Diarrhea is described as excessive (three or more) motions or watery feces that occurs in less than 24 hours. Such a condition is usually indicative of a gastrointestinal distress or disorder. Experts suggest that in most of the cases, diarrhea is caused by viruses or toxins and in lesser cases due to digestive disturbances and parasites.
The typical symptoms of diarrhea include watery feces, abdominal pain, vomiting and stools mixed with blood or mucus. Diarrhea is considered dangerous because it rids the body of essential salts and nutrients that can lead to shock, electrolyte imbalances and eventually death of a person.
First Aid for Diarrhea
Listed below are immediate ways treat loose motions that mainly comprises of replacing the loss of body fluids with immediate rehydration measures:
- Oral rehydration powder packets are available in the market, or
- Mix 8 teaspoons of sugar in 3/4th teaspoons of common salt in one litre of cooled boiled water and take as oral rehydration, or
- Drink coconut water, or
- Buttermilk, or
- Drink plenty of water
Seek physician’s help immediately after complying with the above immediate measures to get relief from diarrhea.