Diarrhea(diarrhea) – frequent, repeated loose stools. Diarrhea is usually accompanied by pain, rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence, and tenesmus. Diarrhea is a symptom of many infectious diseases and inflammatory processes of the intestines, dysbiosis, and neurogenic disorders. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease is important in preventing complications. Loss of large amounts of fluid during profuse diarrhea leads to disruption of the water-salt balance and can cause heart and kidney failure.
General information
Diarrhea is defined as single or frequent defecation of loose stool. Diarrhea is a symptom that signals a malabsorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. Normally, the amount of feces excreted per day by an adult varies between 100-300 grams, depending on the characteristics of the diet (the amount of plant fiber consumed, poorly digestible substances, liquids). If intestinal motility increases, stool may become more frequent and thinner, but its quantity remains within normal limits. When the amount of liquid in the stool increases to 60-90%, we speak of diarrhea.
There are acute diarrhea (lasting no more than 2-3 weeks) and chronic. In addition, the concept of chronic diarrhea includes a tendency to periodically have large stools (more than 300 grams per day). Patients suffering from malabsorption of various nutrients tend to produce polyfecal matter: the excretion of large amounts of stool containing undigested food debris.
Causes of diarrhea
With severe intoxication in the intestine, excess secretion of water with sodium ions occurs into its lumen, which helps to dilute the stool. Secretory diarrhea develops with intestinal infections (cholera, enteroviruses), taking certain medications and dietary supplements. Osmolar diarrhea occurs with malabsorption syndrome, insufficient digestion of sugars, excessive consumption of osmotically active substances (laxative salts, sorbitol, antacids, etc.). The mechanism of development of diarrhea in such cases is associated with an increase in osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen and fluid diffusion along the osmotic gradient.
A significant factor contributing to the development of diarrhea is impaired intestinal motility (hypokinetic and hyperkinetic diarrhea) and, as a consequence, a change in the rate of transit of intestinal contents. Laxatives and magnesium salts help enhance motility. Impaired motor function (weakening and strengthening of peristalsis) occurs with the development of irritable bowel syndrome. In this case they talk about functional diarrhea.
Inflammation of the intestinal walls causes the exudation of protein, electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen through damaged mucosa. Exudative diarrhea accompanies enteritis, enterocolitis of various etiologies, intestinal tuberculosis, acute intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery). Often with this type of diarrhea there is blood and pus in the stool.
Diarrhea can develop as a result of taking medications: laxatives, antacids containing magnesium salts, certain groups of antibiotics (ampicillin, lincomycin, cephalosporins, clindamycin), antiarrhythmic drugs (quindiline, propranol), digitalis preparations, potassium salts, artificial sugars (sorbitol, mannitol) , cholestyramine, chenodeoxycholic acid, sulfonamides, anticoagulants.
Classification
The following types of diarrhea are distinguished: infectious (with dysentery, salmonellosis, amoebiasis, food toxic infections and entroviruses), nutritional (associated with dietary disorders or allergic reactions to food), dyspeptic (accompanies digestive disorders associated with insufficiency of the secretory functions of the organs of the digestive system: liver, pancreas, stomach; as well as in case of insufficiency of enzyme secretion in the small intestine), toxic (with arsenic or mercury poisoning, uremia), medicinal (caused by taking drugs, drug dysbiosis), neurogenic (with changes in motor skills due to disturbances in nervous regulation associated with psycho-emotional experiences).
Clinical features of diarrhea
In clinical practice, acute and chronic diarrhea are distinguished.
Acute diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea
Diarrhea lasting more than 3 weeks is considered chronic. It can be a consequence of various pathologies, the identification of which is the main task for determining treatment tactics. Information about the causes of chronic diarrhea can be provided by medical history, accompanying clinical symptoms and syndromes, and physical examination.
Particular attention is paid to the nature of the stool: frequency of bowel movements, daily dynamics, volume, consistency, color, presence of impurities in the stool (blood, mucus, fat). The survey reveals the presence or absence of accompanying symptoms: tenesmus (false urge to defecate), abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Pathologies of the small intestine are manifested by copious watery or fatty stools. Diseases of the large intestine are characterized by less abundant stool; streaks of pus or blood and mucus may be present in the stool. Most often, diarrhea with lesions of the large intestine is accompanied by pain in the abdomen. Diseases of the rectum are manifested by frequent, scanty stools as a result of hypersensitivity to stretching of the intestinal walls, tenesmus.
Diagnosis of diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is usually characterized by a very pronounced loss of fluid and electrolytes in the feces. During examination and physical examination of the patient, signs of dehydration are noted: dryness and decreased skin turgor, increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. With severe calcium deficiency, the symptom of a “muscle roll” becomes positive, and convulsions may occur.
In case of diarrhea, the patient's stool is always carefully examined; in addition, it is advisable to carry out a proctological examination. Detection of anal fissure, fistula, paraproctitis may suggest Crohn's disease. For any diarrhea, a comprehensive examination of the digestive tract is performed. Instrumental endoscopic techniques (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, irrigoscopy, sigmoidoscopy) allow you to examine the internal walls of the upper gastrointestinal tract and large intestine, detect damage to the mucosa, inflammation, neoplasms, bleeding ulcerations, etc.
Fecal microscopy reveals a high content of leukocytes and epithelial cells in it, which indicates the presence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The detected excess of fatty acids is a consequence of impaired fat absorption. Together with the remains of muscle fibers and high content starch in the stool, steatorrhea is a sign of malabsorption syndrome. Fermentation processes due to the development of dysbiosis contribute to changes in normal acid-base balance in the intestines. To identify such disorders, intestinal pH is measured (normally 6.0).
Persistent diarrhea in combination with excessive gastric secretion is characterized by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ulcerogenic pancreatic adenoma). In addition, prolonged secretory diarrhea may be the result of the development of hormone-producing tumors (for example, VIPoma). Laboratory research blood tests are aimed at identifying signs of the inflammatory process, biochemical markers of liver and pancreas dysfunction, and hormonal disorders that may be causes of chronic diarrhea.
Treatment of diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases, therefore, in the choice of medical tactics, the main role is played by the identification and treatment of the underlying pathology. Depending on the type of diarrhea, the patient is referred for treatment to a gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist or proctologist. You should definitely seek medical help if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 4 days, or if there are streaks of blood or mucus in your stool. In addition, symptoms that cannot be ignored are: tarry stools, abdominal pain, fever. If signs of diarrhea appear and there is a possibility of food poisoning, you should also consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Therapy aimed at eliminating diarrhea depends on its type. And it includes the following components: dietary nutrition, antibacterial therapy, pathogenetic treatment (correction of malabsorption in case of enzyme deficiencies, reduction of gastric secretion, drugs that normalize intestinal motility, etc.), treatment of the consequences of prolonged diarrhea (rehydration, restoration of electrolyte balance).
In case of diarrhea, foods are introduced into the diet that help reduce peristalsis and reduce the secretion of water into the intestinal lumen. In addition, the underlying pathology that caused the diarrhea is taken into account. Diet components must match functional status digestion. Products that promote the secretion of hydrochloric acid and increase the rate of evacuation of food from the intestines are excluded from the diet during acute diarrhea.
Antibiotic therapy for diarrhea is prescribed to suppress pathological flora and restore normal eubiosis in the intestines. Antibiotics are prescribed for infectious diarrhea wide range, quinolones, sulfonamides, nitrofurans. The drugs of choice for intestinal infections are drugs that do not have an adverse effect on the intestinal microbiocenosis (combined drugs, nifuroxazide). Sometimes eubiotics can be prescribed for diarrhea of various origins. However, more often such treatment is prescribed after the signs of diarrhea have subsided to normalize the intestinal flora (eliminate dysbiosis).
Adsorbents, enveloping and astringent agents that neutralize organic acids are used as symptomatic agents. Loperamide is used to regulate intestinal motility; in addition, it acts directly on the opiate receptors of the small intestine, reducing the secretory function of enterocytes and improving absorption. Somatostatin, which affects secretory function, has a pronounced antidiarrheal effect.
For infectious diarrhea, drugs that reduce intestinal motility are not used. Loss of fluid and electrolytes during prolonged and severe diarrhea requires rehydration measures. Most patients are prescribed oral rehydration, but in 5-15% of cases there is a need for intravenous administration of electrolyte solutions.
Prevention of diarrhea
Prevention of diarrhea includes measures of physical hygiene and nutrition. Washing hands before eating, thoroughly washing raw vegetables and fruits and proper cooking products help to avoid food poisoning and intestinal infections. In addition, it is worth remembering the need to avoid drinking raw water, unfamiliar and suspicious food, and food that can cause an allergic reaction.
When persistent diarrhea occurs, people cannot lead their usual lifestyle, since the patient may be overcome by discomfort in the stomach, frequent urge to go to the toilet and bloating. There can be many reasons for the occurrence of diarrhea in an adult: from simple indigestion to serious illnesses, so if the stool is disturbed for several days, then you should think about going to the doctor.
Since diarrhea is only a clinical picture and not a disease, it is first necessary to find the root cause. You should not fall for advertising from manufacturers who claim that one tablet is enough to solve problems with stool. It is important to remember that by eliminating the symptom, the disease will not go away and, even worse, it can cause harm to health, since many medications have contraindications.
Experts divide the causes of diarrhea into infectious and non-infectious. Diarrhea is also divided into chronic - it can bother the patient for a long time, causing damage to health, and acute - the urge to go to the toilet can bother you more than 5 times a day, while diarrhea is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
Infectious type
If you suspect an infection that has caused loose stools, medical attention is required. Infectious diarrhea is manifested by weakness, nausea, vomiting, stools may become green with mucus, have an unpleasant odor, and sometimes there may be an increase in body temperature. The causes of infectious diarrhea include:
Diarrhea infectious etiology can cause complications and, above all, the immune system suffers, so this type of bowel disorder requires mandatory treatment.
Non-infectious type
The non-infectious type of diarrhea is less dangerous than the infectious type, but also requires treatment, since prolonged loose stools can cause poor circulation and dehydration. Non-infectious diarrhea can be caused by the following factors:
- frequent use of laxatives;
- antibacterial therapy;
- frequent consumption of milk;
- thyroid diseases;
- decreased level of immunoglobulin;
- pancreatic diseases;
- insufficient production of digestive enzymes;
- the presence of tumors and cysts that cause circulatory problems;
- ulcerative colitis;
- eating disorder;
- eating poor quality food;
- intolerance of the body to certain nutrients.
Chronic diarrhea is most often not infectious; it occurs almost every day for several weeks or months. The main cause of its occurrence is poor nutrition or inflammatory diseases of the digestive system.
Each disease or factor may differ in the nature of the stool: diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms, have a foamy or liquid consistency, a different color (white, black, green, yellow), the presence of mucus or blood in the stool, and a foul odor.
Intestinal dysbiosis
Dysbacteriosis is one of the most common causes of bowel dysfunction. As chyme moves forward, feces are formed in the intestines. At the same time, the processing and absorption of useful substances occurs, as well as the absorption of water and electrolytes. Digestion of food, as well as the absorption of nutrients, occurs thanks to microflora, which, during normal functioning, contains lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, E. coli and other beneficial microbes.
Dysbacteriosis can develop as a result of taking antibiotics, insufficient intake of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, reduced immunity, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and radiation. With this disease, grade 3 or 4 diarrhea is observed, which leads to exhaustion of the patient, weight loss and the development of chronic enterocolitis. The main reasons for the development of diarrhea due to dysbacteriosis are:
- deterioration of fluid absorption;
- increased intestinal motility;
- accumulation of large amounts of bile acid.
With dysbacteriosis, stool disturbance is often accompanied by allergic rashes, nausea, decreased appetite, belching, pain and bloating.
Pancreatitis
With pancreatic disease, one of the clinical manifestations is diarrhea. The pancreas is actively involved in the process of digesting food and when its functioning is disrupted, namely, when diagnosing chronic pancreatitis, stool disturbance is always observed. This disease is characterized by a decrease in the production of enzymes involved in food digestion. Pancreatitis most often develops in people who abuse alcohol, in the presence of diseases such as peptic ulcers, inflammation of the small intestine, as well as in the presence of a predominance of fatty foods in the diet and overeating.
Diarrhea with pancreatitis occurs due to the fact that fragments of digested food enter the large intestine. A high amount of nutrients activates bacteria, resulting in a putrefactive and fermentative process, leading to bloating and stool disturbances.
Stool with pancreatitis often has a liquid consistency, usually mushy with inclusions of undigested food. In addition to diarrhea, inflammation of the pancreas also manifests itself in other symptoms: pain in the lower back or left side, nausea and lack of appetite.
Nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Also, one of the causes of bowel dysfunction is diseases of the large intestine, in particular ulcerative colitis. Most often, this disease affects people from 20 to 40 years old, and it is characterized by the following symptoms:
- diarrhea;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- the presence of mucus or blood in the stool;
- bloating.
At acute course illness, there may be an increase in body temperature, malaise, weakness and muscle pain. In more severe conditions, vision may deteriorate.
95% of patients with ulcerative colitis complain of the appearance of loose stools, which prevents them from living fully and enjoying life, since the frequency of bowel movements can occur about 4 times a day in the chronic form, and more than 5 times in the acute form. Often, diarrhea can be replaced by constipation.
Infectious diseases
When pathogenic microorganisms develop in a person's intestines, diarrhea often occurs - the body's reaction to their waste products. In this case, you may feel unwell, nausea, vomiting and fever.
At infectious diseases the stool becomes watery, and in a short period of time a person can lose up to several liters of fluid, which negatively affects the health of the body.
Depending on what kind of infection is present, the stool can change its appearance, for example, with cholera it has a liquid state, and with dysentery it is scanty and slimy.
If treatment is not prescribed in time, the disease may develop into a more serious condition. In addition to dehydration, which negatively affects the body, there is a toxic effect of microbes, the severity of which depends on the type of pathogen. This condition should not be treated independently; you need qualified assistance from a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is one of the most severe diseases associated with an inflammatory process in the digestive tract, which affects all layers of the intestine: submucosal, muscular and mucosal. The inflammatory process can occur in the lower and upper segment of the digestive tube, but most often it is the small intestine that is affected.
Crohn's disease has 3 degrees of severity:
- In mild cases of the disease, the incidence of diarrhea is no more than 4 times, streaks of blood in the stool are absent or weakly expressed.
- Moderate severity is manifested in more frequent bowel movements, up to 6 times. The presence of blood in stool can be detected with the naked eye.
- Severe disease is characterized by the occurrence of diarrhea more than 10 times a day, in which case complications such as bleeding, abscesses and fistulas may occur.
The causes of Crohn's disease have not yet been studied; it is most often diagnosed in people under 35 years of age. In addition to diarrhea, this disease manifests itself in severe abdominal pain, malaise and weakness. The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after preliminary diagnosis.
Psychosomatic causes of diarrhea
The human body is a complex mechanism that reacts to any negative factors, including poor mental health. Therefore, very often diarrhea appears when a person experiences severe nervous shock. Diarrhea and frequent distress can cause severe illness, and most of is psychosomatic in nature.
For some people, when fear arises, not only their movements, but their entire body becomes stiff. Many patients, when experiencing fear, in addition to the urge to go to the toilet, are bothered by abdominal pain and other unpleasant sensations. After the fear goes away, the stool may remain liquid throughout the day. If diarrhea occurs frequently due to anxiety, experts recommend taking sedatives.
Treatment of frequent diarrhea
If frequent diarrhea occurs, you should consult a doctor, he will prescribe tests and diagnostics, which will help identify the cause of bowel dysfunction. First of all, treatment is aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptom with the help of antidiarrheal drugs, while simultaneously treating the underlying disease.
Since diarrhea severely dehydrates the body, the doctor additionally prescribes rehydrating drugs (Normasol, Gamtrolit, Regidron, etc.), which restore the water-salt balance in the body. Also, during treatment, it is important to drink enough liquid and monitor your diet (exclude: spicy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, alcohol).
It is important to know that all medications should be used only after a doctor's prescription.
These days, digestive problems can affect everyone almost every day, and not all episodes of bowel upset require medical attention. How do you know if diarrhea is a symptom of a serious illness? Additional symptoms or properties of diarrhea itself will help with this:
Diarrhea + bloating when eating certain foods– may indicate an allergy to these products or an enzyme deficiency ( lactase deficiency, celiac disease).
Diarrhea + bloating not related to the nature of food taken– more often observed in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In which neuropsychic factors ( overwork, stress) lead to disruption of the entire nervous system.
Diarrhea + vomiting + abdominal tenderness– often found in food poisoning, salmonellosis, enteroviral infections. In this case, only a personal consultation with an infectious disease specialist can help make a diagnosis.
Diarrhea + dehydration – this symptom may indicate a dangerous infectious disease. In such cases, consultation with a surgeon and infectious disease specialist is necessary. Treatment of such patients at home is impossible; hospitalization is required.
Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea
Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea is difficult in some cases - there are so many diseases that manifest themselves with this symptom. However, a number of clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods are used to identify the causes of diarrhea.
Clinical examination of a patient with diarrhea
Includes a conversation to identify possible causative factors:
- When did the diarrhea start?
- Does any other family member have diarrhea?
- What food was consumed the day before?
- Do people who consumed the same food have diarrhea?
- Is there pain? Nature of pain?
And some other questions may be asked by your doctor during diagnosis.
Feeling and tapping the abdomen– allows you to identify pain in a specific location. Tapping helps identify bloating and its location.
Laboratory examinations
Coprogram– studying the appearance of stool, studying the structure and composition of stool under a microscope helps to identify diseases such as: pancreatic enzyme or liver failure,
Bacteriological analysis of stool is the method of choice in diagnosing intestinal dysbiosis or infectious diseases that lead to diarrhea.
Treating diarrhea at home ( for adults)
Only if the above-described symptoms of diarrhea are not identified, treatment at home is possible.
This requires adherence to a gentle daily routine, rational nutrition, replenishment of water and salts lost by the body, use of medications.
Replenishing lost water and minerals
What drink?
In order to avoid dehydration, it is necessary to replenish all substances and water removed from the body. To do this, it is better to use water with minerals dissolved in it. Solutions of drugs such as Regidron, Ringer Lock, Gidrovit, Orasan are better suited for these purposes.
Under no circumstances should you use sparkling water, sweet water, or juices when dehydrated.
How much to drink?
It is recommended to replenish all volumetric water consumption during illness. Therefore, it is advisable to drink 200-300 ml after each trip to the toilet. saline solution. If the consumption of saline solution repeatedly leads to vomiting, then you need to seek help from a doctor - it is necessary to identify the cause of vomiting and regular droppers with electrolyte solutions will be used to prevent dehydration.
What to eat?
Naturally, with diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that strengthen.
Food products such as ripe bananas, crackers, and boiled rice have a good effect.
Spices, fried foods, sweets, and dairy products must be excluded during the treatment of diarrhea.
Medicines to treat diarrhea
Antibiotics
Antibiotics attack bacteria living in the intestines, slowing down the growth of bacteria or leading to death. Drugs in this group are used for intestinal infectious diseases or severe cases of intestinal dysbiosis. The use of antibiotics to treat diarrhea is possible only as prescribed by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist.
Drugs that slow down intestinal motility ( loperamide)
Loperamide actively changes intestinal motility - slowing down the movement of intestinal contents. The drug can be prescribed for diarrhea of a neurogenic nature, for inflammatory non-infectious intestinal pathology. The drug is prescribed only by the attending physician and requires monitoring of the patient’s condition, as it has a number of serious side effects.
Enterosorbents
These substances exert their therapeutic effect in the intestinal lumen. The stricture of enterosorbent granules is such that their surface has the ability to absorb ( absorb) certain substances from the intestinal lumen.
Drugs are prescribed for allergic, toxic-infectious or toxic intestinal damage.
Temperature
An elevated temperature accompanies diarrhea if it is caused by an inflammatory process. If diarrhea develops due to viral and bacterial infections, the temperature can rise to very high limits ( up to 38 – 39 degrees). Also, a high rise in temperature is observed with food poisoning.
Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a painful urge to defecate. They are most characteristic of intestinal infections, for example, dysentery or colitis.
Vomit
Vomiting also often accompanies diarrhea. Typically, this symptom occurs with diarrhea caused by food poisoning or infection.
Weakness
Weakness and malaise are caused by dehydration due to diarrhea. So, with diarrhea, water also leaves the body along with feces. Water provides the most important functions of the body and accounts for 60 to 70 percent. If the percentage of water in the body decreases, then it begins to suffer. In this case, all organ systems suffer without exception. Therefore, even a small loss of water is difficult for a person to bear, and he experiences weakness.
Subsequently, if emergency measures are not taken, the body’s salts leave along with the water. Lack of salts further increases weakness, malaise and lethargy.
Chronic, periodic diarrhea is a manifestation of pathologies such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. With chronic diarrhea, extraintestinal symptoms are also present. Intestinal symptoms for chronic diarrhea are the same as for acute diarrhea.
Extraintestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea are:
- nausea;
Anemia
Anemia is a low number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. It develops as a result of enteropathy, which is observed with frequent diarrhea. Thus, with chronic diarrhea, the intestinal mucous layer is damaged, through which substances beneficial to the body are normally absorbed. As a result, the body experiences a lack of iron, folic acid and other microelements. The type of anemia depends on what substance the body “lacked” the most. If it is iron, then iron deficiency anemia develops, if it is vitamin B12, then B12 deficiency anemia. Anemia, in turn, is accompanied by symptoms such as poor skin condition, brittle hair and nails.
Nausea
With colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases that are accompanied by chronic diarrhea, nausea is an integral companion.
Loss of appetite
Many intestinal pathologies, which are characterized by chronic diarrhea, lead to loss of appetite. First of all, this is due to constant nausea and periodic vomiting. For more later When anemia sets in, appetite decreases due to impaired metabolism.
It should be borne in mind that loose stools are not a separate disease, but are a symptom of a pathological process developing in the body.
What are the main causes of diarrhea in adults?
There are a large number of factors that can trigger the development of diarrhea.
Causes of diarrhea can be:
- infectious intestinal lesions;
- tuberculosis of the alimentary tract;
- food poisoning;
- allergic reactions;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- dysbacteriosis;
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- emotional disorders;
- unbalanced diet;
- change of usual cuisine, water.
Tuberculosis of the alimentary tract
With this pathology, the parts most often affected are the small intestine and the cecum. Diarrhea due to tuberculosis is not permanent and occurs periodically. As the disease progresses, stool disorder is accompanied by pain, localized to the navel.
Food poisoning
Often the cause of loose stools is food poisoning ( infection not by bacteria, but by their metabolic products, which are most often formed in spoiled food products). Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause intoxication of the body. Alcohol contains substances that stimulate the intestines, causing them to contract faster. Sources of nutritional intoxication most often are food products that have expired or those that were prepared without taking into account the necessary sanitary standards.
Products that most often cause poisoning are:
- dairy and fermented milk products;
- confectionery with cream;
- cooked sausage products;
- meat pates;
- salads with mayonnaise or sour cream;
- tomato juice.
Allergic reaction
Diarrhea can be caused by individual intolerance to a certain product. Unlike other allergy symptoms ( respiratory or skin), which arise after fast time after consuming an allergen product, loose stools may develop only after 5–6 hours. This fact makes it difficult to diagnose the allergic nature of diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome
With this disease, digestive disorders are not caused by damage to the intestine itself. People with an unstable psyche and a high level of emotionality are most susceptible to this pathology. The syndrome is characterized by loose stools, which bother patients after eating, most often in the first half of the day. Exacerbation of the disease and the development of acute diarrhea in half of the patients is associated with severe stress, excitement, and anxiety.
Dysbacteriosis
An imbalance in the ratio of beneficial and harmful microflora in the intestines can be caused by taking a number of antibacterial drugs, dietary habits, or other factors. A decrease in the number of bacteria that are responsible for the process of digestion and absorption of food leads to a disorder of intestinal functions, which is manifested by diarrhea.
Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
In the practice of a gastroenterologist ( a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the digestive system) diarrhea is one of the most common complaints of patients. Chronic inflammatory processes affecting digestive system, have a negative effect on the intestines and cause disruption of its functionality.
Chronic diseases in which diarrhea develops are:
- gastritis ( inflammation of the gastric mucosa);
- stomach ulcer or duodenum;
- duodenitis ( inflammatory lesion of the duodenal mucosa);
- enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestines);
- biliary dyskinesia ( gallbladder motility disorder);
- cholecystitis ( gallbladder inflammation);
- pancreatitis ( inflammatory process in the pancreas);
- Crohn's disease ( formation of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract);
- ulcerative colitis ( intestinal inflammation).
Rectal cancer
With a cancerous tumor located in the rectum, diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms. This pathology is characterized by the appearance of a small amount of blood in the stool and a false urge to defecate.
Liver diseases
One of the liver diseases in which stool disorders develop is hepatitis ( inflammation of liver tissue). Diarrhea is a symptom of all forms of this disease, but most often and most acutely manifests itself in viral hepatitis A. With other types of hepatitis, loose stools occur periodically, most often as a result of intolerance to fatty foods. Another disease in which patients may suffer from diarrhea is cirrhosis of the liver ( pathological changes in liver tissue).
Emotional disorders
The activity of the gastrointestinal tract, like other organ systems, is controlled by the nervous system. In stressful situations, the nervous system is stressed, which affects the activity of the intestines. Therefore, anxiety often causes diarrhea. The symptom disappears after the person stops experiencing stress and anxiety.
Unbalanced diet
An unhealthy diet with a lot of rough food of plant origin can cause diarrhea. Also, the appearance of loose stools can be facilitated by the abuse of hot seasonings, spices, and carbonated drinks. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract can be disrupted by non-compliance with a certain regimen when eating food. Often the cause of diarrhea is an insufficient amount of vitamins that ensure the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines. The development of the disorder is caused by a deficiency of substances such as phylloquinone ( vitamin K), riboflavin ( vitamin B2), niacin ( vitamin PP).
Change of usual cuisine, water
The body's reaction to new food and water in the form of loose stool is called traveler's diarrhea. Stool disorder may appear 3 to 7 days after changing your usual environment. In most cases, this symptom goes away on its own when you return home or refuse food ( food and water) locally produced.
What are the main causes of diarrhea in children?
Diarrhea in children develops as a result of a number of reasons that lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive system.
The main causes of diarrhea in children are:
The main infectious agents of inflammatory bowel processes that lead to diarrhea in a child are:
- adenovirus;
- salmonella;
- dysentery bacillus;
- coli;
- tapeworms ( bull tapeworm, pork tapeworm).
The main ways infectious agents enter the child’s digestive tract are:
- dirty hands;
- contaminated food;
- contaminated household items and household items;
- contact with sick children ( in case of intestinal viruses).
Genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Many genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children lead to disruption of the digestion process and the development of diarrhea.
Main genetic diseases digestive tract are:
- lactase deficiency;
- maltase deficiency;
- sucrase deficiency;
- atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.
For normal absorption of substances in the intestine, food must be well digested by intestinal enzymes. The lack of these enzymes leads to insufficient breakdown of food into easily digestible substances. In this case, food remains in the intestinal lumen and is quickly excreted. This condition is popularly called food allergy.
The most common problem in children is lactase deficiency ( lack of intestinal enzyme lactase), which causes diarrhea when milk and some dairy products are consumed. Less common are maltase enzyme deficiency ( substance involved in the digestion of grains), sucrase ( substance that breaks down sugar).
The absorption process in the intestine can also be disrupted due to congenital atrophy of the child’s intestinal mucosa. In this case, the absorption of all substances is difficult.
Acute food poisoning
Often in children, diarrhea develops as a result of acute food poisoning, due to the action toxic substances that have entered the gastrointestinal tract.
The main sources of acute food poisoning in children are:
- expired products;
- spoiled fruits and vegetables;
- stale meat and fish;
- spoiled dairy products;
- toxic substances ( arsenic, insecticides, organophosphates);
- alcoholic drinks;
- medications ( antibiotics, magnesium and potassium preparations, barbiturates);
- poisonous plants and fruits.
When a child eats “bad” food, a large amount of toxic substances enter the gastrointestinal tract. Toxins cause inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa, increase peristalsis and slow down water absorption. In children, toxins are absorbed very quickly, and diarrhea also develops quickly.
Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition of a child leads to disruption of the digestive system. Constant digestive disorders cause the development of diarrhea.
The most common eating disorders in children are:
- binge eating;
- eating too many fruits and vegetables;
- abuse of herbs, spices, garlic and hot pepper;
- abuse of salty and sour foods;
- too fatty food ( fatty meats and fish, oils).
Large volumes of food eaten put pressure on the walls of the digestive tract, causing accelerated peristalsis. Food passes too quickly and does not have time to be digested. Nutrients and water are absorbed in small quantities, remaining in the intestinal lumen. As a result, diarrhea with particles of poorly digested food appears. The rough skins of vegetables and fruits cause similar problems as a result of intestinal irritation from the rough fibers.
Spicy, sour or salty foods also greatly irritate the child's intestines, leading to the development of diarrhea.
Feeding a child too fatty foods leads to disruption of the liver and gallbladder. A large amount of bile and free fatty acids accumulate in the lumen of the digestive tract. They stimulate the accumulation of water in the intestinal cavity, causing diarrhea.
Why does a baby develop diarrhea?
Diarrhea in an infant develops due to the introduction of new foods into the diet that the child’s digestive system cannot digest normally. Also, stool disorder is a symptom of various pathological processes developing in the child’s body.
The causes of diarrhea in infants are:
- introduction of complementary foods;
- artificial feeding;
- intestinal infections;
- other factors.
Introduction of complementary foods
Changes in the color and consistency of stool are a common reaction of the body to the introduction of new foods into the children's diet. Often, stool turns green when feeding a child vegetable or fruit dishes. A change in the color of feces is not a sign of diarrhea and is normal. Indigestion is indicated by such signs as the child’s constant desire to empty the intestines, the appearance of a sour smell in the stool, and a watery or foamy consistency of the feces.
The causes of diarrhea when introducing complementary foods are:
- untimely introduction of complementary foods;
- non-compliance with dosage recommendations;
- too short pauses between new products;
- intolerance to certain products.
Late introduction of complementary foods
Diarrhea infant may cause complementary feeding to be introduced too early. Experts recommend introducing new foods after the child reaches five months of age. At this point, the necessary enzymes for digesting adult food are formed in the intestines. Since childhood maturation is an individual aspect, in addition to age, the advisability of introducing complementary foods is also determined by several factors.
Signs that a baby is ready for complementary feeding are:
- the child’s weight increases by 2 times from the moment of birth;
- the child does not push out the spoon with his tongue;
- the baby can sit independently, tilt his body, turn his head;
- the child holds an object in his hand and puts it in his mouth;
- The baby shows interest in adult food and tries to taste it.
Failure to follow dosage recommendations
When switching to adult food, you must follow the recommendations for increasing the dosage of each individual product. If the portion increase is not done in a timely manner, it can cause dysfunction of the digestive system. Diarrhea in such cases occurs because in a short period of time the necessary enzymes do not have time to mature in the child’s intestines. Therefore, the dose of a new product should be increased 5–7 days after it was introduced into the diet for the first time. Thus, the average amount of cottage cheese recommended by pediatricians per day is from 5 to 10 grams. Within six months, the dose of cottage cheese can only be increased to 40 - 50 grams.
Too short pauses between new products
Each new product should be offered to the child a week after the introduction of the previous product. Violating this rule can cause diarrhea in the baby. When transferring a baby to fundamentally the new kind complementary feeding must be paused for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Types of complementary foods are vegetable, grain, dairy, meat, fish.
Intolerance to certain products
Allergies to certain foods can cause diarrhea in infants. The most common cause of allergic reactions during complementary feeding is intolerance ( partial or complete) gluten. This pathology is called celiac disease. With this disease, loose stools are provoked by porridge ( wheat, barley, rye), bread, cookies. With celiac disease, diarrhea in an infant becomes chronic and is accompanied by symptoms such as poor weight gain and skin rashes.
Artificial feeding
In children who are bottle-fed, digestive disorders in the form of diarrhea are observed more often than in infants who are fed mother's milk. This is explained by the fact that a neutral or slightly acidic environment predominates in the children's intestines, which disrupts the digestion of proteins and fats. The composition of fats in breast milk is simpler and in addition it contains enzymes that facilitate the digestion process ( lipases). Therefore, with artificial feeding, especially with overfeeding, infants develop diarrhea.
Intestinal infections
Diarrhea in infants is often caused by intestinal infections. When bacteria or viruses enter a child's body, an acute digestive disorder develops, which is accompanied by intense loose stools, which may contain blood, mucus, and foam. Often the infection occurs with vomiting, fever, crying, and refusal to eat.
The causative agents of intestinal infections are:
- rotavirus– the infection begins with vomiting, followed by diarrhea and elevated temperature bodies;
- enterovirus– the disease is characterized by a wave-like increase in temperature and foamy, loose, green stools;
- salmonella– the infection is manifested by a sharp increase in temperature, bloating and diarrhea, which may contain mucus and blood;
- Shigella(provoke dysentery) – initially loose stools with the progression of the disease become similar to lumps of gray mucus with inclusions of blood;
- coli– infection is accompanied by intense diarrhea and sharp pain in a stomach;
- staphylococcus– the infection is manifested by foamy liquid stools and a fever above 38 degrees.
Infection most often occurs through the oral-fecal route if personal hygiene rules are not observed. Also, pathogenic bacteria can enter the body along with low-quality products or dirty water. Infection of an infant is possible through contact with carriers of the infection.
Other factors
In addition to infections and feeding errors, various external and internal factors can cause diarrhea in an infant.
Causes of diarrhea include:
- dysbacteriosis– often loose stools are a consequence of taking antibacterial drugs that disrupt the normal composition of the intestinal microflora;
- maternal consumption of certain foods(while breastfeeding) – diarrhea in infants often occurs after eating cucumbers, beets, or pears;
- teething– stool disorder in such cases is called physiological diarrhea;
- lactase deficiency ( lactose intolerance) – manifests itself as diarrhea in newborns from the first days of life;
- cystic fibrosis(a disease that affects organs that secrete mucus, including the intestines) – this pathology is characterized by copious loose stools with a greasy sheen and a sharp unpleasant smell;
- helminthic infestations– accompanied by loose stools, which may alternate with constipation;
- acute respiratory diseases– in children under the age of one year, diarrhea often develops against the background of colds.
Why is diarrhea dangerous during pregnancy?
The degree of danger of diarrhea during pregnancy is determined by such factors as the cause that caused the syndrome and the characteristics of its course. The period of pregnancy at which this syndrome develops is also of great importance.
Impact of diarrhea in early pregnancy
Weak and short-lived diarrhea at the beginning of pregnancy, which is accompanied by toxicosis, is a common occurrence. The bacteria and viruses that provoke it do not leave the intestines, and therefore do not pose a great threat to the fetus. In some cases, when diarrhea is caused by severe poisoning, intoxication is possible female body and penetration of toxins to the fetus. Thus, mushroom poisoning while pregnant is extremely dangerous. Poisons, penetrating the placental barrier, can cause various disorders in the development of the embryo.
Greatest danger in the first trimester of pregnancy, diarrhea occurs, in which a woman visits the toilet more than 5 times a day. The danger of this condition increases when a bowel disorder is combined with vomiting.
The consequences of severe diarrhea are:
- the formation of congenital developmental anomalies in the fetus;
- spontaneous abortion;
- decreased blood pressure in women;
- renal failure in the expectant mother.
The danger of diarrhea in late pregnancy
Diarrhea at the 30th week of pregnancy is most often a symptom of late toxicosis rather than a viral disease. If an intestinal disorder is accompanied by frequent bowel movements, the woman should see a specialist, as this can provoke intense uterine contractions and premature birth. In addition, severe diarrhea, as in the initial stages, can cause dehydration of the female body. Fluid deficiency can provoke thrombosis ( blockage of blood vessels) and others dangerous conditions. In the third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that are contraindicated in earlier stages are allowed. Therefore, timely consultation with a doctor will quickly eliminate diarrhea and its accompanying symptoms.
This syndrome is most dangerous in the period from 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. Diarrhea can cause labor to begin, which can lead to the birth of a premature baby.
Another factor that causes this disorder is the pressure that the fetus puts on the digestive organs of a pregnant woman.
Regardless of the circumstances that caused diarrhea, the main danger is the rapid development of dehydration. At this stage, the woman begins to move less, and the fetus needs a large amount of fluid. These factors, combined with diarrhea, provoke severe dehydration and the risk of various complications. The body of a pregnant woman stops supplying the fetus with necessary nutrients, resulting in starvation.
Doctors react most calmly to diarrhea that develops from 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, the syndrome occurs against the background of a woman’s normal condition and indicates a natural cleansing of the body and impending childbirth.
How does chronic diarrhea occur?
Chronic diarrhea is manifested by stool disorder that lasts more than 3 weeks. In this case, the patient is concerned about the frequent urge to defecate, in which the daily weight of feces exceeds 300 grams.
- pathological changes in feces;
- discomfort in the abdominal area;
- nausea, vomiting;
- nervous system disorders;
- deterioration of the condition of nails, skin, hair;
- weight loss;
- exhaustion of the body.
The nature and intensity of these symptoms depend on the cause against which chronic diarrhea develops.
Pathological changes in feces
The color and consistency of stool, as well as the number of urges to defecate, may vary with chronic diarrhea. In diseases of the small intestine, the patient is bothered by copious watery or fatty stools. With pathologies of the large intestine, the mass of feces is not so abundant, and they may contain mucous, blood or purulent inclusions. If the cause of chronic diarrhea is diseases of the rectum, patients experience a frequent urge to defecate, while the mass of bowel movements is insignificant.
Other stool changes include:
- Watery stool– can cause viral infections of bacterial or viral origin. Appearance stool may resemble rice water.
- Liquid black stool– the cause may be bleeding in the stomach, esophagus or intestines caused by an ulcer or tumor formation. The blood reacts with digestive enzymes, causing the stool to turn black.
- Yellow chair – can develop while taking a number of medications. It is also very often observed in young children due to infections or diseases of the digestive system, as a result of which food is poorly digested.
- White feces– white feces can be a manifestation of chronic diarrhea, which develops against the background of gallbladder pathologies and jaundice. Certain medications can cause white stool to turn white.
- Green chair– feces of this color are most often the result of increased fermentation processes in the intestines due to dysbiosis, dysentery or other intestinal infections.
Discomfort in the abdomen
Patients with chronic diarrhea experience discomfort in the abdominal area, which can vary in type, duration, intensity, and location. With irritable bowel syndrome, patients complain of sharp twisting pains that become less severe after defecation. Painful cramps in the abdomen both before and after bowel movements are observed with intestinal inflammation. Pain in the lower abdomen after eating is manifested by diarrhea due to peptic ulcers. Pain that occurs periodically on the right or left side is characteristic of Crohn's disease. Stool disorder in chronic pancreatitis occurs together with pain, which is localized in the upper abdomen and has a girdling character. When chronic diarrhea develops against the background of putrefactive and fermentative processes in the intestines, it is accompanied by rumbling and bloating due to intense formation of gases in the intestines.
Nausea and vomiting
Often chronic diarrhea, caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient. When infection penetrates, diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, and the body temperature rises to 38 degrees.
Nervous system disorders
Often this disorder causes sleep problems and other nervous system disorders.
Manifestations of chronic diarrhea are:
- insomnia at night;
- daytime sleepiness;
- irritability;
- frequent mood changes;
- increased fatigue;
- unreasonable anxiety;
- lethargy, apathy.
Deterioration of hair, skin, nails
Chronic diarrhea is often manifested by deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Increased activity sebaceous glands leads to increased oiliness of hair and skin, and the appearance of small pimples. Due to vitamin deficiency, hair may begin to fall out, nails may break or peel.
Weight loss
In some cases, chronic diarrhea is accompanied by weight loss. This manifestation is typical for patients in whom the syndrome develops against the background of chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease or certain pathologies of the pancreas.
Exhaustion of the body
Chronic diarrhea is manifested not only by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, but also by disturbances in the functioning of other body systems. Patients complain of general physical discomfort, which is most severe in the morning. The lack of appetite characteristic of this syndrome causes a decrease in the overall tone of the body. With diarrhea, the time it takes for food to pass through the intestines decreases, as a result of which vitamins and nutrients do not have time to be absorbed. This, combined with poor nutrition, fluid loss and other disorders, can cause severe exhaustion of the body.
Is diarrhea accompanied by fever?
Diarrhea may be accompanied by fever, but not in all cases. In children, unlike adults, diarrhea is almost always accompanied by an increase in body temperature ( sometimes even to critical levels). Depending on the factors that caused diarrhea and the severity of the disease, a hyperthermic reaction ( temperature increase) of the body manifests itself in different ways.
| Causes of diarrhea | Body temperature | Temperature characteristic | |||||||||||||||||
| Functional disorders of the central nervous system:
| 36.6 – 37 degrees. | Most often, the temperature remains within normal limits. Diarrhea can rarely be accompanied by a short-term increase in total body temperature to 37.5 degrees. | |||||||||||||||||
| Acute food poisoning | From 37 to 38.5 degrees. | A body temperature of 37.1 – 37.5 degrees appears within 6 – 12 hours after eating “bad” foods. In accordance with the severity of the intoxication syndrome, the temperature can increase to 38.5 degrees. A continued increase in body temperature from 38.6 degrees is rarely observed. | |||||||||||||||||
| Acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT):
| Can vary from 37.1 to 38.5 degrees. | For pancreatitis ( inflammatory process in the pancreas) diarrhea may be accompanied by a temperature that does not rise above 38.1 degrees. For chronic hepatitis ( inflammation of the liver tissue) diarrhea is accompanied by a moderate increase in temperature, maximum – 37.5 degrees. Acute hepatitis can occur with severe diarrhea and high fever. With appendicitis ( inflammation of the appendix) diarrhea is accompanied by low-grade fever ( 38 – 38.5 degrees). Complicated appendicitis with peritonitis can cause diarrhea with fever above 39 degrees. With enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestines) body temperature can vary from 37.5 to 39.5 degrees or more. Highest temperature ( 39.5 – 40.5 degrees) is observed with massive lesions of the intestinal mucosa with severe intoxication syndrome. |
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| Viral infections of the digestive system:
| 37 – 38 degrees. | Body temperature during viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract usually does not exceed 38 degrees, but the patient feels it as a fever with aches and pain in the muscles, increased sweating and a feeling of cold. This temperature may accompany diarrhea for 2 to 3 days. | |||||||||||||||||
| Bacterial infections digestive system:
| Above 38.5 - 39 degrees. | Bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by diarrhea with a very high body temperature. With severe intoxication syndrome, fever can reach 40.5 - 41 degrees. | |||||||||||||||||
|
The basic rules of nutrition for diarrhea are:
Drinking liquids Drinks you can and cannot drink if you have diarrhea Use food products
Healthy foods to eat if you have diarrhea
Food should be eaten in small portions in order to reduce pressure on the walls of the stomach and intestines. So that the body receives the necessary daily dose nutrients and did not “starve”, the frequency of meals increases to 4 – 5 times a day. If you have diarrhea, you should definitely exclude from your diet all foods that irritate the digestive system. The main thing to avoid is fatty foods, fried foods, fresh vegetables and fruits. You should also forget about spices, garlic, savory sauces and sweets. What to do if diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting?
The main points that must be performed first in case of diarrhea accompanied by vomiting are:
Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole In the first one to two days, you should not try to stop diarrhea and vomiting with medications ( antidiarrheals and antiemetics). Immediately after the first attacks appear, the stomach must be rinsed thoroughly. To do this, the patient must drink about one and a half liters of water in a short period of time and induce vomiting. Along with the water, the remaining “bad” food that has not yet had time to be digested will come out of the stomach. The water should be boiled and slightly warm so as not to cause further irritation of the stomach walls. Another good way to wash the stomach is potassium permanganate dissolved in water. A couple of granules of potassium permanganate are enough for a liter of boiled water. Every 30 to 60 minutes, drink half a glass of this solution. The main medications that can be used to reduce intoxication are:
All these drugs are called sorbents because they adsorb ( absorb) contains the remains of toxins and waste. Replenishing lost fluids and essential minerals The main liquids that can be consumed for diarrhea with vomiting are:
The liquid should be drunk every hour and after each attack of diarrhea and vomiting. Its volume should be 250 - 300 milliliters per dose. Special medications that are used for vomiting and diarrhea include:
These preparations contain essential minerals ( potassium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine and calcium), which must be replenished in the body first. Solutions are prepared according to instructions and used throughout the day. Eliminate any irritants to the digestive system Foods that should absolutely not be eaten if you have diarrhea and vomiting are:
A patient with severe diarrhea accompanied by vomiting should limit food intake in the first two days, even to the point of fasting. When attacks of diarrhea and vomiting become rare, food is introduced, but with a strict diet. The patient can eat porridge with water. Rice porridge is especially useful. It does not irritate the stomach and normalizes peristalsis of the digestive tract. You can add a little salt to porridge, but exclude butter and milk. Also, for diarrhea and vomiting, you can eat white bread crackers and bananas. Food portions should be small but frequent. What to do if you have diarrhea with fever?
Pathologies in which diarrhea with fever is noted are:
The patient can take a number of measures to alleviate his condition. But the patient’s main actions should be aimed at monitoring his condition. If a number of factors are identified, you should immediately consult a doctor. Food poisoning The first thing to do if there is a possibility of food poisoning is to rinse the stomach. For washing, a weak solution of potassium permanganate can be used, a solution baking soda (2 teaspoons of soda per 2 liters of water) or table salt solution ( 2 tablespoons per 4 liters of water). The total volume of solution required for washing is 8 - 10 liters. Liquid temperature is from 35 to 37 degrees. First, you should drink 3 to 6 glasses of the solution, and then induce vomiting yourself. To do this, use your middle and index fingers to tickle the root of your tongue. Next, you need to drink water again and induce vomiting. Repeat the procedure until the flowing water becomes clear. After washing, the patient must be kept at rest and refrain from eating for the next 24 hours. To remove toxins, you need to take activated carbon or another type of sorbent. Fluid deficiency should be restored using special saline solutions ( rehydrona, oralit). This remedy is taken at the rate of 10 milliliters per kilogram of body weight after each act of defecation. Subsequently, for a week you must follow a gentle low-calorie diet and drink at least 3 liters of water per day. If diarrhea and fever do not decrease within 6 hours after gastric lavage, you should immediately consult a doctor. Other reasons for seeking medical help are:
Pancreatitis If pancreatitis is suspected, the patient should consult a doctor. Before the doctor’s visit, you should refrain from eating and remain calm, avoiding sudden movements. A position in which the patient sits with the torso tilted forward will help reduce the intensity of pain. Gastroenteritis First aid measures are:
If all symptoms persist for more than a day, it is necessary to seek professional medical help. What medications are there for diarrhea?
The following types of medicines for diarrhea are available:
As a rule, there are specific medications for each type of diarrhea. For example, intestinal antiseptics are used for bacterial diarrhea; for irritable bowel syndrome - drugs that slow down intestinal motility. But several medications can also be used at the same time. For example, adsorbents, astringents, and probiotics. Tricyclic antidepressants, which slow down intestinal motility, and herbal antidiarrheals are also used. | Synthetic antidiarrheals:
|
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| Diarrhea after using antibiotics | Drugs that normalize intestinal microflora, as well as probiotics, are prescribed. Drugs from the first group have both an antidiarrheal effect and a moderate antimicrobial effect. Therefore, they are prescribed for other types of diarrhea. For example, with recurrent colitis, with long-term feeding through a tube. Probiotics contain beneficial microflora that are destroyed by antibiotics. As a rule, they are prescribed simultaneously with antibiotic therapy. In this case, severe dysbiosis does not develop. If this measure was not taken, then probiotics are prescribed later and in larger dosages. | Agents that normalize intestinal microflora:
|
If you have diarrhea, you should eat only certain foods and dishes. Nutrition of a patient with severe intestinal disorder ( diarrhea) must obey a number of rules.
If a patient has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, then it is necessary to provide first “first aid” in order to alleviate the general condition.
If you have diarrhea with fever, you should not take medications to relieve these symptoms. The tactics of first aid depend on the cause that led to the development of this disorder. This is explained by the fact that loose stools and fever are not independent diseases, but signs of pathological processes developing in the body.
There is a varied range of medications that are used to treat diarrhea. The choice of a particular medication depends on the cause that caused the disorder.Diarrhea can be a symptom of the most various diseases, for example, lactase deficiency or hormonally active tumors. However, it does not always require the use of medications. Sometimes you just need to eliminate a certain product. For lactase deficiency, such products are dairy products, for celiac disease - products containing gluten, for phenylketonuria - products containing phenylalanine.
What foods can you eat if you have diarrhea?
For diarrhea, you can eat foods that do not provoke fermentation and rotting in the intestines. Food should not irritate the digestive organs and require large resources for its digestion. Properly selected products will help avoid dehydration and deficiency of substances necessary for the patient’s rapid recovery.
Foods that can be eaten are:
- unsweetened fruits and berries;
- vegetables with a small amount of fiber;
- cereals;
- eggs;
- lean fish and meat;
- flour products.
In order for nutrition during diarrhea to bring a healing effect, you must adhere to a number of rules when preparing dishes. The amount and other features of eating recommended foods depend on the intensity and other characteristics of diarrhea.
Fruits and berries
- Banana– a product that can be eaten for any form of diarrhea. The potassium contained in the fruit promotes rapid recovery, and a sufficient amount of moisture prevents dehydration. In the absence of individual intolerance, it is recommended to consume bananas 1 - 2 pieces every 3 - 4 hours.
- Apples– contain pectin and a large amount of organic acids. These substances promote the removal of toxins and have an astringent and antimicrobial effect. Raw apples contain coarse fiber, which can irritate the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these fruits should be consumed baked. You can also make compote from apples.
- Quince– has astringent and fixing properties, therefore it is recommended for disorders of the digestive tract. Quince decoction has the greatest effect. To prepare it, 200 grams ( medium sized fruit) ripe quince should be cut into small slices and pour 4 glasses ( liter) boiling water. Leave for a couple of 15 - 20 minutes, then cool and drink the infusion every hour, 100 - 200 milliliters.
Drinks made from berries that are rich in tannins are useful for diarrhea ( tannins). Tannins stop the inflammatory process in the intestines and normalize the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract.
- persimmon;
- dogwood;
- black currant;
- bird cherry;
- blueberry;
- thorn
In addition to compotes and decoctions of blueberries, black currants, and bird cherry, you can prepare jelly, which has not only a nutritional, but also a medicinal effect. The starch contained in jelly acts as a sorbent, absorbing harmful substances in the intestines. To cook jelly, add 200 grams of berries to 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. After this, you need to add 4 tablespoons of starch to the composition ( diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream). After 3 - 5 minutes, remove the jelly from the heat, cool and drink throughout the day.
Vegetables
At acute diarrhea vegetables should be excluded from the diet. After 2–3 days, you should begin to gradually introduce vegetable dishes into the menu to prevent vitamin deficiency. The main rule is to choose crops with minimal fiber content. You should not eat raw or half-raw vegetables. The best heat treatment option is boiling or steaming.
Vegetables that are easy to tolerate for diarrhea are:
- carrot;
- potato;
- pumpkin;
- zucchini;
- cauliflower;
- asparagus;
- green beans.
Vegetables can be used to prepare vegetable soups, meatballs, and casseroles. Due to its mushy consistency, purees and soufflés made from vegetables are well digested for diarrhea.
Cereals
The most recommended cereals for diarrhea are buckwheat, oatmeal and rice. Dishes prepared from them are a source of carbohydrates, which the body needs to fight diarrhea. In the first days of the disorder, you should prepare porridge from cereals with plenty of water. Subsequently, rice and buckwheat can be used as an additional ingredient for first courses. An effective remedy for diarrhea is a decoction made from rice, which has a complex effect on the body.
The effects of rice water are:
- enveloping and protecting the intestinal walls from irritation;
- normalization of peristalsis;
- thickening of stool due to fluid absorption;
- reduction of flatulence and reduction of bloating;
- replenishment of nutritional deficiencies.
To prepare the decoction, bring half a liter of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons of washed rice and simmer for 45 minutes. Next, strain the broth and take 50 milliliters every 2 to 3 hours.
Eggs
Eggs ( chicken and quail) help normalize the consistency of stool. For diarrhea, it is recommended to eat no more than 2 eggs per day that have undergone special heat treatment. Raw, fried or hard-boiled eggs can worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, a patient with diarrhea should be included in the menu steam omelettes or soft-boiled eggs. You can also use egg whites when preparing first courses.
Meat and fish
Meat and fish contain large amounts of protein, which the body needs for diarrhea. These products should be introduced into the diet 3–4 days after the first symptoms of the disorder appear. To reduce the load on the organs of the digestive system, meat should be cleaned of fat, films, and tendons before consumption. The fish must be cleaned of skin and bones.
- chicken breast;
- turkey fillet;
- veal tenderloin;
- pollock fillet;
- cod fillet;
- pike perch fillet.
Steam cutlets, meatballs, and souffles are prepared from meat or fish. Pre-grinding makes the product easier to digest, and steaming allows you to preserve all the valuable properties of the dish.
Flour products
At the initial stage of the disorder ( first 2 – 3 days) You should eat bread made from wheat flour, dried in the oven. When relief occurs, the diet can be diversified with pasta made from durum wheat.
What diseases cause bloody diarrhea?
Bloody diarrhea is a symptom of inflammatory processes and other pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The color, consistency, smell and other characteristics of blood impurities in liquid feces are determined by the reasons for its occurrence. The closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the lighter the color of the blood.
Causes of loose stools with blood can be:
- haemorrhoids ( dilatation and inflammation of the veins of the lower segment of the rectum);
- anal fissures;
- intestinal polyps ( benign formations);
- inflammation of diverticula ( pouch-like protrusions of the walls of the rectum or colon);
- chronic inflammatory diseases;
- infectious intestinal diseases;
- bleeding of the upper digestive system;
- dysbacteriosis;
- malignant tumors of the colon.
Haemorrhoids
The cause of bloody diarrhea may be damage to hemorrhoidal cones during multiple bowel movements. In this case, bleeding is manifested by drops of bright red blood, which can be in the stool, on underwear, on toilet paper. The scarlet tint is explained by the fact that the damage is close and the blood does not have time to clot or react with digestive enzymes. When a node ruptures, copious amounts of blood are released, which can flood the toilet. In most cases, patients are not bothered by any pain.
Anal fissures
Loose stools with blood from cracks in the lower part of the rectum are accompanied by severe pain in the anus. A small amount of red blood is released at the time of bowel movement or immediately after it. In this case, the blood does not form streaks or clots and does not mix with feces. Also, with this pathology, a small amount of mucus or its complete absence is found in the stool.
Intestinal polyps
The presence of blood in liquid feces can cause polyps in the intestines. Bleeding occurs when tumors are damaged or an inflammatory process occurs. In this disease, the blood is mixed with feces, which also contain mucus impurities.
Inflammation of diverticula
Diverticulitis ( inflammation of diverticula) and the accompanying diarrhea with blood most often develops in patients whose age ranges from 50 to 60 years. If diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, inclusions of blood have a bright red tint. With lesions of diverticula located in the right segments of the large intestine, the blood may be dark, sometimes black.
Chronic inflammatory diseases
A symptom of such a chronic disease as Crohn's disease ( inflammatory processes in various parts of the digestive tract) bloody diarrhea often appears. Often this symptom indicates another chronic disease - ulcerative colitis ( purulent inflammation of the colon). A distinctive feature of these diseases is chronic diarrhea, which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and an increase in body temperature. The act of defecation is accompanied by profuse bleeding of scarlet color.
Bleeding in the upper digestive system
Diarrhea and blood in its composition may indicate damage to the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. The blood is black in color and smells bad. Stool mixed with black, foul-smelling blood is called melena. Blood acquires its color and smell due to its long stay in the digestive system, during which it is exposed to bacteria.
Diseases that cause diarrhea with black blood are:
- cancerous tumors V stomach or duodenum;
- mucosal defects ( ulcers) stomach or duodenum;
- varicose veins of the esophagus;
- pathological changes in the structure of liver tissue ( cirrhosis).
Infectious intestinal diseases
Often, disorders in the form of bloody diarrhea are a manifestation of diseases caused by infection. At the same time, patients are worried about seizures acute pain in the abdomen and high body temperature. One of the common infectious diseases is dysentery. The causative agents of the disease are bacteria of the genus Shigella, which infect the lower segment of the colon. With dysentery, the patient suffers from intense diarrhea with blood, in which the frequency of the urge to defecate can reach 30 times a day. Often the desire to evacuate is false and is accompanied by severe discomfort. Often with dysentery, diarrhea turns green. In addition to blood, clots of pus and mucus may be found in the stool.
Malignant tumors of the colon
Blood during defecation is one of the most frequently detected and persistent symptoms malignant neoplasms colon, which in most cases are cancerous tumors. Thus, bleeding preceding stool or inclusions of blood in the stool occur in more than half of patients, both in the early and later stages of the disease. The second most common sign of colon cancer is stool abnormalities, which often manifest as diarrhea. Bleeding is characterized by its inconsistency and insignificant volume. In later stages of cancer, mucus and pus may be added to the blood. This is explained by the development of concomitant inflammatory diseases. Often, diarrhea with blood in cancer is accompanied by symptoms such as false urge to defecate, low-grade fever ( about 37 degrees), bloating.
Other causes of bloody diarrhea may include:
- proctitis ( inflammatory lesion of the rectal mucosa) – blood is detected in the form of clots throughout the stool;
- cryptite ( inflammation of the recesses in the anal canal) – characterized by brightly colored blood inclusions;
- ischemic colitis ( disruption of the blood supply to the intestinal wall) - blood is released in small quantities and can be either dark or light in color.
How to treat diarrhea after antibiotics?
Treatment of diarrhea after antibiotics is carried out comprehensively and is aimed at restoring intestinal functions. Also the purpose therapeutic measures is to eliminate the symptoms and consequences of this disorder.
Treatments for diarrhea after antibiotics include:
- compliance with dietary nutrition;
- taking medications that correct the composition of the intestinal microflora;
- prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body.
Taking medications to correct intestinal microflora
To normalize the composition and properties of the intestinal microflora, patients are prescribed special medications. Depending on the composition and effect, such drugs are divided into several categories.
The types of drugs are:
- probiotics– include cultures of living microorganisms;
- prebiotics– contain substances that stimulate the activity of beneficial microflora;
- synbiotics– combination preparations consisting of probiotics and prebiotics.
The therapeutic effect of these drugs is to create favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora and inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The active components of these drugs take part in the production of vitamins and create an environment for their effective absorption. Also, taking such medications helps to better break down food and remove toxic substances from the body.
Probiotics
Once in the intestines, the microorganisms that make up this group of drugs multiply, which helps restore all functions of the microflora. Based on their composition and mechanism of action, there are 4 categories of probiotics.
The groups of probiotics are:
- First generation drugs ( monobiotics) – contain one type beneficial bacteria, which are part of the normal microflora. The most common living components for the production of these drugs are colibacteria, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli.
- Second generation drugs ( antagonists) – are made on the basis of bacilli and yeast fungi, which inhibit the activity of harmful microorganisms. Not being part of the microflora, the components of such drugs do not take root in the intestines and are eliminated naturally.
- Third generation probiotics ( multicomponent) – include several types of beneficial bacteria that begin to grow and multiply in the intestines.
- Fourth generation drugs ( sorbed) – consist of representatives of normal microflora, which are fixed on a special carrier ( sorbent). The use of a sorbent significantly increases the effectiveness of the drug.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are made from substances that provide nutrition for beneficial microorganisms. The components used are fiber, pectin, sorbitol, xylitol and other carbohydrates. Prebiotics are prescribed in combination with probiotics.
Synbiotics
This category of drugs contains both live microorganisms ( probiotics), as well as ingredients for their favorable reproduction ( prebiotics). Today, synbiotics are considered the most effective for treating diarrhea after antibiotics.
Dietary adherence
The goal of a diet for diarrhea is to reduce the load on the digestive system and provide the body with the necessary substances for a speedy recovery. For severe diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that do not irritate the intestinal mucosa and have a strengthening effect.
- hard-boiled eggs;
- steam omelettes;
- slimy porridges from semolina, buckwheat, rice;
- rice water;
- berry and fruit jelly;
- baked apples;
- white bread crackers.
When preparing porridges, cereals must be boiled thoroughly and enough water used to ensure that their consistency is viscous. For jelly, you should use non-acidic berries and fruits, diluting the juice with water if necessary.
After 2–3 days, the menu can include dishes prepared from lean meats and fish. These can be steamed cutlets, boiled meatballs, souffles, casseroles. After a few days, it is recommended to diversify your diet with vegetable dishes. You can use carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower to make soups, purees and stews. It is not advisable to eat white cabbage, sweet peppers, legumes, and mushrooms when you have diarrhea. Brown bread, carbonated drinks, coffee, and spices also stimulate intestinal motility. Therefore, such products can be introduced into the diet 10 days after complete recovery. In addition, for this period it is necessary to avoid fatty, salty, pickled foods. Gradually and carefully you should include dairy products in your diet.
Fermented milk products enriched with live bacteria will help restore the composition of the intestinal microflora after diarrhea. Microorganisms are contained in special kefir, yoghurts, and starter cultures. The manufacturer indicates the presence of bacteria on the product packaging. Preference should be given to brands that have a short shelf life. You can eat such products after complete normalization of stool.
Prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body
To prevent poisoning and dehydration, a patient with diarrhea needs to drink enough fluids. You can drink weakly brewed green and black tea, herbal infusions, and juices diluted with water. Adding a small amount of lemon juice to the drink will improve the patient's condition due to its antiseptic effect. Compotes made from quince, pear, blueberry, and bird cherry are useful for diarrhea.
What folk remedies exist for diarrhea?
There are many folk remedies for diarrhea. They not only calm the “raging” digestive system, but also restore its normal functioning. Also, a positive side of folk remedies is their harmlessness in relation to the normal intestinal microflora. Thus, they rarely cause dysbiosis ( imbalance of intestinal microflora).
All folk remedies for diarrhea can be divided into several groups.
The main three groups of folk remedies that help with diarrhea are:
- specially prepared food products;
- medicinal drinks;
- infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.
Specially prepared foods that help with diarrhea
When a patient suffers from diarrhea, he must follow a special diet. All food should be gentle, that is, it should not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Some “gentle” products also have medicinal properties and are used as folk remedies for diarrhea.
The main products that are used as folk remedies for diarrhea are:
- goat fat;
- fresh apples;
- bananas;
- millet cereal;
- chicken stomachs.
Methods for preparing and using products as a folk remedy for diarrhea
| Product | Cooking method | How to use | |
| Dose | Frequency | ||
| Rice |
| approximately 100 grams) rice. | Up to three times a day. |
| Goat fat |
| Before meals, eat two teaspoons of the mixture or one teaspoon of the pure product. | Three to four times a day. |
| Fresh apples | 12 fresh medium-sized apples, peeled and chopped using a grater. | Eat approximately 100–130 grams at a time ( visually the size of a peeled apple). | Every one and a half to two hours ( 8 – 12 times a day). |
| Bananas | Fresh. | You need to eat one or two medium bananas at a time. | Up to five times a day. |
| Millet cereal |
| Eat half a glass at a time ( approximately 130-150 grams) millet porridge. | Twice a day. |
| Chicken stomachs | Rinse the chicken stomachs with hot water and remove the yellow film from them. Rinse the film well under water and squeeze lightly. Then place the films on a plate and leave them in the sun to dry. Dried films must be crushed into powder using a rolling pin. | You need to swallow one teaspoon of powder and wash it down with liquid. | Once a day. |
Medicinal drinks for diarrhea
Various healing drinks are used as folk remedies for diarrhea, which can be drunk all day without restrictions. They not only eliminate bouts of diarrhea, but also replenish lost fluid from the body.
Products that can be used to prepare anti-diarrhea drinks are:
- oatmeal and rye bread;
- blueberries;
- black tea and onion;
- burnet grass;
- blackberry branches.
Methods for preparing and using drinks as a folk remedy for diarrhea
| Product | Cooking method | How to use | |
| Dose | Frequency | ||
| Oatmeal and rye bread | Pour oatmeal with cold water in a ratio of one to one ( one glass of oatmeal per glass of water). Add a slice of crumbled rye bread. Then wrap the vessel in a towel and leave in a warm place. After 12 hours, strain the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil. | Unlimited. | |
| Rice
| One glass of rice is poured with 6 - 7 glasses of settled water and brought to readiness. Separately drain the rice water and cool slightly. | Drink half a glass of warm broth. | 5 times a day with an interval of 2.5 - 3 hours. |
| Blueberry fruit | Blueberry jelly is being prepared. To do this you need:
| Drink one glass of jelly slowly. | Unlimited. |
| Black tea and onion | One onion is peeled and cut halfway crosswise. Then weak black tea is brewed and the onion is dipped into it. The tea should steep for 10 minutes. | Drink one glass at a time. | Optional. |
| Burnet herb | The dried burnet herb should be broken from root to flower and placed in a jar. Pour one liter of boiling water and close the lid. After 40 minutes, strain the infusion. Pour the remaining herb again with a liter of boiling water and leave for two hours. Take a new burnet branch every day. | On the first day, drink slowly, one liter of decoction at a time. On the second day, drink 250 milliliters. | On the first day 2 times, then 4 times a day. |
| Blackberry branches | Pour boiling water over a tablespoon of chopped blackberry branches and brew for 3 – 5 minutes. | Drink like tea. | No limits. |
Infusions and decoctions from medicinal plants
Various infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants and fruits are used as a folk remedy for diarrhea.
The most commonly used herbs for diarrhea are:
- Oak bark;
- bird cherry fruits;
- pomegranate peels;
- walnut leaf;
- walnut partitions.
Infusions and decoctions as a folk remedy for diarrhea
| Product | Cooking method | How to use | |
| Dose | Frequency | ||
| Oak bark | Infusion of oak bark
Oak bark is crushed and poured with boiling water. The ratio of ingredients is one tablespoon of bark per quarter liter of water. Leave for 60 minutes. Then strain. | Drink two teaspoons. | 6 times a day. |
| Decoction of oak bark
Oak bark is crushed and filled with water. The ratio of ingredients is one tablespoon of bark per 300 - 400 milliliters of water. Place over high heat until it boils. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. | Swallow one tablespoon. | 3 times a day. | |
| Bird cherry fruits | A decoction is prepared from bird cherry fruits. Bird cherry is added to boiling water - one tablespoon per quarter liter of water. Leave on low heat for half an hour, then cool. | Drink half a glass of broth. | 2 – 3 times a day. |
| Pomegranate peel | The pomegranate must be washed and cleaned well. Then cut off the white pulp from the peel and dry the peels. A decoction is prepared from crushed dry peels. One tablespoon of crusts should be poured with one liter of boiling water and left in a water bath for half an hour. |
|
|
| Walnut leaf | An infusion is being prepared. Green leaf crushed and poured with one glass of boiling water. The infusion is kept for 3 – 5 minutes. | Up to one glass of infusion. | Up to three times a day. |
| Walnut partitions | An infusion of dried partitions is prepared. 30 grams of partitions are crushed and poured into a glass of 70 percent alcohol. The infusion is kept for 3 days with periodic shaking. | Take 8-10 drops with water before meals. | Maximum 4 times a day. |
Diarrhea (commonly called “diarrhea”) is an unpleasant symptom of many pathologies that have completely different genesis and causative factors. Diarrhea is considered to be a condition characterized by frequent bowel movements with changes in stool parameters. With diarrhea, in parallel, patients often complain of accompanying unpleasant symptoms: colic, abdominal pain, vomiting,. The greatest danger is diarrhea for children, since with diarrhea they quickly become dehydrated, which carries very serious complications, including fatal outcome.
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There are a number of factors that can cause diarrhea in both adults and children. These include:
- Problems with intestinal motility.
- Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which become a source of toxins in the intestines. Such diseases include: enteroviruses, cholera, food poisoning,...
- Disturbances in the intestinal microflora due to taking anti-cancer drugs, and with HIV disease.
- Irritable bowel syndrome, which occurs due to neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Enzyme deficiency and enzymopathies.
- Autoimmune pathologies: ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.
- Hereditary pathologies, which are based on intolerance to certain foods or substances. Such congenital conditions include: celiac disease, pancreatitis (chronic and acute), lactose intolerance, cirrhosis of the liver.
Causes of bloody diarrhea in adults
Bloody diarrhea can occur as a result of a variety of factors. The admixture of blood in the stool itself already causes anxiety in a person. The reasons for its appearance in feces may be the following:
- Diverticulitis– inflammatory process in the lower intestine. This reason is most common in people after 45-50 years of age.
- Physical inactivity– an inert lifestyle, constantly sedentary work, when a person moves little and there is a lack of movement, sedentary work.
- Ulcerative-erosive processes in the gastrointestinal tract in the upper sections can also provoke the appearance of blood in the stool (ulcerative and in the acute stage or chronicity).
- Haemorrhoids,. In this case, the blood in the stool will be in the form of clots or streaks, and always scarlet in color, since the source of the bleeding is close (the blood simply does not have time to clot). In parallel with this symptom, the patient feels discomfort, pain in the anus, itching, burning, etc., but diarrhea will be a sign concomitant pathology, but the appearance of blood is evidence of hemorrhoids.
- . It can cause both diarrhea in the patient and the presence of blood in the stool.
- Bleeding. Diarrhea with blood in an adult may indicate internal bleeding in the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum. In this case, the stool will be dark in color, “tarry.” The cause of bleeding can be: liver cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, stomach cancer, esophageal varices.
- Chronic pathologies such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis often provoke the appearance of blood streaks (bright) and clots in the stool.
- Infectious diseases. If diarrhea with blood is accompanied by fever, colic, or abdominal pain, you should definitely seek medical help. This clinic can be observed for dangerous diseases that require immediate treatment: salmonellosis, dysentery, etc.
Types of diarrhea
Regarding the course of diarrhea, it happens:
- chronic, when diarrhea persists over a three-week period;
- acute, in which diarrhea lasts up to 3 weeks.
Taking into account the mechanism of development, diarrhea is classified as follows:
- hypokinetic- with it, the feces are mushy or liquid, there are few of them, there is a fetid odor - all this is the result of a reduced rate of movement of food through the intestines;
- hypersecretory – diarrhea is watery and profuse, resulting increased secretion salts and water into the intestines;
- hyperkinetic – small, loose stools or mushy, formed when the speed of movement of digested food through the intestines increases;
- hyperexudative– it is formed when fluid leaks into the intestinal lumen, which in most cases is already inflamed; such diarrhea is characterized by watery but light stools, which may contain blood and mucus.
- osmolar – This is diarrhea as a result of decreased absorption of salts and water by the intestinal walls, in which there can be a lot of bowel movements, they are fatty and contain remnants of undigested food.
Symptoms of diarrhea
Diarrhea may be accompanied by a number of other signs, which ultimately allows the doctor to differentiate the patient’s illness from a number of others based on the current clinical picture. In particular, diarrhea may include:
- frequent bowel movements;
- fecal incontinence;
- foul-smelling stool;
- color change;
- thin, watery or mushy consistency of stool;
- presence of semi-digested food residues in the stool;
- admixture of blood;
- presence of mucus.
In parallel, the patient may experience additional symptoms of diarrhea:
- increase in body temperature (from 37 to 40C);
- (may have a spasmodic, dull, pulling, cutting character).
With profuse diarrhea, dehydration often occurs, the symptoms of which will be:
- weakness in the body;
- thirst;
- dry mucous membranes;
- lowering blood pressure numbers;
- dizziness;
- tachycardia;
- fainting;
- “flies” before the eyes;
- Cachexia is an extreme degree of dehydration.
IN childhood The causes of diarrhea are slightly different than in adults. Very often they are associated with poor diet and intestinal infections. Diarrhea in children can occur as a result of the following reasons:
Important: Often in children, diarrhea is the result of indigestion of certain types of foods or their quantity. The inability of a child’s gastrointestinal tract to digest and assimilate this or that food is manifested by diarrhea after eating it. In this case, refusing this food is the treatment of the disease.
Diarrhea in an infant may have slightly different causes due to the characteristics of its nutrition (breastfeeding or artificial feeding). These include:
- untimely introduction of complementary foods (very early);
- artificial feeding;
- introduction of the wrong foods in the form of complementary foods;
- failure to observe the required interval between the introduction of a new product;
- infection with intestinal infections;
- large portions of complementary foods;
- intolerance to introduced products;
- consumption of certain foods by the mother who is complaining;
- lactase deficiency, in which diarrhea in pregnant women is observed from the first days of life;
- cystic fibrosis - characterized by profuse diarrhea (liquid) with an unpleasant odor and greasy sheen;
- ARI, in addition to catarrhal symptoms in the nasopharynx, also often provokes diarrhea in infants.
Causal factors Diarrhea during pregnancy is the same as in adults. The only difference is the expression clinical picture, since during this period of a woman’s life any illnesses, infections, or poisonings are much more severe.
note: Diarrhea during pregnancy can have negative consequences, so it is very important to seek medical help as soon as the first symptoms appear.
In this case, the gestational age and the cause of diarrhea are of paramount importance. Diarrhea during early pregnancy can be the result of toxicosis, which is quite common. It does not pose a danger to the fetus, because the bacteria that provoke it do not leave the intestines. Severe poisoning may become a threat to the fetus if severe intoxication of the mother’s body is observed and toxins penetrate through the placenta into the fetus’ body.
Particularly dangerous is poisoning from fungal poisons, which bypass the placental barrier and cause various defects in the development of the embryo. Diarrhea during early pregnancy is dangerous if the frequency of bowel movements becomes more than 5 times in 24 hours. If there is diarrhea and vomiting, this further complicates the situation and requires immediate medical attention. The consequences of severe diarrhea in a pregnant woman can be:
- spontaneous miscarriage;
- decreased maternal blood pressure;
- the addition of renal failure in a pregnant woman;
- formation of congenital anomalies in the fetus.
note: after the 30th week, diarrhea is most often caused by a virus or late toxicosis. Complications of this situation can include premature birth and thrombosis, so if you have symptoms of diarrhea, you should see a doctor. Sometimes diarrhea during the period from 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy is a sign of natural cleansing of the body and imminent labor.
The disease can have very different causes and be a manifestation of many pathologies. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to undergo a routine examination and be sure to tell your doctor about the accompanying symptoms. Diagnosis of diarrhea includes:
If necessary or if indicated, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:
The most informative may be such instrumental studies as:
- colonoscopy – optical examination of the colon mucosa;
- EGDS – endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum;
- taking material from the stomach to determine the presence of bacteria Helicobacter pylori;
- – examination of the large intestine using an x-ray method;
- Ultrasound abdominal cavity– allows you to evaluate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
Diarrhea: Treatment and Prevention of Dehydration
Water diarrhea in an adult requires treatment, which consists of an integrated approach. It is important not only to eliminate the symptoms, but also the cause that caused the diarrhea. Treatment for diarrhea includes:
REMEDIES FOR INFECTION
Treatment of diarrhea should be comprehensive: first of all, it is necessary to get rid of the cause of the malaise and, at the same time, start the process of restoring the disturbed intestinal microflora. The drug "Ecofuril" will help cope with both problems. The active ingredient of Ecofuril is nifuroxazide. Ecofuril is not absorbed and acts on the cause of diarrhea - microbes, only in the intestines, reduces the amount of toxins produced by pathogenic microorganisms, this improves the general condition of a person with diarrhea. The prebiotic lactulose, an excipient of the drug, creates a nutrient medium for the growth of its own beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It is recommended to take Ecofuril capsules or suspension for 5-7 days, but even after the end of taking the drug, the effect of the prebiotic continues and therefore does not require additional courses of pro- and prebiotics in the recovery period. Ecofuril® for children over 3 years of age and adults is available in capsules, and for children aged 1 month to 3 years – in the form of a banana-flavored suspension. It is not recommended to take this drug during pregnancy and you should consult your doctor.
To avoid dehydration, it is important to follow these rules:
- Drinking plenty of fluids is the basis for treating diarrhea, because without it, all other drugs will be ineffective.
- Drink more fluids immediately after diarrhea begins.
- If you have diarrhea, you are allowed to drink the following drinks: ready-made saline solutions (Regidron), rosehip decoction, raisin compote, chamomile decoction.
- If you have diarrhea, do not drink juice, milk, soda, or sweet tea.
- It is necessary to drink after each act of defecation.
- The volume of liquid drunk should be approximately 150 to 300 ml at a time.
- If vomiting and diarrhea are present, you should drink in small sips, otherwise drinking too much in one gulp can provoke a vomiting attack.
- It is not necessary to eat during diarrhea; it is important to drink a lot, but if the patient wants to eat, then you should not refuse him.
- BRYAS - optimal diet on the first day of diarrhea - banana - rice - apple (baked) - crackers.
note: when there is relief in the patient’s condition, then from the 2nd or 3rd day you can already introduce meat and yogurt, but low-fat, into the diet, as well as porridge and pasta.
What to do at home for diarrhea
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If diarrhea occurs, you should adhere to general treatment instructions that will alleviate the patient’s condition and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. These include:
- Refusal to eat certain foods (fatty meat, eggs in any form, milk, hot seasonings, soda, cabbage, cucumbers, radishes).
