Best Doctor for Diarrhea Treatment In Mumbai Diarrheal disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death worldwide. Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools, typically at least three times in a 24 – hour period. It reflects increased water content of the stool, whether due to impaired water absorption and / or active water secretion by the bowel. Dysentery is defined as diarrhea with visible blood or mucus. It is commonly associated with fever and abdominal pain. The major causes of acute infectious diarrhea include viruses, bacteria and protozoa. The initial evaluation of a patient with acute diarrhea should include a careful history to determine the duration of symptoms, the frequency and characteristics of the stool, and associated symptoms. Additionally there should be an attempt to elicit evidence of dehydration. The questioning about potential exposures, such as food history, residence, occupational exposure, recent and remote travel, pets, and hobbies, can also provide further diagnostic clues. The involvement of a specialist at the earliest helps to clinch the diagnosis and alleviates the symptoms. Laboratory tests are not routinely warranted for most patients with acute diarrhea. The stool testing should be done only in specific indicated patients, typically reserved for those patients who are more likely to have a bacterial infection. For patients who are currently taking antibiotics, who have taken antibiotics within the past three months , or who have been hospitalized within the past three months, the diarrhea can be because of antibiotics induced. The management of patients with acute diarrhea begins with general measures such as fluid repletion and nutrition maintenance, with adjustments in diet if necessary. The most important thing to be understood is that the antibiotic therapy is not required in most of the cases. The guidance from a specialist can save from misuse and abuse of antibiotics. Nevertheless, antibiotic therapy may be appropriate in patients with severe disease or at high risk for complications. The most critical therapy in diarrheal illness is rehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS ) may be more appropriate in patients with more severe diarrheal disease. The counselling from a specialist should be sought at the earliest whenever diarrhea develops.