Table of contents:
- When is bowel movement referred to as diarrhea?
- Should you go to the doctor when you have diarrhea for days?
- Why should you see a doctor?
- Signs and symptoms of diarrhea that should be treated by a doctor
Apart from constipation, diarrhea is also very common in many people. This condition causes a person to continue to urinate more than usual with loose stools. If diarrhea lasts for days, should you go to the doctor? What is the reason? Come on, find out the answer below.
When is bowel movement referred to as diarrhea?
Every day you need food and water as energy fuel. The food and drinks will be processed by the digestive system and the processed food waste will be disposed of in the form of feces.
Ideally, a person defecates (BAB) no more than 3 times a day. If it is more than that, most likely, the person has diarrhea. Well, diarrhea is divided into two, namely acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea.
Both of these diarrhea did occur for days, but with different durations. Acute diarrhea usually occurs within two days with a frequency of bowel movements more than three times a day. Meanwhile, chronic diarrhea can occur in about 2 weeks.
Should you go to the doctor when you have diarrhea for days?
If you continue to defecate more than usual, you could suspect this is diarrhea. The first treatment you can do at home is drinking ORS.
ORS is a solution made from a mixture of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous glucose, which can replace the body's electrolytes lost due to continuous bowel movements. In addition, to recover your condition, you need to drink more water and eat foods low in fiber and rich in probiotics.
This method can be first aid when dealing with diarrhea and preventing dehydration. However, this method is indeed more recommended for those of you who experience mild diarrhea.
If the diarrhea you experience is preventing your activity and doesn't go away with home care, you should immediately see a doctor. You don't need to wait days for diarrhea to occur as a consideration for seeing a doctor.
Why should you see a doctor?
Although diarrhea generally gets better with home remedies, you shouldn't underestimate this condition. Severe diarrhea and not getting proper treatment can lead to complications, namely dehydration.
Dehydration indicates that the body has lost a lot of fluids so that sugar and salt substances are out of balance. As a result, the body cannot function normally. Worse, this condition can be life threatening. That is why in some cases of diarrhea, patients need to get medical care.
Dehydration generally occurs if you have diarrhea for days. However, it can also happen quickly if your body is not getting the fluids it needs.
Your doctor will evaluate your condition by looking at your symptoms, their severity, and any medical history you have. Then, determine whether you need to be outpatient or inpatient.
Hospitalization is usually mandatory for infants, children and adults with weakened immune systems. Treatment will include administering antibiotics to treat the infection and inserting an IV if needed.
Signs and symptoms of diarrhea that should be treated by a doctor
Diarrhea not only causes symptoms of continuous bowel movements. There are many other symptoms that accompany, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms. In order for you to better understand it, here are some symptoms of diarrhea that patients generally experience, such as:
- CHAPTER more than 3 days a day with watery stools or feeling the urge to defecate constantly
- Stomach cramps or cramps
- Fever
- The stomach feels bloated and nauseous
- The presence of mucus or blood in the stool
Based on your symptoms, you don't have to wait days for diarrhea to see a doctor. If you have persistent bowel movements accompanied by vomiting or fever above 39 º Celsius, seek medical help immediately. Especially if your body already feels weak, lips are dry, and thirsty. This condition is a sign that you are starting to become dehydrated.
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