What causes diarrhea and how can it be prevented. How to treat diarrhea quickly using over-the-counter medications, diet changes, and natural remedies. When to seek medical attention for persistent diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. While often a temporary inconvenience, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. Understanding the causes and symptoms of diarrhea is crucial for effective management and prevention.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

• Viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Parasitic infections
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
• Digestive disorders (e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Stress

Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms

Diarrhea is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help identify its cause and severity. These may include:

• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fever
• Bloody stools
• Dehydration

Can diarrhea be a sign of a more serious condition? While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, persistent or severe diarrhea can indicate a more serious underlying issue. If symptoms last more than a few days or are accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Fast-Acting Remedies to Stop Diarrhea

When diarrhea strikes, quick relief is often a top priority. Fortunately, several fast-acting remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote firmer stools. Here are some effective options:

1. Over-the-Counter Medications

Anti-diarrheal medications can provide rapid relief from diarrhea symptoms. Two popular options include:

• Loperamide (Imodium): This medication works by slowing down the movement of fluids through the intestines, helping to restore normal bowel function.
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): In addition to reducing diarrhea, this medication can help relieve nausea and kill certain bacteria that cause diarrhea.

How quickly do anti-diarrheal medications work? Many people experience relief within 30-60 minutes after taking these medications. However, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and avoid using them for prolonged periods without medical supervision.

2. The BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet is a time-tested approach to managing diarrhea through dietary changes. BRAT stands for:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

These foods are easy to digest, help absorb excess water in the intestines, and provide essential nutrients. The BRAT diet can be expanded to include other bland, starchy foods like saltine crackers, boiled potatoes, and clear broths.

Why is the BRAT diet effective for diarrhea? These foods are low in fiber and high in pectin, which can help firm up stools. They’re also gentle on the digestive system, reducing the risk of further irritation.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. They can be particularly helpful in cases of diarrhea caused by antibiotics or certain infections.

How do probiotics help with diarrhea? By introducing beneficial bacteria to the gut, probiotics can help:

• Reduce the duration of diarrhea
• Improve stool consistency
• Enhance the immune response in the gut

Probiotics can be found in supplement form or in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii, which have shown effectiveness in treating diarrhea.

4. Rice Water

Rice water is a simple, natural remedy that can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. To prepare rice water:

1. Boil 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes
2. Strain the rice and collect the cloudy water
3. Allow the rice water to cool before drinking

How does rice water help with diarrhea? Rice water contains compounds that can help reduce fluid loss and promote the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. This can lead to firmer stools and reduced frequency of bowel movements.

Preventing Dehydration During Diarrhea

One of the most significant risks associated with diarrhea is dehydration. Preventing and managing dehydration is crucial for a speedy recovery and avoiding complications.

Signs of Dehydration

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

Effective Hydration Strategies

To prevent dehydration during a bout of diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration
• Consume oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost electrolytes
• Eat foods with high water content, such as soups, fruits, and vegetables (if tolerated)

How much fluid should you drink when you have diarrhea? While individual needs may vary, a general guideline is to drink at least 1 cup (240 ml) of fluid after each loose bowel movement. Pay attention to your body’s signals and drink whenever you feel thirsty.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s important to recognize when professional help is needed to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Red Flags for Seeking Medical Care

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of severe dehydration
• High fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Black, tarry stools
• Symptoms of diarrhea in infants or young children

What tests might a doctor perform for persistent diarrhea? Depending on the symptoms and suspected cause, a healthcare provider may order:

• Stool tests to check for parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens
• Blood tests to assess hydration status and check for signs of infection
• Imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasounds if structural issues are suspected
• Colonoscopy or endoscopy to examine the intestines directly

Dietary Considerations for Managing Diarrhea

Diet plays a crucial role in managing diarrhea and promoting recovery. While the BRAT diet is a good starting point, there are other dietary considerations to keep in mind when dealing with diarrhea.

Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea

• Dairy products (except for yogurt with live cultures)
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• High-fiber foods
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners

Foods That May Help Alleviate Diarrhea

• Lean proteins (e.g., chicken, turkey, fish)
• Cooked carrots and green beans
• Pretzels or saltine crackers
• Baked or boiled potatoes (without skin)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Coconut water (for electrolyte replacement)

How long should you follow a restricted diet when you have diarrhea? It’s generally recommended to follow a bland, easily digestible diet for 24-48 hours after diarrhea symptoms subside. Gradually reintroduce other foods as your digestive system stabilizes.

Prevention Strategies for Reducing Diarrhea Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, certain strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition.

Hygiene and Food Safety Practices

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and untreated water
• Properly store and refrigerate perishable foods
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption

Travel Precautions

When traveling, especially to areas with less developed sanitation systems:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water
• Avoid ice cubes in drinks
• Eat only thoroughly cooked foods
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
• Consider taking probiotics before and during your trip

How effective are preventive measures in reducing the risk of traveler’s diarrhea? While no method is 100% effective, following these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea by up to 50-60%.

Understanding and Managing Chronic Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea are acute and short-lived, some individuals may experience chronic diarrhea, defined as loose stools lasting for four weeks or more. Chronic diarrhea can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

Common Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Chronic infections (e.g., giardiasis)
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism)
• Medication side effects

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Diarrhea

Diagnosing the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea often involves a comprehensive approach, including:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Stool tests for infections, parasites, and inflammatory markers
• Blood tests to check for celiac disease, thyroid function, and other potential causes
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, MRI)
• Endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, upper endoscopy)
• Breath tests for carbohydrate malabsorption

How is chronic diarrhea treated? Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Dietary modifications
• Medications to address specific conditions (e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs for IBD)
• Probiotics or antibiotics
• Stress management techniques
• In some cases, surgery may be necessary

Living with chronic diarrhea can be challenging, but working closely with a healthcare provider to identify and address the root cause can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

The Role of Stress in Diarrhea and Digestive Health

The connection between stress and digestive health is well-established, with stress being a potential trigger for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. Understanding this relationship can help individuals better manage their digestive health and reduce the frequency of stress-related diarrhea episodes.

How Stress Affects the Digestive System

Stress can impact the digestive system in several ways:

• Altering gut motility, potentially leading to diarrhea or constipation
• Increasing inflammation in the gut
• Affecting the balance of gut bacteria
• Reducing blood flow to the digestive system
• Increasing sensitivity to pain and discomfort in the gut

Stress Management Techniques for Digestive Health

Incorporating stress-reduction strategies into daily life can help manage stress-related diarrhea and promote overall digestive health:

• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Yoga or tai chi
• Adequate sleep
• Time management and prioritization
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

Can stress management techniques significantly reduce the frequency of diarrhea episodes? While individual results may vary, many people find that incorporating stress management techniques into their daily routine can lead to a noticeable reduction in stress-related digestive symptoms, including diarrhea.

By understanding the complex interplay between stress and digestive health, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their stress levels and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes.

Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

Treatment to get rid of diarrhea fast can depend on the cause but typically involves taking anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics. Certain food and drinks may also help you manage your symptoms.

Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.

Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.

You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home?

In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.

The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.

Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.

Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.

These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.

Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:

Stomach virus

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• low-grade fever

These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.

Medication

Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.

Foodborne illness

Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Clostridium botulinum (botulism)

Food allergy or sensitivity

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.

Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.

Artificial sweeteners

This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Digestive problems

Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:

• washing your hands frequently
• avoiding sick people
• disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
• not sharing personal items

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.

You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.

Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.

Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.

You should also see a doctor if you have:

• a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• bloody or black stools
• abdominal pain

Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

Treatment to get rid of diarrhea fast can depend on the cause but typically involves taking anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics. Certain food and drinks may also help you manage your symptoms.

Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.

Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.

You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home?

In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.

The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.

Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.

Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.

These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.

Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:

Stomach virus

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• low-grade fever

These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.

Medication

Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.

Foodborne illness

Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Clostridium botulinum (botulism)

Food allergy or sensitivity

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.

Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.

Artificial sweeteners

This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Digestive problems

Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:

• washing your hands frequently
• avoiding sick people
• disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
• not sharing personal items

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.

You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.

Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.

Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.

You should also see a doctor if you have:

• a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• bloody or black stools
• abdominal pain

Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea: what to give, how to stop quickly

Diarrhea, also known as diarrhoea, is a fairly common ailment that affects people of all ages. In addition to tangible discomfort, it is characterized by a significant decrease in the quality of life. In some cases, there are serious complications that require treatment in a hospital, therefore, with severe diarrhea that does not stop for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

It is important to eliminate the problem in any case, even when it was provoked by taking medications or products that have a laxative effect. Sometimes you can get rid of diarrhea on your own, but there are situations when you cannot do without medical help. You will need to contact a specialist if:

• the onset of fever and its increase;
• severe pain in the abdomen;
• dehydration;
• blood and purulent inclusions in fecal secretions, as well as mucus detection;
• intoxication;
• lack of stabilization for more than two days.

What is diarrhea

Diarrhea is understood as a type of disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, occurring against the background of frequent bowel movements, liquefaction of feces and the appearance of cutting pains in the abdomen. The disease can be provoked by poisoning as a result of taking stale or low-quality products, or be a sign of a serious pathology.

It is appropriate to talk about diarrhea when adults and children over the age of one year have liquefied or unformed stools more than three times a day. Fecal masses may contain inclusions of pus, blood, mucus, or particles of undigested food, which occurs due to a failure in the absorption of nutrients or damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Often, the disorder is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, as well as sharp pains in the abdomen.

Diarrhea in acute form occurs suddenly. Its duration is approximately a day or two. The chronic form is characterized by a longer duration, equal to four weeks, during which exacerbations are replaced by periods without any symptoms. The latter include:

• increased gas formation;
• general weakness;
• the appearance of bloody inclusions in the feces;
• sensation of pain during the urge to empty the bowels.

Quite often, diarrhea causes pain in the abdomen, similar to contractions, as well as belching with an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature to thirty-eight degrees or more, vomiting and itching in the anus. In some cases, diarrhea pills help relieve unpleasant symptoms, but medical attention may also be required.

Varieties

The general description of diarrhea implies an increase in the process of defecation up to three or more times within 24 hours, accompanied by liquefaction of feces. This disease has several types, which are distinguished on the basis of a number of signs.

According to the clinical course

In accordance with this symptom, the disease is classified into:

1. Chronic . In this case, the symptoms bother the person for four weeks. The provocateurs are parasitic, bacterial or viral intestinal pathologies of an infectious nature.
2. Acute lasting less than four weeks. The causative agents are the same diseases as for the type of diarrhea described above.

Separately, it is worth noting the so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”, which is understood as a clinical syndrome characteristic of people traveling to other climatic zones and countries. This condition worries for no more than a week.

By pathogenesis

Depending on the characteristics of the occurrence and development of diarrhea, the following types are distinguished:

1. Osmolar characterized by copious excretion of liquid feces with a significant proportion of undigested food residues.
2. Exudative characterized by mild fecal discharge with bloody or purulent inclusions.
3. Secretory , occurring against the background of bowel movements in a volume exceeding a liter per day.
4. Hypo- and hyperkinetic , which is a mushy or liquid stool in small volumes (one-time).

Causes of diarrhea in adults

The appearance of the disease leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa, which occurs under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. It could be:

• adenovirus;
• salmonella;
• rotavirus infection;
• Coronavirus
• dysentery;
• E. coli;

Any of these pathogens can be found in contaminated food or water. In addition, dirty hands are a source.

There are also other causes of diarrhea:

• Lactose or gluten intolerance.
• Taking antibiotics for a long time.
• Frequent consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners.
• Food poisoning.
• Inflammatory processes occurring in the pancreas.

In addition, in some cases, stool liquefaction is observed:

• During pregnancy.
• After vaccination.
• As a result of abdominal surgery.

As a rule, the liquid load of the stomach and intestines per day does not exceed ten liters. This volume also includes the digestive secret. Almost all liquid is absorbed by the large and small intestine. If the absorption process is disturbed, an increase in the volume of fluid in the lumen is observed, which provokes liquefaction of the feces. This may be due to:

• increased osmotic load resulting in accumulation of unabsorbed water-soluble substances in the intestine;
• increase the rate of transit of digested food in the lower digestive tract;
• increased excretion of intestinal secretions, as a result of which the body is not able to fully absorb it.

What diseases cause diarrhea?

Irritation of the intestinal mucosa occurs with the development of the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• Ischemia of the colon and small intestine.
• Congenital disorders of absorption.
• Neurogenic disorders.
• Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, chronic pancreatitis.
• Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Tumors in the adrenal glands, pancreas or intestines.
• Obstructive jaundice.

Diarrhea with water is also a sign indicating the presence of diseases such as:

• ulcerative colitis;
• pseudotuberculosis;
• Crohn’s disease;
• amoebic dysentery;
• various viruses (roto-, COVID-19, adeno-, noro-).

Why do I have diarrhea during my period?

During the menstrual cycle, the concentration of prostaglandins in the body increases. They are hormones that affect the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. This leads to the fact that during menstruation the activity of the muscle tissue of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract becomes higher. At the same time, food absorption slows down, and the release of electrolytes into the intestinal lumen increases. As a result, there is an increase in defecation. There is no need to treat diarrhea during menstruation.

Which doctor to contact for diarrhea

If there are signs indicating irritation of the intestinal mucosa and the development of diarrhea, you need to go to an appointment with a therapist. In addition, a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner can help solve the problem. Any of these specialists will prescribe the examination required for making an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the cause of the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes it may be necessary to consult a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.

Diagnostics and examinations

In the event that the manifestations of the disease are noted for no more than three days, there is no reason for concern. However, the failure of attempts to independently eliminate the problem with the help of medications should be the reason for going to the doctor. In addition, you should make an appointment with a specialist if:

• fever;
• rapid weight loss;
• blood and purulent inclusions in feces;
• drop in blood pressure;
• dehydration and intoxication.

Before deciding what to give for diarrhea, the doctor will palpate the abdomen, find out the circumstances under which the symptoms arose, and also ask the patient about the presence of concomitant pathologies. In addition, the patient is weighed, body temperature and heart rate, as well as blood pressure are measured.

In the process of making a diagnosis, the specialist must solve the following tasks:

1. Determine the cause of the disease. You can understand how to stop diarrhea only when you identify its provocateurs.
2. Determine the duration of symptoms, which will make it possible to understand the nature of the disorder and determine the further tactics of the examination.
3. Identify disorders and their severity (dehydration, intoxication, etc.).
4. Exclude acute surgical pathologies.

Difficulties in making a diagnosis are rare. They appear only when diarrhea acts as the first sign of a systemic pathology, or becomes dominant in the clinical picture.

What tests should be done for diarrhea?

Analyzes are a standard component of the diagnostic program and make it possible to establish the reasons for the dilution of the drain and the increase in defecation. The list of necessary studies is determined by the doctor personally for each patient based on the duration and nature of the symptoms, as well as other factors. As a rule, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:

• general clinical and biochemical blood test;
• analysis of feces for helminth eggs, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections.

Diarrhea guide

Most often, if such an unpleasant problem occurs, a visit to the doctor is not required due to the fact that it quickly passes on its own. In order to accelerate the pace of normalization of the state, it is recommended:

1. Drink as much fluid as possible while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
2. Add low fiber foods such as crackers, boiled eggs, rice, etc. to your daily diet.
3. Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, and spices and spices.
4. Take probiotics to help restore intestinal microflora. The choice of a suitable drug should be carried out together with the doctor.

At the first signs of an intestinal disorder, Polysorb should be taken. You will need to see a specialist for examination and treatment of diarrhea if you cannot get rid of it on your own within no more than three days. In addition, critically ill health should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.

Popular drugs

Various drugs are prescribed as effective tools to combat intestinal upset. Only a doctor can prescribe this or that medication, taking into account the results of a verified examination. The most popular drugs are:

Antidiarrheals that have a complex effect and are able to solve several problems at the same time:

• slowing of intestinal motility;
• absorption activation;
• decreased tone of the intestinal musculature;
• prolongation of fecal transit.

Of this group, the most popular is smecta for diarrhea. Loperamide-based drugs are also prescribed.

Antimicrobials, indicated for patients in whom diarrhea is a sign of a bacterial infection. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after receiving the results of the diagnosis. The choice in favor of a particular drug depends on the established pathogen. It is important to remember that taking antimicrobials should be carried out exactly at the dosage indicated by the specialist. This is due to the fact that diarrhea after antibiotics is possible with their uncontrolled intake.

Other medicines aimed at combating such manifestations of the disease as abdominal pain, dehydration, etc. This group includes:

• antispasmodics to relieve pain;
• enterosorbents (activated carbon) that promote the removal of toxins;
• rehydrators, replenishing the lack of fluid;
• vitamins and minerals that help replenish the deficiency of nutrients in the body, which arose against the background of fluid loss.

Clinical treatment of diarrhea

Therapy of intestinal disorders can be carried out in a hospital. This need arises when:

1. Significant dehydration of the body, in which there is more than 10% underweight.
2. The elderly patient, when he does not feel thirsty and is not able to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
3. Serious condition, expressed in fever, excessive weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
4. Frequent vomiting and intestinal obstruction, which does not allow to restore the fluid content in the body to normal levels by the oral route.

Diarrhea Diet – Do’s and Don’ts

In order to stabilize the condition with diarrhea, the diet is adjusted. During this period, it is allowed to eat:

• boiled rice;
• white bread crackers or toast;
• lean meats and fish that are to be baked or steamed;
• mashed potatoes.

In addition, you can eat baked apples and fresh bananas for diarrhea. Drink as much clean drinking water as possible to avoid excessive fluid loss. From drinks, strong black tea is also allowed.

If this problem occurs, fried, spicy and fatty foods should be abandoned in order not to aggravate the condition. For the same purpose, it is worth refusing fruits for diarrhea, as well as excluding:

1. Dairy and fermented milk products.
2. Black bread.
3. Sweets and flour products.
4. Legumes.
5. Canned, salted, pickled and smoked products.
6. Dried fruits.
7. Coffee.
8. Alcohol.

Prophylaxis

Since diarrhea is most often caused by an infection, it can be avoided by following certain preventive measures:

1. Refusal to eat raw or undercooked meals, as well as eating in establishments with a dubious reputation – in terms of sanitation.
2. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.
3. Monitoring the expiration dates of consumed foods and drinks in order to avoid delays.
4. Immunization against E. coli, measles, salmonella, etc.
5. Refusal to drink water from the tap. Drink only boiled or bottled water.
6. Compliance with the rules of cooking in terms of temperature and duration.
7. Avoid eating fruits, vegetables and berries without first washing them.

How to stop diarrhea – diagnosis and stages of diarrhea treatment

Author, editor and medical expert – Zavgorodnyaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Views: 61 201

Date last updated: 06/25/2023

Average reading time: 6 minutes

wasp). It can occur at any age. This uncomfortable condition significantly worsens the quality of life and sometimes even requires inpatient treatment due to the development of dangerous complications. With severe or persistent diarrhea, you should consult a doctor who will select the necessary treatment to stop the diarrhea.

Should diarrhea always be stopped?

Diarrhea should be treated in any case, even if it is caused by the use of laxatives or laxative products, overeating or dietary errors.

In some situations, you need to see a doctor immediately. Medical assistance will be required if fever, intoxication or dehydration has appeared and is growing (especially in children and the elderly), if blood, pus or copious mucus is found in the stool, with severe pain in the abdomen, if diarrhea has not stopped within 2 days.

What the doctor should do when diagnosing diarrhea

When diagnosing diarrhea, the doctor solves several problems. It is important to find out the etiology, since diarrhea can be stopped by eliminating its causes.

Set the duration

Be sure to determine the nature of the disorder, this is important for further examination tactics. The fact is that in acute diarrhea, it is necessary first of all to exclude an infectious cause, while in the case of a chronic process, most likely, non-infectious causes should be sought.

To identify the presence and severity of violations

The doctor must identify and evaluate the severity of all possible violations that require urgent measures. It can be dehydration, intoxication, etc.

Exclude acute surgical diseases in the diagnosis

An important task in diagnosing the causes of intestinal disorders is to exclude acute surgical pathology. Diarrhea syndrome can accompany acute inflammatory processes of the abdominal cavity, volvulus and intussusception of the intestine, exacerbations of chronic diseases, ulcerative necrotic or tumor lesions of different parts of the digestive system.

What are the steps in the treatment of diarrhea

It is not always possible to quickly and reliably determine the cause of the stool disorder. Often, therapy has to be started before the final results of various examinations are obtained, especially in the case of a severe course of the process and the development of complications. Therefore, the treatment of any type of diarrhea consists of several mandatory steps.

Symptomatic treatment

This is the name of the treatment to eliminate the main manifestations of the disease. It does not eliminate the underlying cause of the disturbances that have arisen, but it improves the patient’s well-being and can stop the development of life-threatening conditions. First of all, rehydration is carried out to combat dehydration. The second task is to reduce the impact of toxins with the help of adsorbents. Additionally, astringents and enveloping agents are used for diarrhea. It is also important to influence intestinal motility, secretion and concomitant bloating. Symptomatic therapy is carried out against the background of a diet.

Selection of etiotropic therapy

According to modern views, the appointment of antimicrobial drugs is made only after the cause of diarrhea has been established. At the same time, the sensitivity of isolated pathogens to drugs is taken into account, and the treatment carried out is monitored. If the intestinal disorder is of a non-infectious nature, the doctor prescribes drugs of various groups to treat the underlying disease.

Rehabilitative and preventive therapy

After relief of the main symptoms of diarrhea, it is necessary to restore the disturbed intestinal microflora, to eliminate concomitant changes in the functioning of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it is necessary to prescribe drugs with a sedative or antidepressant effect to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. If diarrhea was caused by endocrine pathology or diseases of internal organs, they must be compensated. In case of poisoning and intoxication, measures are taken to prevent a repeated episode of exposure to the factor.

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