What is the Difference between Loose Motion and Diarrhea?
Time to read 5 min
Time to read 5 min
It is vital to know the differences between diarrhoea and loose motions, and when you should get tested.
You should also know that different individuals can experience diarrhoea at different times in their lives, and how visiting a doctor can be important when there is risk escalation.
From a health and wellness standpoint, multiple loose stools in a day can be termed as diarrhoea.
You can also get a complete gut test and blood test to determine the reason behind these multiple loose stools.
You could be dealing with an underlying condition, an infection, stress-related reasons, and hormonal related issues, what causes diarrhea in the short term.
Loose motions, on the other hand, can happen due to dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and intermediate responses to certain foods.
Knowing the difference between loose motion and diarrhea can help you get the right medical attention in a timely way.
You can visit a doctor or get a home test done to know what is the underlying cause for your loose stools.
In the case of normal loose motions, you may have loose stools that are present once or twice a day for a few days.
When you have diarrhoea, you can have loose stools multiple times a day for an extended period.
The appearance of loose motions may be watery and soft with some shape present. In the case of diarrhoea, it may be harder to determine the normal appearance of the stool as there may be colour, odour, or other differences.
The underlying causes of loose stools and diarrhea differ, as the reason for a loose stool could be many-fold. In the case of extended diarrhoea, there may be an underlying condition, infection, stomach virus, diet change, etc.
Diarrhea and loose stools also differ in terms of how your diet can impact them. If you have loose stools, you may experience this because of changes in your diet or nutritional plan.
Diarrhoea may occur due to allergic reactions, Celiac disease, shorter term medical conditions, etc.
If you have just changed your medication for a chronic condition or have started antibiotics, then you can experience loose stools.
These may not be termed as cause-related diarrhoea, as your stools may return to normal within a few days.
The main cause of alarm of diarrhea is a loosening of stool and other critical factors. Loose stools are normal and can be present in children and adults, but in the case of extended diarrhoea, you need to be more careful.
There may be the presence of blood in your stool, which can be a cause for concern. You should visit a doctor immediately if you have blood in multiple stools, along with diarrhoea.
Vomiting should also be tested through a blood test to check for infections and stomach flus that may be causing this.
You should also check your contamination risk if you have consumed outside food.
You can get gas pain and joint pain, if you have loose stools for more than a few days. You can also experience headaches and loss of concentration, when you have diarrhoea for more than a few days.
This is an important risk factor that you should focus on. If you have diarrhea or loose stools for more than a few days or nearing a week, then you may have a stomach infection or an underlying condition.
If you are managing a chronic condition, such as Crohn's disease or colitis, then getting tested is key. You should visit your doctor immediately to prevent risk escalation.
In most cases, a person can manage mild diarrhea or loose motions using a number of home remedies. However, if the condition persists or worsens, then the person may have to seek medical advice.
• Electrolyte drinks: Drink plenty of fluids, especially ORS that help restore the lost salts and water. A homemade version of ORS can even be made at home by adding 1 teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar to 1 liter of boiled and cooled water
• Co-coconut water: Is full of electrolytes and easy to digest, helps in restoring hydration.
• Light soups or clear broth: These too are fluids that could help replace what has been lost.
The BRAT diet is composed of simple, easily digestible foods that make stools firm up.
• Bananas: These have lots of potassium to replace electrolytes.
• Rice: Plain white rice makes it easier for the stool to firm up and be easily tolerated by the stomach.
• Applesauce: It contains pectin, which is a kind of soluble fiber that helps absorb extra water in the intestines.
• Toast: Simple carbs with smooth digestive systems.
•Live cultures yogurt: It is useful in restoring the gut to its original flora. The live active cultures found in yogurt decrease the time period of diarrhea since they contain probiotics, which are good flora.
• Probiotic supplements: They may be useful in rebalancing your gut flora when these are commercially available.
• Ginger tea: The antibacterial and soothing characteristic properties of ginger help reduce irritation within the stomach. Boil slices of fresh ginger to make ginger tea.
• Ginger juice with honey: Mix a teaspoon of ginger juice with honey and have it for relief .
Chamomile is soothing in nature, and drinking chamomile tea may help decrease the inflammation in the intestines and relax the muscles of the digestive system.
Fenugreek seeds are replete with mucilage that helps thicken the stools. Have 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with water for relief.
Antimicrobial properties, which might help prevent infection. You can take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of water and drink it once or twice during the day.
Crush 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in water for a few minutes, drain it, and have to soothe the stomach. 9. Avoid Some Foods
Avoid milk products apart from yogurt, caffeine, alcohol, hot and spicy dishes, and oily or greasy diet because these could make the diarrhea worse.
Get plenty of rest because your body needs much energy to be able to recover from the infection or digestive disturbance leading to diarrhea.
If you have diarrhea for more than two days, if you see blood in the stool, or if you are prone to getting dehydrated, you should see a doctor.
In conclusion, although loose motion and diarrhea are almost always considered the same, there is a difference between them.
Normally, loose motion involves the passage of softer and more frequent stools, but not that severe or rapid like diarrhea.
Diarrhea refers to the frequent passing of watery stools and often is associated with an underlying condition, such as an infection or food intolerance.
An understanding of these conditions is important to diagnose and treat the patients accordingly.
If either of these conditions persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a health care professional.
* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).
