Diarrhea – symptoms, causes, & treatment
Diarrhea occurs when the digestive system is not functioning properly. Loose, watery stools will create an urgent and uncomfortable need to use the bathroom. The most common causes of diarrhea include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Food allergies
- Contaminated water
- Viral or bacterial infections
During severe cases of diarrhea, the body loses a significant amount of fluid, which makes dehydration a real concern. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to administer intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate your body. DispatchHealth travels with all the equipment necessary to provide this treatment in the comfort of your own home.
In some cases, diarrhea is treated with prescription medications or a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In most situations, over-the-counter remedies are enough in and of themselves to control symptoms. In rare cases, diarrhea may be caused by autoimmune conditions that require a specialized treatment approach.
If left untreated
If your diarrhea is left untreated, you run the risk of worsening dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, both of which can lead to cramping and abdominal pain. Avoid that discomfort entirely by requesting in-home treatment for your diarrhea. Call DispatchHealth and let us come to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Phil Mitchell MD, MS on July 24th, 2019
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