Diarrhoea (loose stools) is characterized by frequent, watery stools and is often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and urgency. Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool. It’s typically caused by bacteria (such as Shigella or Salmonella) or parasites (such as Entamoeba histolytica). In most instances, it’s self-limited, however one should be aware of when to seek medical opinion and guidance.

What Causes Loose Motions?

Common Causes of Diarrhea:

• Infections: Caused by viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus), bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), or parasites.
• Overuse of Antibiotics: Can disrupt gut bacteria balance, leading to diarrhea (e.g., Clostridium difficile).
• Food intolerances: Such as lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity.
• Chronic conditions: IBS, IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), celiac disease.
• Stress or anxiety: Emotional triggers may contribute.

Symptoms Associated with Diarrhea:

• Frequent urge to use the restroom, watery stools
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dehydration: dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urine output
• Fever

Alarm Symptoms in Diarrhea

These symptoms suggest a serious underlying condition:

• Bloody stool: May indicate invasive infection, IBD, ischemic colitis, or colorectal cancer.
• Persistent high fever: >38.5°C / 101.3°F suggests systemic or invasive infection.
• Severe abdominal pain: Possible surgical emergencies like ischemia or appendicitis.
• Signs of dehydration:
  • Dry mucous membranes
  • Decreased skin turgor
  • Hypotension
  • Oliguria or anuria
• Especially concerning: In infants, elderly, immunocompromised
• Recent antibiotic use: Risk of C. difficile infection
• Immunocompromised status: HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplants
• Duration > 2-4 weeks: Suggests IBD, malabsorption, parasites, or cancer
• Weight loss: Could indicate chronic infection or malignancy
• No improvement with supportive care
• Nocturnal diarrhea: Sign of organic disease

INITIAL MANAGEMENT

1. Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement:
   • Oral rehydration salts (ORS) for mild cases
   • IV fluids (normal saline or Ringer's lactate) in moderate-severe dehydration
   • Monitor signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dizziness, tachycardia
2. Dietary Measures:
   • Clear fluids initially (broth, ORS, water)
   • Reintroduce bland foods (BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
   • Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods
3. Symptomatic Treatment:
   • Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever
   • Ondansetron for nausea or vomiting
   • Loperamide for non-bloody diarrhea (avoid in fever or bloody stool)
4. Identify and Manage Underlying Cause:
   • Stool testing for blood, persistent symptoms, severe illness, recent travel, or immunocompromised patients
   • Antibiotics only for specific bacterial infections (e.g., Shigella, Campylobacter)
   • Avoid empirical antibiotics
5. Probiotics: May reduce symptom duration and restore gut microbiome

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Loose Motions

Eat:

• Boiled rice
• Plain toast
• Applesauce
• Boiled or steamed potatoes
• Moong dal khichdi
• Herbal teas and ORS
• Yogurt

Avoid:

• Spicy, oily, or fried foods
• Dairy (except probiotic-rich yogurt)
• Caffeinated beverages
• Raw vegetables and salads
• Sugary juices and sodas

When to See a Doctor

• Loose motions persist > 2–3 days
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• High fever, dizziness, or dehydration signs
• Recurrent or linked to chronic illness

Conclusion

Loose stools/diarrhoea may be uncomfortable, but with the right approach, you can manage them effectively. From staying hydrated to using probiotics and dietary modifications, these options offer symptomatic relief from loose motion. Knowing how to manage loose stools at home gives you control and comfort, especially during mild episodes. However, always monitor symptoms and consult a doctor when necessary.

FAQs

1. How long does loose motion usually last?
   Most cases last 1–3 days. Persistent symptoms may need medical evaluation.
2. Can I eat solid food during loose motions?
   Yes, but stick to bland, easy-to-digest items like rice, bananas, and toast.
3. Are natural remedies safe for children?
   Bananas, rice water, and yogurt are generally safe, but consult a pediatrician before using herbs like fenugreek.
4. Is yogurt good during diarrhea?
   Yes. Plain yogurt with live cultures can help restore healthy gut bacteria.
5. Should I stop taking antibiotics if I get loose motions?
   Do not stop antibiotics without your doctor’s advice. Consider taking probiotics alongside.
6. Can stress cause loose motions?
   Yes. Stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea, especially in individuals with IBS.
7. Can I drink milk during diarrhea?
   Avoid milk during loose motions, as it may worsen symptoms. Yogurt is a better alternative.
8. What drinks are good for loose motions?
   ORS, rice water, coconut water, and herbal teas are excellent choices for hydration and recovery.