Diarrhea is something that most individuals experience at some time, but it’s also something that is not well understood. It’s not always a mere nuisance — in some instances, particularly in young children and travelers, it can be a serious medical issue. Let’s take a closer examination of what causes diarrhea, how you can avoid it, and what you can do about it.
Diarrhea is most commonly diagnosed as three or more loose or watery bowel movements per day. It’s often an indication of an infection within the intestinal tract, which is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Those infections may be picked up from contaminated food or water, or spread from person to person when hygiene skills are poor. For those younger than five years old, diarrhea is a leading cause of malnutrition and may be life-threatening in many parts of the world where access to clean water and sanitation facilities is not easily obtained.
Travelers’ diarrhea is a widespread issue for travelers to other nations, with occurrence rates of 30% to 70%, depending on the destination and timing of your travel. The ancient dictum “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it” is still valid, but even diligent travelers can be affected. Inadequate restaurant hygiene and local sanitation system problems are major contributors to the high incidence of travelers’ diarrhea.
Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea — 75% to 90% — are bacterial. Viruses and parasites are also offenders, and viruses tend to produce more vomiting. Bacterial diarrhea typically strikes quickly, with symptoms that can vary from mild cramping and loose stool to debilitating stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Viral diarrhea usually resolves in 2 to 3 days, whereas bacterial infections may linger for 3 to 7 days. Parasitic diarrhea usually takes longer to develop and may persist for weeks or even months if not treated.
There are several steps you can take to avoid diarrhea. Getting safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and handwashing with soap regularly makes a big difference. If you travel, being careful with food and drink selection does some good, but it isn’t always successful. Some use over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate to try to prevent diarrhea, but they are not ideal for everyone due to side effects.
If diarrhea does occur, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are an easy and effective means of replenishing fluids and electrolytes. Zinc supplements may also reduce the duration of the diarrhea and its severity. In extreme cases of dehydration or shock, intravenous fluids may be necessary. It’s also important to keep eating nutrient-rich foods — and for babies, to keep breastfeeding — during a diarrheal episode to help speed up recovery and prevent malnutrition.
While diarrhea can be serious, it’s usually manageable with the right prevention and treatment strategies. Whether you’re at home or traveling the world, knowing what causes diarrhea and how to protect yourself can make a huge difference in staying healthy.
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