What to do with diarrhea

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Sometimes it is even caused by healthy habits - for example, running.

Diarrhea is normal. Sooner or later, absolutely everyone faces it, and in most cases, diarrhea goes away safely Diarrhea: Why It Happens and How to Treat It by itself - within a day or two. But sometimes diarrhea can be a serious problem.

When you urgently need to see a doctor

Most often, you don't have to worry about diarrhea. But quickly consult a physician or, depending on the severity of symptoms, call an ambulance if:

• You have not only loose stools, but also blood in it. Or it is black - this is a sign of clotted blood.
• Together with diarrhea, you notice a high (above 38, 3 ° C) temperature.
• You have severe nausea or vomiting that interferes with drinking to replace lost fluids.
• You feel severe pain in your abdomen or anus.
• Diarrhea appeared after you returned from abroad.
• Your urine is deep, dark in color.
• Your heart rate has quickened.
• Diarrhea is accompanied by severe headache, irritability, clouding of consciousness.

These symptoms indicate either an acute inflammatory process associated with an infection or a severe degree of dehydration. Both situations are equally dangerous - up to and including death. Therefore, do not expect to do with home remedies and do not hesitate to see a doctor.

If there are no ominous signs, diarrhea can be managed with simple methods.

Where does diarrhea come from?

Diarrhea is called a disease of unwashed hands, and it is true: most often diarrhea overtakes those who are not too concerned about hygiene. But it also happens otherwise. These are the most common causes of Diarrhea that cause diarrhea.

1. Viral infections

They didn't wash their hands, swallowed water from the river or the heated sea, bit an unwashed apple. And they got, for example, a rotavirus infection. And, possibly, viral hepatitis. From the same sources - the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and other gastrointestinal nasty things, accompanied by a thinning of the stool.

2. Bacteria and parasites

They are taken from about the same place as viral infections - from a careless habit of dragging something poorly washed or filtered into your mouth. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites often overtakes people in unfamiliar countries, and therefore has the "romantic" name of travel diarrhea.

3. Taking some medications

Diarrhea is often caused by:

• antibiotics;
• antacid preparations, especially those containing magnesium;
• some drugs for the treatment of cancer.

4. Artificial sweeteners

Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame - the human digestive system is not always ready to meet these sweet synthetic substances. They are difficult to digest and sometimes cause bloating and diarrhea.

5. Intolerance to fructose or lactose

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. Fructose is the same, but comes from fruits or honey. Despite the natural origin of these simple carbohydrates, some people are unable to process them. Hence digestive problems, including diarrhea.

By the way, the amount of enzymes that help digest lactose decreases with age. Therefore, intolerance to milk sugars is often manifested in the elderly.

6. Digestive disorders

Here is a list of diseases that can provoke diarrhea from time to time (not necessarily on an ongoing basis):

• ulcerative and microscopic colitis;
• celiac disease;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

7. Alcohol abuse

A large amount of alcohol can damage the intestinal mucosa and disrupt the composition of its microflora.

eight. Certain hormonal diseases

Diarrhea is a common occurrence in diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).

9. Running

For some people, this hobby also provokes diarrhea. It's called runner's diarrhea.

What to do with diarrhea

In most cases, diarrhea does not need to be treated as it goes away quickly on its own. To speed up this process:

• Drink plenty of fluids: water, broth, fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Include low-fiber foods in your diet: boiled eggs, boiled rice or chicken, white bread toast, or crackers.
• Avoid fatty foods, high fiber foods (raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads), and spices for a while.
• Consider taking probiotics, substances that help restore normal gut flora. It is best to choose the necessary drug with a therapist.

What to do if diarrhea persists

Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days is a direct indication for consultation with a therapist. Probably, the diarrhea is caused by some kind of internal serious malfunction in the body.

The doctor will ask about the accompanying symptoms, look into your medical history. You may need to undergo blood, urine, and feces tests. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment.