Diarrhea is a very common condition that mostly heals on its own. There is no precise definition, but one generally speaks of diarrhea if more than three watery bowel movements a day.
In most cases the cause is a virus or bacterial infection. Hygiene plays an important role here in order not to infect other people. In the case of long-lasting diarrhea, however, the cause can also be non-infectious. Clarification by the doctor is necessary here.
Also read: Causes of diarrhea
A diarrheal illness lasts differently depending on the cause. With a viral cause, diarrhea can last anywhere from a day to two weeks. It is not uncommon for this to be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
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Bacterial diarrhea can be persistent. Symptomatic therapy usually helps here, but antibiotic therapy is recommended if the course is severe or if the symptoms are present. If you suspect a bacterial diarrhea, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Finally, it is also important to rest, not to exercise during the diarrheal illness and not to work either. Furthermore, hygienic measures are of great importance in order not to infect other people.
$config[ads_text2] not foundFor more information, we recommend our website to: How to stop diarrhea quickly
A diarrheal illness can be prolonged by the wrong diet.
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You should first stick to light foods and only gradually start eating other foods.
There are some drugs that are said to work against diarrhea. However, these are not given routinely as they can prolong the duration and severity of the disease.
You may also be interested in the following article: Medication for diarrhea
The length of sick leave varies depending on the cause. If, however, we assume an infectious diarrhea, then the sick leave must be made for the entire time in which the diarrhea persists. Only after 24 hours of freedom from symptoms can the person concerned go back to work.
$config[ads_text3] not foundIn the case of a norovirus infection, it is even advisable to wait up to two days after the symptoms have subsided. Special cases are people who work with food. Here, the sick should return to work no earlier than two days after the diarrhea and observe hygienic measures for at least four weeks.
You may also be interested in the following article: Infectious diarrheal diseases
If antibiotics are taken within the last 12 weeks before the onset of the diarrhea, the antibiotics should be viewed as a possible trigger. In some cases the antibiotic attacks the intestinal flora, so that one can suffer from diarrhea while taking the antibiotic. This should stop in a short time when the medication is discontinued.
Also read: Abdominal pain from antibiotics
The extreme case is Clostridium difficile infection, which can occur 2 to 10 days after starting antibiotic treatment. Very high fever, intestinal cramps and foul-smelling diarrhea are typical. In this case a medical consultation is necessary.
More about this topic can be found: Pseudomembranous colitis
There is no general answer to this question. Various factors, such as other secondary diseases or the age of the patient, play an important role.
In healthy adults, symptomatic therapy can first be carried out at home.
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You may also be interested in the following article: Vomiting and diarrhea
Diarrhea is not a common side effect of vaccination. Mostly it is more of a local discomfort at the injection site.
Nevertheless, slight gastrointestinal complaints may occur after the live vaccination against rotaviruses. These usually start 1 to 4 weeks after the vaccination and last a few days. Since the vaccine virus is excreted with live vaccinations, contact persons can become infected. Old and immunocompromised people are particularly at risk here.
Read more on the subject at: Vaccination against the rotavirus, diarrhea after a baby vaccination, live vaccination
Diarrhea is contagious throughout the illness. Mostly they are smear or droplet infections, so special hygiene measures are necessary during the duration of the diarrhea.
These include washing hands with soap. If possible, you should also use separate toilets and not prepare food for other people. Washing clothes at at least 60 degrees can also be helpful.
In general, it can be assumed that the person affected is no longer contagious after 48 hours of freedom from symptoms.
Also read: Which diarrhea is contagious?
Babies and children are a special group of patients because they are at higher risk of dehydration (desiccosis). You are particularly often confronted with diarrheal diseases, most of which have a viral cause. The most common pathogens are the rota-, adeno-, noro- and astroviruses.
In most cases, the diarrheal illnesses only last a few days. It is important to observe whether the baby or child is still able to drink. If this is not the case, then a medical consultation is necessary.
The diarrhea should not last more than 1 to 2 weeks. If this persists or a high fever occurs, the child should be taken to the doctor. After all, hygienic measures, such as those mentioned above, are very important here in order not to infect other family members.
A child with diarrhea should also not go to daycare, kindergarten or school. Only after two days without diarrhea will the child be so healthy again that they can cope with everyday life normally.
$config[ads_text1] not foundAlso read: Diarrhea in toddlers, diarrhea in babies