Managing Diarrheal Diseases: Key Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Insurance

Globally, diarrheal diseases pose a significant threat to public health and affect millions of individuals every year. The National Family Health Survey found that the prevalence rate of childhood diarrhoea in India slightly increased from 9% to 9.2% during 2016-20. It ranks third among the top diseases causing death in children under five. Diarrhoea can range from mild to severe, with some cases even resulting in death. In this article, we’ll explore diarrhoea symptoms and causes, discuss various treatment options, and highlight insurance benefits available for those who are covered.

What is Diarrhoea?

Dirrahoea refers to frequent and watery bowel movements, also known as loose motion or unsettled stomach. It can be classified into three types: acute, persistent, and chronic. Acute diarrhoea typically lasts a few days, while persistent diarrhoea can continue for several weeks. Chronic diarrhoea can last months and reoccur, indicating a more serious underlying issue. As an adult, you may get acute diarrhoea once a year, whereas children get it twice a year. Many people tend to neglect getting treated for diarrhoea. Untreated diarrhoea can cause complications like dehydration and malabsorption, which may lead to hospitalisation. Therefore, having health insurance for diarrhoea patients is always advisable in such a scenario.

Diarrhoea Symptoms

The common diarrhoea symptoms include:

• Frequent, loose, and watery stools.
• Bloody or black stools.
• Mucus in the stool.
• An uncontrollable need to poop.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dehydration (dry mouth, extreme thirst, decreased urine production, and dizziness)

When to see a doctor?

Diarrhoea often resolves within a few days. However, you should seek medical assistance immediately if you have the following diarrhoea symptoms:

• Persistent diarrhoea lasting longer than a few days.
• Severe dehydration.
• High fever (more than 102°F).
• Rectal pain and excessive weakness.
• Presence of blood or black stools.

Causes of Diarrhoea

It is essential to steer clear of things that can trigger diarrhoea symptoms, such as consuming unclean food and water. Some of the common causes of diarrhoea include the following:

• Stomach Infection: The most common causes of diarrhoea are stomach infections resulting from bacteria, viruses and parasites. These include E. coli, salmonella, rotavirus, and giardia.
• Contaminated Foods: Exposure to specific bacteria like E. coli or parasites through contaminated food or drinks leads to diarrhoea. 
• Surgeries: Diarrhoea frequently occurs after stomach surgery because the stomach struggles to adapt to food consumption and nutrient absorption.
• Medicines: Certain medications can also cause diarrhoea symptoms. While antibiotics are effective at killing harmful germs, they can have side effects, including disrupting the bacterial balance by eliminating beneficial bacteria.
• Poor Hygiene: The major causes of infectious diarrhoea, mainly affecting people in poor regions, are unclean water and contaminated food.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Stomach disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to chronic diarrhoea.
• Traveller’s Diarrhoea: Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common illness among travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation, caused by consuming contaminated food or water. 
• Food Allergy: Those with lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity are also at risk of diarrhoea. 

Diarrhoea Treatments

Depending on its cause and severity, diarrhoea is treated differently. Here are some prevalent diarrhoea treatments.

• Hydration: The primary diarrhoea treatment is to stay hydrated. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are excellent for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Dietary Modifications: As the saying goes, a balanced diet can work wonders. Incorporating foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast into your diet may help relieve diarrhoea symptoms. It’s advisable to steer clear of dairy, greasy, and spicy foods, as these can upset your gut balance.
• Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore your gut flora balance, especially after antibiotic usage.
• Medications: Over-the-counter medications like loperamide and bismuth salicylate can provide relief from diarrhoea. However, they are not recommended for individuals experiencing bloody stools or fever. It’s important to seek medical advice before taking any medication.

Tips for Preventing Diarrhoea

Here are some preventive tips to avoid diarrhoea symptoms.

• Wash hands often with mild soap or handwash.
• Frequently sanitise your hands using alcohol-based sanitisers.
• Practice clean cooking techniques.
• Consume clean water.
• Clean fruits and vegetables well before eating.
• Avoid dining out as much as possible, especially from unhygienic places.
• Vaccination against Rotavirus.

Health Insurance for Diarrhoea

In India, diarrhoea is often managed without medical supervision in many cases.  While diarrhoea is usually mild, it can sometimes be life-threatening and require hospitalisation. This can often lead to financial strain. Treating and diagnosing diarrhoea can cost about ₹500- ₹1200 per day. Thus, having health insurance for diarrhoea patients is crucial to covering the costs of treatment. Some advantages of health insurance for diarrhoea are:

• Consultations with gastroenterologists.
• Prescription drugs, such as antibiotics and other therapies for diarrhoea, are typically reimbursed.
• Stool tests, blood tests, hydrogen breath tests, colonoscopies, upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, etc. are also covered.
• Cashless payments at any of the network hospitals.

Key Takeaways

Diarrhoea, though common, can be effectively managed with early diagnosis. Dirrahoea is emotionally draining. If you want to alleviate financial hardship and get the best care, you should opt for health insurance for diarrhoea. Your health matters; don’t ignore symptoms. Understanding diarrhoea symptoms, causes, and treatments leads to better health outcomes. If you have persistent or severe symptoms, immediately get medical assistance to avoid future health complications. Platforms like PhonePe can help you navigate your insurance options smoothly and efficiently.