Candid Talk: Dealing with Loose Motions and Staying Hydrated

Step aside, Hollywood blockbuster “Liquid Fury: The Revenge of the Tummy Troubles” is here to shake things up.

We’re talking loose motions, slippery situations that have us running to the bathroom with more urgency than an Olympic sprinter.

But fear not, dear reader, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll share,

• Causes and Symptoms of loose motions
• Home remedies and medications
• Medical advice with the necessary treatments

Get ready to laugh, cringe, and learn as we embark on this wild ride together.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Understanding Loose Motions

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Loose motions, also known as diarrhoea, refer to frequent and watery bowel movements, that is a symptom and not a disease. It is a common gastrointestinal issue caused by various factors. Anyone can get loose motions.

Many people have diarrhoea several times a year. It is generally not a major concern for most people.

Understanding the underlying causes can help manage and treat the condition.

Causes of loose motions

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1. Viral Infections: Viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus are common culprits behind loose motions, particularly in children.
2. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, or Shigella can cause loose motions when ingested through contaminated food or water.
3. Parasitic Infections: Parasites such as Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium can lead to loose motions, often acquired from contaminated water sources.
4. Food Poisoning: Consuming food or water contaminated with toxins produced by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus, can result in loose motions.
5. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives, or medications that affect the digestive system, may disrupt gut bacteria balance and lead to loose motions.
6. Digestive Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease can cause chronic or recurrent loose motions.
7. Food Intolerances: Intolerance to lactose or certain foods like gluten can make individuals feel as if they cannot digest or process them properly.
8. Emotional Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can impact the digestive system’s normal functioning, leading to loose motions.
9. Dietary Factors: Consuming excessive amounts of spicy, fatty, or greasy foods can irritate the intestines and result in loose motions.
10. Traveller’s diarrhoea: Changes in water or food sources while travelling to different regions with unfamiliar bacteria or parasites can cause loose motions.

Common symptoms of loose motions

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It is important to differentiate between loose motions and diarrhoea. While diarrhoea is characterized by loose or watery motions, occasional instances of loose motions do not necessarily indicate diarrhoea.

To be classified as diarrhoea, loose motions must occur repeatedly. If you experience loose motions three or more times per day, it is considered diarrhoea.

The common symptoms of loose motion include,

1. Frequent bowel movements: diarrhoea typically involves an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. This means loose or watery stools more often.
2. Watery or loose motions: diarrhoea is characterized by watery, loose, or liquid-like stools that may lack solidity and shape.
3. Urgency: diarrhoea can bring a sudden and urgent need for a bowel movement with the need to rush to the restroom.
4. Abdominal cramps: Many individuals with loose motions experience abdominal cramps or discomfort. These cramps may range from mild to severe and be intermittent or persistent.
5. Abdominal pain: Alongside cramps, diarrhoea can cause generalized or localized abdominal pain that may vary in intensity and be accompanied by heaviness or bloating.
6. Bloating and gas: diarrhoea can contribute to increased gas production in the digestive system, leading to bloating, fullness, or discomfort in the abdominal area.
7. Nausea: Some people may experience nausea or stomach discomfort that may be accompanied by a reduced appetite or vomiting urge.
8. Dehydration: diarrhoea can result in fluid loss from the body, leading to dehydration. Dehydration signs may include increased thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, fatigue, or lightheadedness.
9. Fever: In certain cases, diarrhoea may be accompanied by a mild fever due to the underlying cause of an infection, such as a bacterial or viral infection.
10. Blood in the stool: Although less common, blood in the stool may indicate a more severe underlying condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

It is important to monitor loose motions’ frequency and severity. If you are experiencing persistent or severe diarrhoea, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Home Remedies

Home remedies can help manage loose motions (diarrhoea) alongside medical treatment. Here’s an overview of some commonly used home remedies,

1. Yoghurt

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Yoghurt contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can help restore gut flora balance. Consuming plain, unsweetened yoghurtwith live cultures may help reduce the duration and severity of loose motions.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties that can help combat certain pathogens that may cause loose motions. Mix one to two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it to alleviate symptoms.

3. Coconut Water

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Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which can help replenish lost fluids and electrolyte balance due to loose motions. It also soothes the digestive system.

4. Cumin Water

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Cumin seeds have antiflatulent and antispasmodic properties, which can ease abdominal discomfort and reduce gas production. Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it, and drink the infused water to alleviate symptoms.

5. Ginger

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Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the digestive system. Drinking ginger tea or consuming ginger in small quantities, such as grated ginger in warm water or adding it to meals, may relieve loose motions and associated symptoms.

6. Lemon juice

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Lemon juice contains vitamin C and antibacterial properties. Mixing freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and a pinch of salt can rehydrate the body and replenish electrolytes. It may also cleanse the digestive system.

Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC medications are available for acute diarrhoea. Symptoms may persist, however, in which case a different treatment may be necessary. Common diarrhoea medications include loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate.

1. Loperamide

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• Loperamide is an antidiarrhoeal medication that slows down the movement of the intestines. It can reduce the frequency and liquidity of stool.
• The recommended dose of loperamide for adults and children 13 years and older is 4 milligrams (mg) or 2 capsules at first, followed by 2 mg or 1 capsule after every loose stool.
• The potential side effects may include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and abdominal discomfort.
• Loperamide should be used with caution in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or certain infections.

2. Bismuth subsalicylate

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• Bismuth subsalicylate has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve diarrhoea symptoms, including loose stools, cramping, and gas.
• A typical dosage of bismuth subsalicylate is 2 tablets every half hour or one hour. There should be no more than 16 tablets taken in 24 hours.
• Side effects may include darkening of the tongue and stool, constipation, and ringing in the ears.
• Bismuth subsalicylate should be used with caution in individuals allergic to aspirin or who have certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or kidney problems.

Note – OTC diarrhoea medications can be dangerous for infants, toddlers, and young children, so they should avoid taking such medications without recommendations from a healthcare professional.

When to see a doctor?

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Knowing when to seek medical attention for diarrhoea is crucial to ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Consider consulting a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms,

• diarrhoea with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
• Six or more loose bowel movements within 24 hours.
• Intense and unbearable abdominal or rectal pain.
• Stools that are bloody, black, tarry, or contain pus.
• diarrhoea accompanied by frequent vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Infants, young children, and toddlers should be taken to a doctor if they exhibit these symptoms or if their diarrhoea lasts longer than 24 hours.

Additionally, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems should also seek medical attention if they experience diarrhoea.

How to treat loose motions?

Treating loose stools involve immediate and long-term approaches. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Immediate treatments for loose stools

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1. Anti-diarrhoeal medications: Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medications, such as loperamide, to reduce stool frequency and liquidity.
2. Increasing fibre intake: Consuming more dietary fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can add bulk to the stool and regulate bowel movements.
3. Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or clear broths, helps replenish lost fluids due to loose stools and prevents dehydration. Avoiding caffeine and sugary beverages is recommended as they worsen symptoms.
4. Dietary modifications: Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger loose stools, such as spicy or fatty foods, processed snacks, alcohol, and caffeine, can help manage symptoms.

Long-term treatments for loose stools

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1. Probiotics: Taking probiotics, are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, may help restore intestinal flora balance and improve stool consistency. Probiotics can be found in supplements or fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kefir.
2. Identifying and treating underlying medical conditions: Loose stools can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or food intolerances. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine and address the root cause of loose stools.
3. Medication and supplement adjustments: If loose stools are a side effect of certain medications or supplements, your doctor may adjust the dosage or recommend alternative options to manage the symptoms.
4. Dietary changes: You may inherit specific dietary changes as prescribed by the doctor or a registered dietitian. This may involve avoiding specific trigger foods, adopting a low-FODMAP diet for certain conditions, or modifying fat or carbohydrate intake.

Maintaining a balanced and easily digestible diet with small, frequent meals is advisable.

Conclusion

Loose motion can occur as an acute response to certain foods or as a chronic condition characterized by soft, mushy, watery, or shapeless stools. With numerous potential causes for loose stools, it is important to consult with a doctor to address any concerns and discuss the possible underlying factors and treatment options. Proper diagnosis and management can alleviate symptoms and improve digestive health.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4641856/

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246

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