Diarrhea occurs when watery or mushy (unformed) stool is passed more than three times a day. Diarrhea can have a variety of causes. It usually disappears on its own after a while. However, in infants, small children and older people in particular, it can quickly become dangerous due to the large loss of water and electrolytes.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for diarrhea.
Infections are very often the cause of diarrhea (gastrointestinal infections). Approximately one third of all diarrhea is caused by viruses, mainly
Bacteria such as
can also be responsible for diarrhea.
Diarrhea can also be caused by the side effects of medication (especially antibiotics). The misuse of laxatives can also have a negative effect.
Food allergies (e.g. sprue / celiac disease) can manifest themselves in diarrhea, among other things.
Diarrhea is a very unpleasant illness. It is associated with a lot of fluid loss © s-motive | AdobeStock
It also frequently occurs in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g.
often lead to diarrhea.
Food poisoning can also be the cause of diarrhea.
But mental disorders such as
also cause diarrhea in some people.
It is generally important to drink plenty of fluids. This provides the body with sufficient replacement for the lost fluid. Special electrolyte solutions are available from pharmacies to replace minerals.
For mild diarrhea, you can eat anything. For more severe diarrhea, you should not eat anything at the beginning. Rest and warmth are also often helpful.
Infants, small children and weakened patients with diarrhea should consult a doctor, otherwise dehydration could occur very quickly.
You should also see a doctor if you have very severe symptoms and diarrhea that lasts longer than 3 days or contains blood.
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