated with pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Fiber supplements can also help control the symptoms. But to be sure, seek professional advice on your condition.

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