Is having intense stomach pain and going back to the bathroom from time to time a familiar scene? If you are experiencing an uncomfortable stomachache and the need to frequently bowel, chances are you have diarrhoea!
Diarrhoea can be distinguished by loose, watery stools that last a few days. While diarrhoea can go away on its own without any treatment, the uncomfortable feeling and pain are enough to make you want to do anything to stop it.
Diarrhoea that lasts for more than a few days may be a sign of a more severe problem – chronic diarrhoea. If you suspect that you may have chronic diarrhoea, seek immediate help.
With the development of telemedicine in Singapore, it’s now possible to consult an online doctor. It’s essential to keep your stomach healthy, so read on to learn everything you need to know about diarrhoea.
What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is a common illness that most people experience from time to time. It is characterized by loose, watery stools that cause abdominal pain and are accompanied by the need to go to the bathroom a few times each day.
Many people get diarrhoea a few times a year, while others get it more often because of certain conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
What causes diarrhoea?
You may be having diarrhoea due to several factors or conditions. Possible causes of this condition include:
- Bacterial infection
- Intestinal disease
- Food allergy
- Lactose intolerance
- Alcohol abuse
- Diabetes
- Food that upset your digestive system
- Laxative abuse
- Viral infection
- Stomach diseases
What are the symptoms of diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can be easily detected as it has several symptoms. The symptoms you may experience depend on the cause. You may experience one or a combination of all of them. Below are some of the possible symptoms you may feel:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Nausea
- Bloody stools
- Frequent need to visit the bathroom
- Large volume of stools
- Watery stools
How to feel better when having diarrhoea?
After all the bowel movements that diarrhoea brings, your rectal area may become sore and feel pain, itchy, or burn when you go to the bathroom.
To help with this, you can take a warm bath and pat the area dry with a soft and clean towel. Remember to pat slowly and not rub as it could trigger the wound and cause pain. After patting it dry, you can also use petroleum jelly or haemorrhoid cream on the affected area.
When to call a doctor?
Although diarrhoea is normal and usually not a cause of concern, it’s essential to pay attention to your symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you experience some of these:
- Blood in your stools
- Fever that lasts for more than 24 hours
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days
- Nausea
- Severe pain in your stomach area
Make sure also to pay attention to these signs of dehydration, and call your doctor if you experience some of these:
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches
- Dry skin
- Smaller amounts of urine
Conclusion
Diarrhoea is a widespread condition that all people worldwide experience two to three times per year. However, you must look out for other symptoms when you have diarrhoea, as you may be experiencing a more severe condition.
Not everyone has the time to go out and visit a doctor immediately. However, thanks to the emergence of telehealth in Singapore, you can now consult a doctor at the comfort of your home.
All you need to do is download the myCLNQ app to find a clinic near you and ease your worries.