Normal Diarrhoea Or A Serious Gut Infection Doctor Explains The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sudhakar Ranpise, senior consultant, internal medicine, Surya Sahyadri Hospital, decodes the difference between normal diarrhoea and a serious gut infection.

Dr Sudhakar highlighted that normal diarrhoea is often due to a viral illness, too much food, intolerance to a particular food, or a temporary stomach bug. Symptoms are usually mild, with no more than loose stools, mild discomfort in the abdomen, and the condition goes away with adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement.

However, when diarrhoea is severe and lasts over two to three days, has a high fever, severe abdominal cramping, involves blood or mucus in the stool or shows signs of dehydration, there is a risk that you may have a more serious intestinal infection which would require medical treatment.

Dr Sudhakar said, “One emerging concern in recent years is Shigella, a bacterium responsible for bacillary dysentery. Shigella is highly contagious; ingestion of even a small number of bacteria can lead to infection because it spreads easily by the faecal-oral route.”

He highlighted that transmission can happen from having direct person-to-person contact, consuming food or water that has been contaminated, or coming into contact with surfaces or objects that have come into contact with an infected person (e.g., doorknobs, computer keyboards).

Food handlers and caregivers who take care of the patients are usually very common vectors of transmission. Moreover, the bacteria can be found in a person's stool and can be shed for up to two weeks after the person has a Shigella infection has fully resolved (meaning they are no longer symptomatic).

Diarrhoea caused by Shigellosis presents as either severe diarrhoea (watery or bloody), fever, abdominal cramps, and urgent and/or frequent need to pass faeces. Symptoms usually start 1-3 days after exposure and last up to 7 days in duration; most patients recover without antibiotics. However, those with severe or prolonged illness (especially due to infection by an antibiotic-resistant strain) may require specific therapies.

Here are preventive measures you can take to protect yourself:

1. Before eating, after using the restroom, and after changing diapers, one should thoroughly wash their hands using soap and warm running water.

2. One should practice safe food and water handling by drinking only treated/bottled water, washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them, and cooking food thoroughly.

3. It is essential to maintain a clean and sanitary environment in places where children and caregivers gather. This includes frequent cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment that are used by children and caregivers.

4. Avoidance of swallowing recreational water, like that in untreated ponds or lakes.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Anukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More