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what is the reason of loose motions
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Digestive Health
Question #20985
45 days ago
73

what is the reason of loose motions - #20985

Shreya

I am really confused about this whole issue of loose motions. Lately, for like the last week or so, I've been dealing with this constant issue, and it's super annoying. I eat pretty normal stuff, nothing too crazy or spicy, but every time I go to the bathroom, it's just not solid, you know? I mean, sometimes I feel like I'm glued to the toilet. I tried drinking extra water thinking maybe it's dehydration or something, and I’m wondering, what is the reason of loose motions? Like, could it be something I’m eating? I had a big family gathering last week and, honestly, I might've touched some food not really fresh, but it didn't taste bad at all! Also, I’ve been feeling a bit off, like a little tired, and there’s some kinda cramping too, which doesn’t help. Then there was this night I woke up with a stomach ache and yeah, you guessed it, more loose motions. Ugh! Should I be worried about this? What do you all think, what is the reason of loose motions? Could it be a bug or something worse? Any advice would be awesome.

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Doctors' responses

Loose motions, or diarrhea as it’s commonly known in medical terms, can be frustrating and disruptive, but there are quite a few underlying reasons that might explain what’s going on. Your symptoms suggest it could be related to something you ate, especially considering you mentioned a family gathering where the food may not have been as fresh as it should be. Foodborne illnesses, often caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, can lead to loose motions and are linked to consuming contaminated food or beverages. Besides food, viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus are also notorious for causing sudden onset of diarrhea, often accompanied by cramping and fatigue.

Digestive intolerance to certain foods, like lactose in dairy products or gluten, may also intermittently cause loose stools. Given that this has been lasting for a week, it’s crucial to assess whether the condition is improving or worsening. A common misconception is that increasing water intake alone can resolve diarrhea-related dehydration, but ensuring you consume electrolytes (like those found in oral rehydration solutions) is just as important. If the symptoms persist beyond several days, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration (such as reduced urination or dizziness), it warrants a prompt visit to your healthcare provider. In these cases, stool tests might be needed to check for infections or other conditions, and medical guidance will provide the best path forward. Meanwhile, try sticking to a bland diet – perhaps BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) – to give your digestive system a bit of a break. Keep an eye out for any new symptoms, and reach out to a healthcare professional if things don’t seem to improve soon.

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