Diarrhea
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea describes bowel movements (stool) that are loose and watery.
Diarrhea is a common condition and is usually not serious. Many people will have
diarrhea once or twice a year. It typically lasts two to three days and can be
treated with over-the-counter medicines.
Some cases require medical attention because diarrhea can quickly deplete the body's supply
of water and salts that tissues need to function. The very young,
old, and sick may have difficulty replacing these lost fluids. Diarrhea that
lasts for several weeks or contains blood may indicate a serious illness. In
these cases, you should contact your health care provider.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
The symptoms of mild diarrhea include:
- Abdominal bloating or cramps
- Thin or loose stools
- Watery stool
- A sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
- In some cases, nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting
In addition to the symptoms described above, symptoms of severe diarrhea include:
- Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
- Weight loss
- Fever
Severe diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious illness. Contact your health
care provider if you have prolonged diarrhea or a fever that lasts more than 24
hours. Also, see your health care provider promptly if vomiting prevents you
from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids.
What causes diarrhea?
The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the bowel. The
infection usually lasts for two days and is sometimes called "intestinal
flu." Diarrhea also may be caused by:
- Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning)
- Infections by other organisms
- Eating foods that upset the digestive system
- Allergies to certain foods
- Medications
- Radiation therapy
Diarrhea also may follow constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome.
How is diarrhea treated?
If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can treat it with an
over-the-counter medicine. Common brand names include Pepto-Bismol®,
Imodium A-D®, and Kaopectate®. These are available as liquids or tablets.
Follow the instructions on the package.
Tips for managing diarrhea with medication:
- Take 2 tablespoons of Kaopectate after each loose stool.
- If Kaopectate does not help in 12 hours, take two tablets of
Imodium after each loose stool (do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours).
- If the Imodium does not help in 24 hours or if the diarrhea is
still severe after 12 hours, call your doctor.
Tips for managing diarrhea without medication:
- Drink liquids frequently. Increase the amount to 2 to 3 liters
or quarts daily as tolerated, or try sipping liquids in small amounts
throughout the day. Choose pulpless fruit juices, broths, or sodas (without
caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports
drinks also are good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals,
drink liquids between meals.
- Avoid eating solid foods as long as the diarrhea continues.
After the diarrhea improves, you can begin eating solid foods in small amounts.
- Try these low-fiber foods: yogurt, rice, noodles, grape juice,
ripe bananas, applesauce, smooth peanut butter, white bread, chicken or
turkey without the skin, tender or ground beef, fish, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.
- Avoid greasy, fatty, or fried foods; raw vegetables and fruits;
strong spices, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
- Limit food or beverages with caffeine, such as chocolate,
coffee, strong tea, and some sodas.
- If you have cramping with diarrhea, avoid gas-forming foods and
beverages such as beans, cabbage, beer, and carbonated beverages.
- If you are taking an antibiotic, add yogurt with active
cultures to your diet. Call your health care provider if the diarrhea
continues. You may need to try another antibiotic.
What can be done to relieve discomfort in the rectal area?
If your rectal area becomes sore because of frequent bowel movements, or if
you experience itching, burning, or pain during bowel movements, try sitting in
a few inches of warm water in a bathtub. Afterward, pat the area dry (do not
rub) with a clean, soft towel. Also, apply petroleum jelly or a hemorrhoid cream
to the anus.
Can diarrhea harm your health?
Ongoing diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of water and
nutrients. If you have diarrhea more than three times a day and you are not
drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. Dehydration is the loss of
water from body tissues, which disturbs the balance of essential substances in
your body. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it is not treated.
Notify your health care provider if you have ongoing diarrhea and are
experiencing any of the following signs of dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Small amount of urine
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches
- Flushed, dry skin
- Irritability
- Confusion
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