How does diarrhea move so quickly through the body. What factors influence the speed of digestion during diarrheal episodes. Why does normal digestion take longer than diarrhea. How can understanding bowel transit times help manage digestive issues.

The Digestive System: A Complex Network of Organs

The human digestive system is an intricate network of organs working in harmony to process food and extract nutrients. It consists of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Under normal circumstances, this system operates with remarkable efficiency, breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste in a well-regulated manner.

The GI tract, stretching from the mouth to the anus, is the primary pathway for food transit. Each section of this tract plays a crucial role in digestion:

• Mouth: Initiates mechanical and chemical breakdown of food
• Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach
• Stomach: Further breaks down food and begins nutrient absorption
• Small intestine: Main site of nutrient absorption
• Large intestine (colon): Absorbs water and forms stool
• Rectum and anus: Store and eliminate waste

Understanding this system is crucial for grasping how diarrhea can drastically alter the normal digestive process.

Normal Digestion: A Carefully Timed Process

In a healthy digestive system, food moves through the GI tract at a controlled pace, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption and waste formation. But how long does this process typically take?

The average bowel transit time varies depending on the individual and the type of food consumed. However, general estimates suggest:

• Stomach emptying: 4 to 6 hours
• Small intestine transit: Approximately 5 hours
• Colon transit: 10 to 59 hours

These timeframes allow for thorough digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as the formation of solid stool. However, during episodes of diarrhea, this carefully orchestrated process is dramatically accelerated.

Diarrhea: When Digestion Goes Into Overdrive

Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose, watery stools three or more times in a day. This condition represents a significant disruption to the normal digestive process. But why does food move so quickly through the system during diarrheal episodes?

The rapid transit of food during diarrhea is primarily due to increased intestinal motility and decreased absorption of water in the colon. Several factors contribute to this accelerated process:

1. Increased secretion of fluids into the intestines
2. Reduced absorption of water and electrolytes in the colon
3. Faster contractions of intestinal muscles
4. Inflammation of the intestinal lining

These factors combine to create a “rush” effect, propelling food and fluids through the digestive system at an unusually high speed.

The Science Behind Rapid Transit in Diarrhea

To understand why diarrhea moves so quickly through the body, it’s essential to delve into the underlying mechanisms. During diarrheal episodes, several physiological changes occur:

Increased Intestinal Secretion

In many cases of diarrhea, particularly those caused by bacterial toxins or certain medications, the intestines secrete more fluid than usual. This excess fluid overwhelms the colon’s ability to absorb water, resulting in watery stools.

Altered Gut Motility

The muscles in the intestines contract more frequently and forcefully during diarrheal episodes. This increased motility pushes contents through the digestive tract more rapidly than normal, reducing the time available for water absorption.

Compromised Absorption

Inflammation or damage to the intestinal lining can impair its ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively. This further contributes to the formation of loose, watery stools and accelerates their passage through the system.

Causes of Diarrhea and Their Impact on Digestion Speed

Various factors can trigger diarrhea, each potentially affecting the speed of digestion in different ways. Common causes include:

• Viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Parasitic infections
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Stress and anxiety

Each of these causes can disrupt normal digestive processes in unique ways, leading to variations in the speed and severity of diarrheal episodes.

Measuring Bowel Transit Time: Insights into Digestive Health

Understanding bowel transit time is crucial for diagnosing and managing various digestive disorders, including those that cause diarrhea. But how do medical professionals measure this important metric?

Wireless Motility Capsule

One modern method involves swallowing a pill with a wireless transmitter. This pill sends signals to a receiver worn by the patient, tracking its progress through the digestive system. The data collected provides valuable information about transit times in different sections of the GI tract.

Scintigraphy

In this technique, patients consume a meal or capsule containing a radioactive marker. A gamma camera then tracks the progress of this marker through the digestive system, providing detailed images and timing information.

Radiopaque Markers

Patients swallow small, radiopaque markers that can be visualized on X-rays. Multiple X-rays taken over several days can show how quickly these markers move through the digestive system.

These tests can help diagnose conditions that affect bowel transit time, including those that cause diarrhea or constipation.

Managing Diarrhea: Slowing Down the Digestive Rush

While the rapid transit of diarrhea can be distressing, there are several strategies to manage this condition and help restore normal digestive function:

Hydration

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions can be particularly effective in severe cases.

Dietary Modifications

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) and other bland, easily digestible foods can help slow transit and firm up stools.

Medications

Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications like loperamide can help slow intestinal motility in some cases. However, these should be used cautiously and avoided in certain types of infectious diarrhea.

Probiotics

These beneficial bacteria may help restore balance to the gut microbiome, potentially reducing the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes.

Addressing Underlying Causes

Treating the root cause of diarrhea, whether it’s an infection, food intolerance, or chronic condition, is essential for long-term management.

The Importance of Gut Health in Regulating Digestion Speed

The speed of digestion, both in normal conditions and during diarrheal episodes, is closely linked to overall gut health. A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal motility and absorption.

Factors that contribute to gut health include:

• A diverse, fiber-rich diet
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Adequate sleep
• Limiting alcohol and processed foods

By maintaining a healthy gut, individuals may be better equipped to resist the factors that lead to rapid transit and diarrhea.

Understanding the complex interplay between diet, gut health, and digestive speed can empower individuals to make informed choices about their health. While diarrhea can cause food to move through the system at an alarming rate, knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and management strategies can help restore balance to the digestive process.

As research in gastroenterology continues to advance, new insights into the regulation of bowel transit times and the management of diarrheal conditions are likely to emerge. These developments promise to further enhance our ability to maintain digestive health and manage disorders that affect the speed of digestion.

How Long Does Your Digestion Take?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Do You Get It?
• How Is It Done?
• Preparing for the Test
• Who Shouldn’t Get This Test?
• What Do the Results Mean?

It’s a test that measures how long it takes food to move through your system.

It uses a special pill or some other method to track how quickly your body moves food from your stomach to your small intestine and on to your colon before you poop it out.

If you’re experiencing constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, your doctor might want to do a bowel transit time test. It can help them determine the cause of your discomfort.

The following things can affect how food moves through your GI tract:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Functional dyspepsia (your stomach burns or feels full without a natural cause)
• Gastroparesis (your stomach takes a long time to empty but there’s no blockage)
• Chronic constipation

Your doctor also may want to do this test if you’re considering surgery for constipation.

A bowel transit time test typically means swallowing a pill with a wireless transmitter that sends signals to a small data receiver you wear. The signals from the pill tell your doctor how long it takes food to move through your digestive tract. It can also point to a problem in your stomach or small or large intestine.

Another way to measure bowel transit time is scintigraphy. In this test, you eat a meal or swallow a capsule labeled with a radioactive marker. This allows your doctor to follow the food or capsule’s progress through your stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a gamma camera.

Before a bowel transit time test, you’ll need to fast for 8 hours. You should also tell your doctor what medications you’re on. They may tell you to stop taking them in the days leading up to the test. Certain pain medicines slow movement in your GI tract. Laxatives and stool softeners speed it up.

You’ll typically take the pill at the doctor’s office with water and a snack. After 30 minutes or so, you can go back to your normal activities.

The pill measures pH, temperature, and contractions as it moves through your stomach and GI tract. You won’t feel it moving through your body. Normally, your doctor will monitor you in a lab for about an hour after you take the pill.

For the next 3 to 5 days, you’ll be allowed to eat and drink like you normally would. You’ll be wearing the data receiver. Your doctor will ask you to push the button on the receiver at certain times. They’ll also ask you to keep a diary of meals, sleep, and bowel movements.

This test will give your doctor images at certain points to show how the radioactive food or capsule is moving through your system.

Within 5 days (plenty of time to complete the transit study, even if there are delays), the pill will come out with your poop. You’ll return the receiver to your doctor.

Your doctor may decide not to give you the bowel transit time test using the pill if you have Crohn’s disease or if you’ve had surgery in your GI tract before. In these cases, you may have narrow spots called strictures that make it difficult for the pill to pass.

This bowel transit time test also might not be right for you if you’ve got a bowel obstruction.

In these cases, you may do the scintigraphy test. That’s because the food labeled with the radioactive isotopes gets fully digested and turned into liquid. That makes it less likely to get stuck than a hard pill.

If your bowel transit time test was done using the pill, your doctor will download the data from your receiver and analyze the results.

Once they find out how long the pill took to move from your stomach through various stages of your GI tract, they’ll be able to pinpoint the location of your problem and possibly the cause. That’ll help them to decide the best treatment for you.

A stomach that functions properly will empty in 4 to 6 hours. Food generally takes 5 hours to move through the small intestine and 10 to 59 hours to move through the colon.

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What Is Diarrhea & Your Digestive System

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is considered the event of passing watery, loose stools 3 or more times in a day. When suffering from diarrhea, the digestion process becomes too fast to allow for the large intestine to absorb the excess liquid.

How Your Digestive System Works

To understand diarrhea, it is helpful to know more about your digestive system and how it works. This will help you appreciate what it means to upset the balance of your digestive health.

Your digestive system comprises the GI tract (or digestive tract), pancreas, liver and gallbladder. When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluids pass from the stomach into the small intestine. Food is then broken down, and nutrients are absorbed along with most of the fluid. The remaining waste and some water pass into the colon (large intestine), where more water is absorbed. And finally, the waste is passed in the form of stools to complete a digestive system function.

Digestion matters to your health because your body requires the proper nutrients from what you consume in order to work well and remain healthy. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, fats, carbs, protein and water. Within the digestive system, these nutrients are broken down into smaller parts to be absorbed and used for energy, cell repair and growth.

When the cells in your small intestine or colon are irritated, the relaxed and regular movement of your intestines can become overactive. Essential salts and fluids, as well as nutrients from the food that you eat, end up being passed through the colon too quickly. With less fluid being absorbed by the body, the result is loose or watery stools, which is more commonly known as diarrhea.

Types of Diarrhea

Types of diarrhea vary from mild and acute to persistent, chronic, and severe diarrhea².

Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is a common issue and should not last more than 14 days. Like any type of diarrhea, it is defined by the sudden onset of loose stools 3 or more times a day.

Other symptoms that can accompany acute diarrhea include cramps, fever, vomiting, fatigue and nausea³. Viruses (viral gastroenteritis) and bacteria are often identified as the cause of most cases of acute diarrhea. In children, the most common virus leading to acute diarrhea is rotavirus while norovirus is more common in adults¹.

Chronic or Persistent Diarrhea

While acute diarrhea should not last more than 14 days, chronic or persistent diarrhea lasts longer than two weeks and can last up to four weeks. It is defined as an episode in which diarrhea symptoms may come and go or remain throughout the episode. Unlike acute diarrhea which is only an inconvenience, chronic diarrhea can substantially impact your overall health and quality of life⁴.

Persistent or chronic diarrhea can lead to malnutrition, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Some of the signs you should look out for are sudden weight loss, blood in the stools or sleepless nights due to constant restroom visits⁵. Malabsorption syndromes in which food cannot be digested and absorbed are common causes of chronic diarrhea. Some other prevalent causes include inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)⁴.

You should consult your healthcare professional if symptoms get worse, diarrhea lasts for more than two days, you have a fever, or blood or mucus in your stools, as these may be signs of a serious condition.

Diarrhea Severity

Finally, diarrhea can also be identified in terms of its severity, from mild to moderate to severe diarrhea. The number of stools and their size can help define its severity⁶:

• Severe diarrhea is having more than ten watery stools in 24 hours
• Moderate diarrhea is having many loose stools in a day, but not more than ten times
• Mild diarrhea means having only a few loose and watery stools in a day

How Can IMODIUM

^® Help?

While many people believe that mild or acute diarrhea should be left untreated, doing so can lead to unwanted repercussions. You can use an antidiarrheal medication that contains Loperamide, like IMODIUM^® products, to treat mild or acute diarrhea lasting no longer than two days⁸. IMODIUM^® helps restore the gut’s natural rhythm, enabling it to start absorbing fluids, salts, and nutrients as it normally would. If symptoms persist for more than two days or gets worse, stop use and consult your healthcare professional.

Of course, it’s best to try to avoid diarrhea if possible. That’s why we’ve provided tips on managing your diarrhea and preventing it from happening again or in the first place.

References

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes – November 2016
2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/definition-facts – November 2016
3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-diarrhea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics – Mar 27, 2018
4. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-diarrhea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics – Oct 04, 2018
5. https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/ – December 2012
6. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig18272 – June 26, 2019
7. https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/9241593180/en/ – 2005
8. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/ – 18 February 2020

causes, symptoms, treatment and preventive measures

Contents

• 1 Diarrhea: causes, symptoms and effective treatment of diarrhea
  • 1.1 Diarrhea: causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea
  • 1.2 Diarrhea: definition and causes

  9 0005 1.3 Causes of diarrhea

  • 1.4 Symptoms associated with diarrhea
  • 1.5 What is the duration and frequency of diarrhea?
  • 1.6 Which diet helps with diarrhea?
  • 1.7 Folk remedies for diarrhea
  • 1.8 Medicines for diarrhea
    • 1.8.1 Probiotics
    • 1.8.2 Antibiotics
    • 1.8.3 Immodulators
  • 1.9 What precautions should be taken in case of diarrhea?
  • 1. 10 When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?
  • 1.11 Complications of diarrhea
  • 1.12 How to prevent diarrhea?
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What are the causes of diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the symptoms associated with diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.3 How to treat diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.4 What diet should I follow for diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.5 Can children get diarrhea?
      • 1.14.0.6 When should I see a doctor?

Find out about the main causes and symptoms of diarrhea, as well as methods for its treatment and prevention of diarrhea on our portal.

Diarrhea, or diarrhoea, is a disorder of the digestive system, accompanied by frequent stools and a change in their consistency. The causes of diarrhea can range from infections to malnutrition. As a rule, diarrhea is a symptom of a more serious illness and can lead to dehydration and weakening of the body.

One of the symptoms of diarrhea is frequent and watery stools, which may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. People with weakened immune systems may have more severe symptoms. At the first sign of diarrhea, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe an effective treatment.

Treatment of diarrhea is aimed at eliminating the cause of its occurrence. In the case of an infectious disease, antibiotics are prescribed, and antidiarrheal drugs and probiotics are prescribed to relieve symptoms. In addition, it is important to provide the body with sufficient fluid and electrolytes, especially with frequent and profuse diarrhea.

In general, the dangerous consequences of diarrhea include dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and the development of chronic diseases if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is important not to ignore this symptom and consult a doctor at the first sign of diarrhea.

Diarrhea: causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by a sharp increase in intestinal movements and loose stools. It can appear for many reasons and cause discomfort and inconvenience in people of all ages. Symptoms of diarrhea, depending on the cause, can be varied. However, despite the difference in manifestations, it is important to know about ways to treat diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea: Diarrhea can be caused by infectious diseases, viruses, allergens, stress, dietary changes, drugs and other factors. In some cases, the cause of diarrhea may be difficult to determine, requiring diagnostic testing.

Symptoms of diarrhea: The most characteristic symptom of diarrhea is frequent loose stools. In addition, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, general weakness and dehydration may occur.

Treatment of diarrhea: Treatment of diarrhea depends on its cause. In the case of an infectious disease or virus, antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be needed. To improve the patient’s condition, rehydration solutions and drugs that relieve diarrhea are prescribed. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not self-medicate.

Diarrhea is a disorder that can be caused by various causes. No matter what symptoms you have, it is important to see a doctor on time and get competent help. Proper treatment of diarrhea will allow you to get rid of it faster and reduce the risk of complications.

Diarrhea: definition and causes

Diarrhea is loose or watery stools that may be accompanied by an increased frequency of bowel movements. Diarrhea is usually a symptom, not an independent disease. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infection, digestive problems, stress, or certain medications.

Infectious diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria or protozoa and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, headache and fever. Digestive disorders can be caused by a variety of reasons, from allergies to certain foods to changes in the bacterial flora in the intestines. Some medications, such as antibiotics and laxatives, can also cause diarrhea as a side effect.

• Infection – viruses, bacteria, protozoa
• Digestive problems – allergies, changes in bacterial flora
• Medicines during treatment

Diarrhea can be detrimental to health, especially in children and older people. Dehydration caused by frequent stools can be a serious problem if not treated promptly. In some cases, diarrhea can be associated with more serious conditions, such as stomach ulcers or ulcerative colitis, so it’s important to see a doctor if your stools remain loose and watery for a long time.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose, loose stools that can have many causes. One of the main reasons is infection with viruses and bacteria. Infectious diarrhea can lead to serious complications, especially in children and the elderly.

In addition, some diseases such as stomach ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and chronic kidney failure can cause diarrhea.

1. Infectious causes: viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi.
2. Functional causes: intestinal motility disorder, irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Food causes: allergies, lactose intolerance, poor quality food.
4. Medicinal causes: use of antibiotics, cancer treatments.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea

Diarrhea is an intestinal disease that is manifested by frequent, irregular stools. However, along with this main symptom, other signs of the disease may appear.

• Loose stools: The main symptom of diarrhea causing discomfort and discomfort. The reason for this is the large amount of water that passes through the intestines instead of being absorbed.
• Abdominal pain: Another typical symptom of diarrhoea. It usually occurs in the abdomen and can range from mild discomfort to acute pain.
• Vomiting: With prolonged diarrhea, vomiting may occur as a result of dehydration and imbalance of fluids in the body.
• Fever: In some cases, diarrhea causes an increase in body temperature, which is a sign of infection and developing inflammation.
• General malaise: Diarrhea can cause fatigue, exhaustion and weakness.

It is important to remember that prolonged diarrhea can lead to serious health consequences, so it is best not to delay the visit to the doctor and start treatment as soon as possible.

What is the duration and frequency of diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a condition in which the stool becomes more liquid and frequent than usual. It can have a different duration and frequency, depending on the reasons for its occurrence.

Active diarrhea is a condition in which a person experiences diarrhea more than 3-4 times a day for several days. The frequency of diarrhea can increase up to 10-15 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.

If diarrhea persists for more than two days and is accompanied by a sudden deterioration in health, a doctor should be consulted. It will help determine the causes of diarrhea and choose the appropriate treatment.

Which diet helps with diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a disorder of the digestive system that causes frequent and loose stools. In this case, the body loses a lot of fluid and essential nutrients that can be replenished with proper nutrition.

It is recommended to eat foods rich in vegetable fibers, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meat, fish, eggs. It is not recommended to consume fatty, fried, smoked and laxative foods, sweets and alcohol.

If you have diarrhea, you need to drink more fluids – plain and mineral water, low-fat broths, juices without added sugar, non-carbonated drinks. It is also helpful to consume fermented milk products, including yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese, to restore the balance of the intestinal microflora.

In case of profuse diarrhea, avoid foods that contribute to a long digestion time, such as flour products, hard vegetables and fruits, salty foods. It is necessary to monitor the state of health, eat the right food and be sure to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Table 1: Recommended foods for diarrhea:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dairy products – yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese
• Lean meat, fish and eggs
• Plain water and low-fat broths

9000 4 Table 2: Not recommended products for diarrhea:

Folk remedies for diarrhea

Diarrhea is not a pleasant phenomenon for every person. It is possible to use folk methods that will help to quickly overcome the symptoms of this unpleasant disease.

• Ginger. Ginger is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used as a ginger tea or tincture. To prepare the tincture, pour grated ginger root with water and add a little honey. Such a tool will help pass the duration of diarrhea and competently make amends for intoxication.
• Rice water. Although rice water is not a folk medicine, it is a very tasty drink and a good remedy for diarrhea. To prepare it, simply boil rice starch in water. Pour the tincture into a glass and add some honey to improve your appetite.
• Pumpkin. Pumpkin is an absolutely folk remedy for diarrhea. It not only contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals, but is also able to fight bacteria. Pumpkin juice improves digestion, has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps get rid of diarrhea.
• Blackcurrant. Blackcurrant is a real savior in the fight against diarrhea. It can be taken in the form of compote, tea, tincture or fresh juice. Currant has a tonic and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to cope with intoxication and indigestion.

Medicines for diarrhea

Various medicines are used to treat diarrhea, including probiotics, antibiotics, and immodulators. Find out what medicines you can take for diarrhea.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help restore the normal microflora in the gut and speed up the healing process. Probiotic bacteria can be obtained from natural foods such as yogurt and kefir, as well as from special medications.

• Linex is a preparation containing beneficial bacteria that contribute to the restoration of intestinal microflora.
• Bifidobacterin is an effective remedy for disorders of the intestinal microflora and diarrhea of ​​various origins.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used only if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics destroy the pathogenic microflora in the intestine and prevent further development of the infection. However, antibiotics should not be abused, as they can lead to disruption of the normal microflora in the intestine.

• Ciprofloxacin is an effective antibacterial drug used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
• Metronidazole is a drug used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.

Immodulators

Immodulators help activate the immune system and increase its protective functions. The immune system plays an important role in fighting infections in the gut, so immodulators may be helpful in speeding up recovery from diarrhea.

• Immunal is a preparation containing echinacea extract that strengthens the immune system and increases its protective functions.
• Interferon is a drug that is used to treat viral infections and activates the immune system to fight infections.

What precautions should be taken in case of diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common condition that can lead to serious consequences such as dehydration. To prevent possible complications, some precautions must be taken:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted through dirty hands. Remember that hand washing is the simplest but most important way to prevent infections;
• Do not eat questionable food. Harmful microorganisms can be found in food that has not been prepared or stored properly. Therefore, the use of stale and undercooked foods should be avoided;
• Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. To avoid this, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids to replace fluid loss. Water, herbal tinctures, or special oral rehydration solutions will do;
• Avoid chocolate, greasy and spicy foods. These foods may stimulate the bowels and worsen diarrhea symptoms;
• Be mindful of your medications. Some medicines may cause diarrhea as a side effect. If you notice a similar effect, contact your doctor to prescribe a different drug for you;
• Go on a diet. During diarrhea, your intestines don’t work properly and can’t always absorb food. Try to eat easily digestible foods, such as broths, cereals and fruits, and also follow a diet.

When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a fairly common condition that is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Usually, its symptoms resolve within a few days and do not require medical intervention. However, there are a few cases where you should see a doctor.

• If diarrhea lasts more than two days and is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen, a doctor should be consulted;
• If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, this may be a sign of a serious illness and may require medical attention;
• If you have a high fever, you may have a serious illness and it is highly recommended that you see a doctor;
• If you notice blood in your diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of a serious illness;
• If you think you or your child is dry or shows signs of dehydration, see a doctor.

In all these cases, it is better not to delay the visit to the doctor and not to try to get rid of the symptoms yourself. Diarrhea can be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Complications of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disorder of the digestive system that is accompanied by frequent diarrhea and fluid loss from the body. However, if diarrhea is left untreated or continues for a long time, it can lead to various complications.

Dehydration. Fluid loss from the body can lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to other complications: temperature changes, kidney and heart problems.

Electrolyte disturbances. During diarrhea and vomiting, electrolytes come with the liquid, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The lack of electrolytes can lead to suffering of the heart, muscles and nervous system.

Infections. Diarrhea may be associated with infection, with some types causing complications such as sepsis and Waldeyer Islands.

Metabolic disorders. Some complications may be associated with the transfer of metabolic disorders. For example, if the digestive system cannot absorb nutrients properly, it can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

How to prevent diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that manifests itself in the form of increased frequency and dilution of feces. To prevent diarrhea, you must follow a number of rules.

• Personal hygiene . Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet, before eating, before preparing food, and after handling animals.
• Drink only bottled water . Water from untested sources may contain bacteria or viruses that cause diarrhea.
• Avoid contact with infectious patients , especially those who have signs of diarrhoea.
• Avoid eating raw foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables and fruits.
• Observe hygiene rules when preparing food . Avoid cross-contamination when working with different products and use different boards and knives.

If you have a tendency to diarrhea, you can take probiotics, which improve the health of the colon microbiota and help fight infections. If you have diarrhea, be sure to seek medical attention.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, food allergies, medications, stress, dietary changes, lactose intolerance, and many other factors.

What are the symptoms associated with diarrhea?

Symptoms of diarrhea may include loose stools, frequent visits to the toilet, abdominal pain, dissatisfaction after a bowel movement, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, etc.

How to treat diarrhea?

Treatment of diarrhea depends on its cause. In the case of bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, antibiotics or other possible medications will be required. It is also important to regulate the drinking regimen, avoid spicy, fatty and sweet foods, monitor hygiene and apply additional measures depending on the circumstances.

What diet should I follow for diarrhea?

The diarrhea diet should include easily digestible foods such as broths, water cereals, toast, protein, natural yoghurts, and fruits such as banana. It is also important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. It is important to avoid spicy, fatty and sugary foods, as well as alcohol and coffee.

Can children get diarrhea?

Yes, diarrhea can occur in children, most commonly due to infection or poor diet. It is especially important to monitor the level of hydration when it comes to children.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts more than two days, is accompanied by vomiting, severe abdominal pain, headache, weakness and dehydration. It is also necessary to see a doctor if you have reason to believe that diarrhea is caused by a pathological process, such as inflammation of the intestine.

Diarrhea – Oncoxin

March 6, 2017

Why is this happening?

With diarrhea (diarrhea), there are frequent soft, loose, or watery stools. Food and fluid pass through the intestines so quickly that the body does not have time to extract enough nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fluid from them – this can lead to dehydration (when the body does not have enough fluid). Diarrhea can be mild or severe and last for a short or long time.
Diarrhea can be caused by cancer treatments such as radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis, chemotherapy, or biological therapy. These procedures damage healthy cells in the lining of the small and large intestines. Diarrhea can also be triggered by infections, constipation medications, or antibiotics.

How to eat with diarrhea?

– Drink plenty of fluids. This helps to restore the amount of water lost in diarrhea. Water, ginger ale and isotonic drinks are best (these drinks are commonly used by athletes during training; they are available in regular supermarkets, the choice is wide).
– Release excess gas from carbonated drinks before drinking them. Dilute drinks with water if they make you thirsty or nauseous.
– Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals a day.
– Eat foods and drinks that are high in sodium and potassium. During diarrhea, your body loses these substances and it is important to replenish them.
Foods high in sodium are meat or low-fat broth. Foods high in potassium are bananas, canned apricots, baked or boiled potatoes, and mashed potatoes.
– Eat foods low in dietary fiber. Foods high in dietary fiber can aggravate diarrhea. Foods low in dietary fiber include plain or flavored yogurt, white bread, and white rice.
– Consume food and drinks at room temperature, do not eat or drink anything very hot or very cold.

Foods to avoid with diarrhea:
– Foods high in dietary fiber, such as whole grain bread, whole grain or whole grain cereals, bran, etc. (sometimes it is enough to reduce their number in the diet).
– Drinks high in sugar.
– Very hot or very cold drinks.
– Fatty or fried foods such as french fries or hamburgers.
– Foods and drinks that can cause gas: beans, raw fruits and vegetables.
– Dairy products, except lactose-free or low-lactose products.
– Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.
– Spicy foods: hot sauce, salsa, chili.
– Foods and drinks with caffeine: coffee, tea, some sodas, and chocolate.
– Sugar-free products sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol. These sweeteners are found predominantly in chewing gums and sugar-free candies. Read product labels carefully to find out if they contain these sweeteners.
– Apple juice – it contains a large amount of sorbitol;

Drink only clear liquids within 12 to 14 hours of a sudden bout of diarrhea. This will allow the intestines to “rest” and help replace the lost fluid. Tell your doctor if you suddenly develop diarrhea.

Talk to your doctor before taking diarrhea medication.

What else might be helpful?

– Consult with your dietitian. It will help you choose foods that will prevent dehydration. Your specialist will tell you what to eat and what to avoid when you have diarrhea.
– Be careful when wiping the anus. Instead of toilet paper, use wet wipes or a thin stream of water from a spray bottle for rinsing. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have pain, rectal bleeding, or hemorrhoids.
– Tell your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours. Be sure to let me know if you have pain or cramps in your stomach. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. You may need intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids and nutrients. Do not take medicine for diarrhea without first talking to your doctor.

The content of this section is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the opinion of a physician.