Diarrhea or loose stools may be normal for some people, but if neglected and it becomes more severe, it may be a sign of disease, revealing dangers that must be observed according to the level of severity.

Diarrhea is divided into 3 types.

• Acute Diarrhea is the most common type. Symptoms last about 1-3 days before improving and disappearing on their own.
• Persistent Diarrhea will last for about 2-4 weeks. You should observe your symptoms and consult a doctor immediately.

• Chronic diarrhea is a condition that lasts for more than 4 weeks and may come and go. You should see a doctor for a thorough diagnosis.

What causes diarrhea?

Infectious and non-infectious : In the acute diarrhea group, it is usually caused by infections such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Which type of infection depends on many factors, such as epidemiological factors in each area, any epidemics during that time or area, or physical factors of each person, such as chronic diseases, taking certain medications that affect immunity, etc. The non-infectious group. Which can be caused by many reasons, can be divided into the type. With diarrhea without intestinal abnormalities (Functional Diarrhea) and the type where the doctor finds intestinal abnormalities. Such as chronic inflammation or finding a lump, etc. It is recommended to see a doctor to check the symptoms before it is too late.

Degree of diarrhea from mild to severe

• Mild diarrhea

Weight loss of less than 5%, slight dehydration, still able to eat normally. Mostly caused by mild infection or food poisoning. Symptoms usually do not last more than 2-3 days. Can be treated by yourself by taking oral rehydration salts for diarrhea (ORS). And medication to reduce symptoms such as pain relievers, anti-nausea, etc. When symptoms improve, medication can be stopped. However, in cases where diarrhea does not improve or lasts longer than 3-5 days, it is recommended to see a doctor to find out more.

• Moderate diarrhea

Weight loss of 6-9%, moderate dehydration. Patients start to have difficulty eating. They may feel dizzy, dry lips, dizzy, and urination decreases but is still present. When checking vital signs, the heart may beat faster, more than 100 times/minute, but blood pressure is still normal. Initially, it is recommended to take oral rehydration salt (ORS) immediately to prevent further severe water loss. Then see a doctor to evaluate the symptoms and receive further treatment.

• Severe diarrhea

Weight loss of more than 10%, patients may faint, palpitations, severe dizziness, no urination or very little urination. On physical examination, abnormal vital signs may be found, such as a rapid heart rate of more than 120 times/minute or a drop in blood pressure of less than 90/60 mmHg, rapid breathing. If symptoms are severe enough to cause a drop in blood pressure, emergency treatment is required to provide rapid fluids. It is recommended not to wait until diarrhea is severe. When symptoms begin to increase to a moderate level, a doctor should be seen immediately.

Diarrhea is a sign of disease.

• Irritable bowel syndrome is not a serious disease, but it is “chronic.” Common symptoms include abdominal pain during bowel movements. After a bowel movement, symptoms will clearly improve, but there will also be symptoms of bloating and flatulence.
• Colon cancer patients may present with a variety of symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks, which may contain bloody mucus, alternating constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms may come and go, rapid weight loss, an unusually large loss of appetite, and some people have a low-grade fever continuously.
• Hyperthyroidism: In patients with hyperthyroidism, symptoms of diarrhea, watery stools, and chronic loose stools that come and go are often present because thyroid hormones can stimulate the intestines to work abnormally. This is often found together with other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, unusually large weight loss, feeling hot, or irregular menstruation in women, etc.
• Some antibiotics cause diarrhea, either as a side effect of the medication itself or because the medication kills the good bacteria in the intestines and allows the bad bacteria to grow too much. If you have used antibiotics and have chronic diarrhea that does not go away, http://ufabet999.app you should see a doctor for a thorough checkup.

Do I need to see a doctor if I have diarrhea?

If the diarrhea is not severe, does not come and go, is chronic, or has other symptoms that are suspected to be a serious disease, you can treat the symptoms first. However, if you have severe dehydration, moderate or higher, or do not improve within 3-5 days, or have other symptoms such as high fever, chills, or bloody or mucus-stained stool, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately.