Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal issue and is frequently mistaken for gastroenteritis because their symptoms often overlap. Even so, the two conditions have different causes and therefore call for different management. What sets them apart? Find out below.

The Difference Between Diarrhea and Gastroenteritis

Both diarrhea and gastroenteritis are characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements. However, tdiarrhea and gastroenteritis do not represent the same condition.

Diarrhea refers to frequent, loose, watery stools. The volume of stool often increases and may occasionally contain blood or mucous, which can lead to dehydration. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach and intestines.

Both problems can be caused by bacterial and virus infections. For more details, here are the differences between diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea

Causes

Diarrhea is actually a symptom rather than a disease. This symptom can arise from many conditions, including lactose intolerance, fat malabsorption, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenteritis itself.

According to the Mayo Clinic, causes of diarrhea include:

• Virus infections

• Bacterial and parasite infections

• Side effects of certain medications

• Lactose intolerance

• Excess fructose

• Artificial sweeteners

• History of surgery

• Other gastrointestinal disorders

Treatments

Most diarrhea improves within a few days. In addition to taking medication, home remedies can also help in managing diarrhea:

• Increase fluid intake. Frequent watery stools cause fluid loss and can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water to maintain fluid levels in your body, and consider taking oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace lost minerals.

• Have BRAT diet. Avoid high-fiber, spicy, and fatty foods, that can worsen diarrhea symptoms. Probiotics may also support gastrointestinal function.

Gastroenteritis

Causes

Gastroenteritis (often called “stomach flu”) is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by virus, bacterial, or parasite infections that attack the gut.

Common causes of viral infections include norovirus in adults and rotavirus in children. These viruses attack the small-intestinal lining, leading to diarrhea. Other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Treatments

Management of gastroenteritis is similar to diarrhea care. Adequate fluids are essential to prevent dehydration, and symptoms often settle within a few days. In addition to increasing fluids intake, medications such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate may reduce bowel activity.

Gastroenteritis usually lasts less than a week. Because it spreads easily to other people, avoid sharing food and eating utensils while you are ill.

As a preventive step, adopt healthy hygiene habits. Wash hands frequently with soap and running water, especially after using the bathroom and whenever hands feel dirty.

If diarrhea or gastroenteritis does not improve within a few days, consult a doctor.

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