Diarrhea

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Diarrhea
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Loose stools, abdominal pain, dehydration
Complications	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Acute (less than 2 weeks), persistent (2-4 weeks), or chronic (more than 4 weeks)
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, food intolerance, medication, irritable bowel syndrome
Risks	Poor sanitation, contaminated food, travel to developing countries
Diagnosis	Stool test, blood test, colonoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, lactose intolerance
Prevention	Hand washing, safe drinking water, vaccination
Treatment	Oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics, antidiarrheal
Medication	Loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	1.6 million (2017)

Diarrhea or diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements (from the ancient Greek word διαρροή = leakage; lit. "to run through"). In the Third World, diarrhea is the most common cause of death among infants, killing more than 1.5 million per year.

Depiction of a person suffering from Diarrhea

Causes

Diarrhea can be caused by symptoms, diseases, allergies, food intolerances, foodborne illness, or excessive consumption of Vitamin C or magnesium. It is sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Some disorders may exhibit some diarrhea symptoms but not all; hence, the formal medical definition of diarrhea requires defecation of more than 200 grams per day, although stools are rarely weighed for a diagnosis.

Gastroenteritis viruses

The problem happens when the colon is unable to absorb enough fluid. As a result of digestion or fluid intake, food mixes with significant quantities of water. Hence, food is predominantly watery before reaching the colon. The colon absorbs water, leaving semisolid feces as the residual material. Yet, if the colon is injured or inflamed, absorption is impeded, resulting in watery stools. Infections with viruses or bacterial toxins are the most common causes of diarrhea. A healthy patient recovers from common viral illnesses in a few to seven days while living in hygienic settings and consuming sufficient food and drink. In contrast, for persons who are unwell or malnourished, diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and even life-threatening if left untreated. Diarrhea may also be a sign of more serious conditions such as dysentery, cholera, or botulism. In addition, it may be a sign of a chronic illness such as Crohn's disease. Diarrhea is a common symptom of a burst appendix. Appendicitis patients typically do not experience diarrhea. Another a side effect of severe radiation illness is diarrhea.

Management of Manifest Symptoms

Symptomatic treatment for diarrhea consists of the patient consuming adequate amounts of water to restore lost fluids, preferably mixed with electrolytes to give vital salt and some nutrients. In many cases, additional treatment is unneeded. Nonetheless, the following kinds of diarrhea usually necessitate medical supervision:

• Diarrhea in babies
• Moderate or severe diarrhea in infants and toddlers
• Diarrhea accompanied by blood
• More than two weeks of persistent diarrhea
• Diarrhea accompanied with symptoms of a more generalized sickness, such as non-cramping abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, etc.
• Traveler's diarrhea (more likely to have exotic infections such as parasites)
• Diarrhea among food workers (potential to infect others)
• Diarrhea in institutional settings (hospitals, child care, mental health institutes, geriatric and convalescent homes, etc.)

Mechanism

The fluidity of the contents of the small and large intestines is increased in order to expel the contents of the lower digestive tract. [[Active Nasup> transit]] +/sup> back into the gut initiates reverse sodium transport, prompting Clsup>-/sup> and HCOsub>3/sub> to passively follow, as well as water. In the intestines, water dilutes toxins and stimulates intestinal contractions due to increased distension. These contractions expel the contents of the lower gastrointestinal tract through the anal canal. Such medications like loperamide are intended to prevent contractions in reaction to distension and should not be used to prevent diarrhea. Inhibiting this process might actually prolong the infection or discomfort, resulting in a progressive deterioration as a result of the delayed evacuation of bowel contents.

Diarrhoeal diseases world map

Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea, which is defined as diarrhea lasting less than four weeks, is also referred to as enteritis.

Factors to Consider

Adult diarrhea is often moderate and resolves rapidly without consequences. However, infants and children, particularly those younger than three years old, are more susceptible to dehydration when they experience diarrhea because they can become dehydrated rapidly.

Caring at Home

To prevent dehydration, consume copious amounts of fluids, beginning with non-caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong diarrhea, yet it supplies essential fluids and nutrition. Milk consumption may be appropriate for mild diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions found in pharmacies are typically the best treatment for mild to severe diarrhea. Beneficial bacteria cultures (probiotics) help reduce the severity and length of diarrhea. Both yogurt with active or live cultures and pills contain probiotics. Rice, dry bread, and bananas may also aid certain folks. Avoid using over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. Some medications can exacerbate certain infections. Your body attempts to eliminate the meal, virus, or other irritation that is producing diarrhea. If you have a persistent form of diarrhea, such as irritable bowel syndrome, try eating more fiber to control bowel movements and thicken your stool. Rice, bananas, and fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran are examples of such foods. Products containing psyllium, such as Metamucil or comparable products, might add bulk to feces.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Consult your physician if any of the following apply:

• Your feces contain blood or pus, or they are dark.
• You have abdominal pain that is not alleviated by defecation.
• You exhibit signs of dehydration (see the article on dehydration).
• You or your child have a temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit and diarrhea.
• You have foul-smelling and greasy-appearing stools.
• You have lately returned from a trip abroad.
• You have consumed food with individuals who also have diarrhea.
• You've begun taking a new drug.
• Your diarrhea does not improve or worsens within five days (two days for infants and children).
• Your youngster has vomited for over twelve hours. Call the doctor immediately if a newborn (under 3 months) develops vomiting or diarrhea.

What to Expect at the Office of Your Health Care Provider

Your physician will take a thorough medical history and do a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to your abdomen. Questions the doctor may ask include the following:"'

• When did you first have diarrhea?
• How long has your diarrhea lasted?
• What color and consistency does your stool have?
• Have you passed blood in your feces?
• Do you pass big quantities of mucous with your feces?
• What more symptoms do you exhibit?
• Do you have severe abdominal discomfort or cramping in addition to the diarrhea?
• Have you developed a fever or chills?
• Are any further family members ill?
• Have you recently traveled internationally?
• What worsens your pain? Stress? Certain foods?
• Have you undergone an abdominal operation?
• What pharmaceuticals do you take? Any changes to your meds recently?
• Do you consume coffee? How much?
• Do you consume alcohol? How much? How usually?
• Do you smoke? How many per day?
• Do you adhere to a specific diet?
• In order to screen for symptoms of inflammation and infection, and to identify the organism causing the infection, your doctor will ask you to collect one or more stool samples in appropriate containers.

If diarrhea is accompanied by indicators of dehydration, your doctor may prescribe:

• chem-20 (to check electrolytes) (to check electrolytes)
• urine specific gravity
• BUN and creatinine levels

Prophylaxis

• Often wash your hands, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
• Instruct youngsters not to put foreign objects in their mouths.
• Try utilizing Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic or beneficial bacteria, when taking antibiotics. This replenishes the beneficial microorganisms that antibiotics can eliminate.
• While visiting to impoverished regions, take the following precautions to prevent diarrhea:
• Always consume bottled water, and DO NOT utilize ice.
• DO NOT consume raw produce or fruit without a peel.
• DO NOT consume uncooked shellfish or meat.
• DO NOT eat dairy products.
• By adhering to these instructions, you can lower your risk of developing diarrhea and guarantee that you have the skills to appropriately manage and treat the illness if it does occur. Remember to visit your healthcare practitioner for tailored recommendations and advice.

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