4 things that triggers acute diarrhoea

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), around 179 million people experience diarrhoea each year. The vast majority of us will, at some point in our lives, experience diarrhoea, and the kind that lasts for just a few days is what medical professionals refer to as acute diarrhoea. On the other hand, diarrhoea might be a more persistent problem for certain individuals. 

The majority of the time, infectious microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and other types of microbes are to blame for acute diarrhoea. In most cases, diarrhoea brought on by an illness strikes suddenly and lasts for only a few days before clearing up on its own.

What are the Root Causes of acute Diarrhea?

Acute diarrhoea is characterised by a rapid onset of symptoms. In most cases, its duration is brief, and it is responsive to therapy. There are a number of potential triggers for acute diarrhoea.

Bacteria

When someone has severe diarrhoea, it is often thought that they must have eaten something they shouldn't have, and in most cases, that is probably the case. The introduction of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your body through tainted food is one of the primary ways in which you become ill. Eggs, raw meats and shellfish, unpasteurized milk, and raw vegetables have long been known to harbour harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Listeria. In addition, they can be discovered in foods that have not been properly chilled for an extended period of time.

Yet, the phrase "something you ate" does not always indicate that there were bacteria present in the food. There are a variety of entry points by which bacteria might enter a person's body. "Let's imagine someone had a really serious infection and they used the restroom and they didn't wash their hands," Rabia De Latour, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, tells Health. "Let's also say that same person didn't wash their hands after using the restroom." You can probably figure out what is going to happen next. You then proceed to eat with your bare hands after shaking the affected hand first.

To our good fortune, avoiding the microorganisms that cause diarrhoea is not particularly difficult. Washing your hands before you eat is of the utmost importance. In addition, before consuming any product, make sure that it has been washed properly, that all meat, poultry, and fish have been cooked thoroughly, and that you have refrigerated anything that you do not intend to consume right away.

Infections Caused by Viruses

In addition to bacteria, viruses are a leading cause of severe diarrhoea. These infectious agents enter your body in a manner that is very similar to how bacteria do. According to Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, who spoke with Health about the illness, "It's simply a bug that either contaminates the food you consume or you touch something and then you touch your face or your mouth and you swallow."

There are a number of viruses that can cause diarrhoea, but norovirus is likely the most prevalent. These stomach bugs will, fortunately, usually leave your body within a few days; unfortunately, they cause some very unpleasant symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea. Happily, they will leave your body within a few days. You may prevent the spread of viruses by regularly washing your hands, adhering to sound food hygiene practices, and avoiding sharing food or drinks with sick people.

Parasites

In the same way that viruses and bacteria can infect food and water, parasites are microscopic creatures that can make their way into your body if you consume or consume something that is contaminated with them. When you travel, your chances of contracting a parasite increase significantly. They can be found in seafood that is raw or undercooked, as well as beef and pork that is not cooked to the proper temperature (another reason not to eat raw foods abroad). Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica are three examples of common infectious parasites.

According to Dr Drake, you should seek medical attention immediately if you observe blood in your stool or if the diarrhoea lasts for an extended period of time, regardless of what you believe may be the source of the condition. Certain illnesses generate symptoms that are more severe than others.

Running

There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence of runny stools, despite the fact that scientists are unable to explain why they occur. There are numerous possible explanations for what is known as "runner's diarrhoea." According to Dr De Latour, diarrhoea can be a symptom of vigorous exercise because it causes blood to be diverted away from the colon. This, in turn, can make diarrhoea worse.

According to the Mayo Clinic, additional variables that may be contributing to your condition include jarring your organs, the fact that running alters the secretion of hormones in the intestines and the fact that you experience tension and anxiety before races. According to the Mayo Clinic's research, "What is evident is that food goes more swiftly through the bowels of athletes in training."