Diarrhea
What
is it?
Diarrhea is an increase in
the amount, frequency, and wateriness of bowel
movements. Normally, the colon can absorb several
times more fluid than is required on a daily
basis.
Diarrhea occurs when the colon’s capacity is exceeded.
Usually, diarrhea is mild.
That means it occurs more than three times
in one day, may last a day or two, and then goes
away on its own.
Acute diarrhea lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Chronic
diarrhea is an ongoing problem, lasting for longer
than 23 weeks.
Who
gets it?
Anyone can get diarrhea. The
average person experiences diarrhea around four
times each year.
What
causes it?
In many cases where diarrhea
goes away on its own, the cause is never found and
is not important. Acute diarrhea is usually caused
by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. When diarrhea
is caused by a bacteria, you will see blood or
large amounts of mucus in the stools. Traveler’s
diarrhea is caused by an organism in contaminated
food or water, especially common in underdeveloped
countries. Some
people are sensitive to the additives lactose and
sorbitol, which are found in some prescription and
over-the-counter medications, and in sugar-free
foods. Stress
can also cause diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea can be caused by the same
things as acute diarrhea, but symptoms last
longer.
Chronic diarrhea is often related to a disorder such as
irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or
inflammatory bowel disease.
Other causes of chronic diarrhea include
immune deficiencies, such as AIDS; colon cancer
and other tumors of the bowel; lactose
intolerance; and endocrine or hormonal disorders.
What
are the symptoms?
The main symptom of diarrhea
is frequent, loose, watery bowel movements, or
stools. When
diarrhea continues without the replacement of lost
fluids, you risk becoming dehydrated, which means
the body has lost too much fluid. Dehydration
can cause serious health problems, especially in
children and the elderly.
Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dry eyes,
infrequent urination, and urine with a dark color
and strong odor. Untreated
dehydration can cause kidney failure, neurological
damage, arthritis, and skin problems. Symptoms
of diarrhea can also include fever, nausea,
vomiting, and stomach pain, but depend upon the
cause. The
stools may include blood or pus, be difficult to
flush because they float, and contain undigested
food particles.
Continued diarrhea may cause malnutrition
and weight loss.
How
is it diagnosed?
No diagnosis is needed in
most cases because diarrhea simply goes away on
its own. When
diarrhea persists, however, you should see your
doctor. He
or she will take a history of symptoms and will
ask about any changes in your diet, medications
you are taking, and family history of intestinal
illnesses. Diagnostic
tests are usually performed when diarrhea is acute
and includes fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
(38.9 degrees Celsius), symptoms of dehydration,
blood in the stools, severe abdominal pain, a
diagnosed immune disease, or prior use of
antibiotics.
The most commonly used diagnostic test is a
stool culture, in which a sample of bowel material
is tested for blood, bacteria, parasites, or
toxins associated with antibiotic-caused diarrhea.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to
check electrolyte levels and blood count.
Doctors always run diagnostic tests for
chronic diarrhea.
In addition to the tests explained above,
these tests may also include sigmoidoscopy, in
which a flexible viewing tube is inserted through
the anus to examine the lining of the rectum and
anus.
What
is the treatment?
The treatment of diarrhea
depends upon the cause.
If the cause, such as sorbitol or a certain
drug, is removed, the diarrhea usually stops and
the body can heal. Many people think that they
should stop drinking fluids and eating until the
diarrhea goes away.
This is not true.
It is important to replace the fluids and
nutrients lost through diarrhea.
You can drink water or electrolyte drinks
that contain a balance of water, sugar, and salt,
but should avoid fruit juices and milk products. Foods
containing starch, such as cereals, crackers,
rice, and mashed potatoes, are more easily
digested when you have diarrhea.
Avoid beans and spicy foods. You can return
to your normal diet one day after the diarrhea is
completely gone.
Never take medications for reducing
diarrhea (anti-motility agents) unless your doctor
recommends it.
Sometimes bulking agents that are normally
used to treat constipation may help absorb excess
fluids in diarrhea.
Self-care
tips
Diarrhea is very contagious.
If you or a family member have diarrhea, make sure
you wash your hands frequently, especially after
using the bathroom.
You can usually treat diarrhea through
dietary changes and rest.
However, contact your doctor if diarrhea
persists and you have signs of dehydration, severe
pain, blood in the diarrhea, severe vomiting, and
a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9
degrees Celsius),
You can avoid traveler's
diarrhea by being careful about what you eat and
drink while visiting other countries.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
