India, July 1 -- From dehydration to persistent symptoms, it is important to determine if one has a typical case of diarrhoea or if it may be an indication of a serious intestinal infection. 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 seve...