14 Best Doctors for Loose Motion available in Kata Pukur, Kolkata

The causes of loose motion or acute diarrhoea could be bacterial infections caused Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella and E. histolytica or post-surgery complications. Loose motions over six weeks can be a result of food allergy, food intolerance, malabsorption syndrome, lactose intolerance, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis.

A stool routine test and stool culture will detect the causative organisms in infectious diarrhoea. Stool cultures to look for specific organism growth and sensitivity to antibiotics can also be done. Rapid antigen tests for parasites are also advised. Other tests for chronic diarrhoea, such as food allergy tests and celiac disease antibody test, are also recommended.

Most cases of acute loose motions can get cleared without any treatment. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed along with fluid replenishments. For chronic diarrhoea, the underlying cause should be treated.

Dehydration is a common complication of loose motions, especially in children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity. Malabsorption is another complication associated with chronic loose motions.

Loose motions that are untreated can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can be fatal.