Diarrhea- know and prevent it.

     Diarrhea is one of the gastrointestinal problem that includes of passing frequent and watery-stool. Diarrhea comes from the greek word dia means "flow" and rrhoie mean "through". The words "flow through" came from hippocrates.

     People who had diarrhea usually suffer fever and stomach-ache (abdominal cramps). A bacterium most known from its name E.coli is responsible for the diarrhea experienced by children and young child.  

Signs and Symptoms of having diarrhea:

- Abdominal ache

- Headache

- Vomiting

- Loss of appetite

- Bloating

- Blood in stool

- Body weakness

Causes:

1. Bacteria- Intaking food that are contaminated with bacteria (e.g. campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli (E. coli)).

2. Virus- Norovirus and Rotavirus are the common virus which causes diarrhea to happen. 

3. Antibiotic- Taking in antibiotics that could disturb the balance of bacteria in our intestine could also lead to diarrhea. It could also cause infection in out GI tract.

Treatments:

1. Drink plenty of water- Diarrhea may lead to dehydration especially if you also manifest  vomiting. So it is very important to replace the fluid that being loss in our body. You can also ask in a pharmacy some drinks that contain electrolytes.

2. Eat much food if you can- Previous practices advice patient not to eat unless symptoms disappears. But today, you are encourage to eat food to regain your strength and also to replace some body salts that being loss. Eat food that are high in carbohydrates and salts; avoid fats. 

3. Medications- Loperamide could help slow down GI abnormal movement. Don't take anti-diarrheal medication without consultion first to your doctor especially if blood is present in your stool.

Prevention is still the most important. Don't let you health be compromised.

a. Handwashing- Proper hand washing is very important especially after using the toilet, before and after eating.Do hand washing using soap and running water. 

b. When handling raw foods, wash hands after because you might contaminate other food material.

c. If you happen to travel in some place, avoid eating foods that are not well cook. Better choose foods that are sealed in pack.