Doctors Near You for Diarrhea in Bridgewater

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools, often accompanied by an urgent need to use the bathroom. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for more than four weeks. Diarrhea may also be associated with symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and dehydration, which can occur due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. The causes of diarrhea are numerous and can be categorized into infectious, inflammatory, and functional types. Infectious causes include viral infections, such as rotavirus or norovirus, which are common in both children and adults. Bacterial infections, often from contaminated food or water, can also lead to diarrhea; notable bacteria include Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Campylobacter. Parasitic infections, like Giardia lamblia, can cause persistent diarrhea. Inflammatory causes involve conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which can result in chronic diarrhea due to inflammation of the intestinal lining. Functional causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects bowel function and can cause episodes of diarrhea, often triggered by stress or certain foods. Diarrhea can also result from medication side effects, particularly antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, or from reactions to specific foods or food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance. Treatment for diarrhea primarily focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Rehydration is crucial, as diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing electrolytes and fluids are recommended to restore hydration. Dietary adjustments, such as consuming bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), can help soothe the digestive tract. For infectious causes, treatment may involve specific antibiotics or antiparasitic medications if a bacterial or parasitic infection is diagnosed. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, like loperamide, may be used for symptomatic relief, but should be avoided if diarrhea is caused by an infection or if there is a high fever or blood in the stools. In cases of chronic or severe diarrhea, or when accompanied by additional symptoms such as significant weight loss, blood in stools, or persistent abdominal pain, seeking medical evaluation is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.