Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea include:

– Loose, watery stools
– Abdominal cramps or pain
– Bloating
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Fever
– Blood in the stool
– Mucus in the stool
– Urgent need to have a bowel movement
 
Fortunately, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no longer than a few days. However, if diarrhea persists, lasting weeks, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or persistent infection. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms alongside diarrhea:

– Does not improve after two days
– Dehydration
– Severe abdominal or rectal pain
– Bloody or black stools
– Fever above 102ºF

A stomach virus is a viral infection that affects the digestive system; this is also known as viral gastroenteritis. Food poisoning is caused by contaminated food that has spoiled, been unhygienically prepared, or has been corrupted in any way. Food poisoning is most commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses, and less commonly parasites.
 
The symptoms of a stomach virus include:

– Diarrhea that may be watery or bloody
– A loss of appetite
– Nausea or vomiting
– Stomach cramps, muscle aches, or weakness
– Low-grade fever
– Headaches
– Light-headedness or dizziness
 
The symptoms of food poisoning include:

– Watery or bloody diarrhea
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Stomach pain and cramping
– A fever, chills, and body aches
– Dizziness and lightheadedness from dehydration

In adults, diarrhea is very common, and it can also be frustrating having to make urgent bathroom breaks all too frequently. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can stop diarrhea and lessen its symptoms. These include:

Hydration — Staying properly hydrated is one of the best defenses against diarrhea. This works doubly, as it prevents diarrhea from causing dehydration, and also lessens diarrhea symptoms.

Probiotics — Good bacteria, known as probiotics, work in the intestinal tract to aid in digestion and create a healthy gut environment. Sources of probiotics include: aged soft cheeses; beet kvass; cottage cheese; dark chocolate; green olives; kefir; kimchi; kombucha; sauerkraut; miso; natto; pickles; sourdough bread; tempeh; and yogurt.

Foods to Eat — Certain foods can actually ameliorate diarrhea symptoms and prevent one’s health from worsening. These include bananas, white rice, applesauce and toast.

Foods to Avoid — On the contrary, some foods can actually exacerbate symptoms and make diarrhea worse, including alcohol, beans, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea, milk, peppers and corn.

The following types of infections can cause watery diarrhea:

Viruses that can cause watery diarrhea include:

– Rotavirus
– Norovirus
– Astroviruses
– Adenoviruses

Bacteria that can cause watery stools are:

– Campylobacter
– Escherichia coli (E. coli)
– Salmonella
– Shigella
– Clostridium Difficile
– Cholera

Parasites that can cause watery stools:

-Cryptosporidiosis is caused by microscopic parasites
– Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis
– Giardia (also called giardiasis) is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia

If you or someone you love is experiencing diarrhea, the professionals at Vanguard Gastroenterology can help you find relief. Contact us today or book an appointment online with our diarrhea treatment specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 233 Broadway, Suite 2750 (between Park Place and Barclay Street), New York, NY 10279. We serve patients from New York NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, East Elmhurst NY, Ridgewood NY, Valley Stream NY, and Staten Island NY. We look forward to serving you!