How can you avoid traveler’s diarrhea while exploring new destinations. What precautions should you take with food and water when traveling abroad. Which medications are recommended for preventing and treating traveler’s diarrhea. How does traveler’s diarrhea affect your trip and overall health.

Understanding Traveler’s Diarrhea: Causes and Prevalence

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, affecting tourists venturing into unfamiliar territories. It predominantly occurs in countries across Asia (excluding Japan), the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America. While rarely life-threatening, this condition can significantly disrupt an otherwise enjoyable trip.

Why does traveler’s diarrhea occur? The primary reason is exposure to unfamiliar bacteria. Dr. Christine Lee from Cleveland Clinic explains, “If you’re from a resources-rich country and travel to a resource-limited country, some of the common bacteria that might be found in food that wouldn’t be very harmful to the local population could be harmful to you because you don’t have an immune system that is used to that bacteria.”

Common Bacterial Culprits

According to a study in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, over 60% of traveler’s diarrhea cases are caused by the following bacteria:

• Escherichia coli
• Shigella
• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• Aeromonas
• Plesiomonas
• Non-cholera Vibrios

The severity of traveler’s diarrhea can vary greatly, ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Dr. Lee advises, “If you find yourself experiencing diarrhea that is very bloody, you should be very concerned and head to an ER immediately.”

Essential Tip #1: Mindful Eating Habits

One of the most crucial steps in preventing traveler’s diarrhea is being cautious about what you eat. How can you make safe food choices while traveling?

• Avoid food from vendors where items appear to have been exposed for long periods
• Choose meals that are cooked to order and served hot
• Steer clear of raw foods or dishes that have been sitting out for hours
• When consuming fruits and vegetables, peel them yourself after purchasing from a grocery store

By following these guidelines, you significantly reduce your risk of consuming harmful bacteria that could lead to traveler’s diarrhea.

Essential Tip #2: Water Safety Precautions

Water safety is paramount when traveling to developing countries. Tap water in these regions often contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause traveler’s diarrhea. How can you ensure you’re consuming safe water?

• Always carry bottled water with you
• Order beverages without ice, as it’s usually made from tap water
• Close your mouth while showering to avoid accidentally ingesting contaminated water

Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of this last point, noting that shower water is another potential source of harmful bacteria. By being vigilant about your water consumption, you create an additional barrier against traveler’s diarrhea.

Essential Tip #3: Rethinking Antibiotic Use

Historically, doctors often recommended that travelers from resource-rich countries pack antibiotics as a precautionary measure against traveler’s diarrhea. However, this approach has been reconsidered in recent years. Why has this advice changed?

Dr. Lee explains that decades of travelers from resource-rich countries visiting the developing world has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as E. coli. This means that antibiotics may no longer be effective in treating traveler’s diarrhea.

Moreover, antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, potentially making you more susceptible to infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends consulting with your doctor before deciding to take antibiotics on your overseas trip.

Alternative Preventive Measures

Instead of relying on antibiotics, what can travelers pack to help manage potential digestive issues? Dr. Lee suggests bringing over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol or generic bismuth products. These can help reduce inflammation and neutralize stomach acidity, providing relief from mild symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea.

It’s worth noting that Pepto-Bismol may turn your stool black, but this is a normal and harmless side effect. If you experience severe symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare professionals can prescribe appropriate medications for treatment.

Essential Tip #4: Staying Hydrated

If you do find yourself battling traveler’s diarrhea, maintaining proper hydration becomes crucial. How can you ensure you’re replacing lost fluids effectively?

• Keep bottled water readily available at all times
• Drink frequently to replace fluids lost through diarrhea
• Consider using oral rehydration solutions for severe cases of dehydration

The CDC recommends seeking out oral rehydration solutions from local drugstores or online retailers if you’re experiencing severe dehydration. These solutions are specifically formulated to replace essential fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea.

Treatment Options for Traveler’s Diarrhea

While prevention is key, it’s essential to know how to manage traveler’s diarrhea if it does occur. What are the most effective treatment options?

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that a combination of antibiotics was most frequently used for rapid response treatment. These typically included:

• Single-dose azithromycin
• Levofloxacin
• Rifaximin with loperamide

It’s important to note that these are prescription medications that should only be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you experience severe symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Impact of Traveler’s Diarrhea on Your Trip

While traveler’s diarrhea is rarely life-threatening, it can significantly impact your travel experience. How does this condition affect your trip and overall health?

• Disruption of travel plans and itineraries
• Reduced enjoyment of local cuisine and cultural experiences
• Potential for dehydration and associated health risks
• Possible need for medical attention in unfamiliar healthcare systems

By understanding these potential impacts, travelers can better appreciate the importance of taking preventive measures. Implementing the tips outlined in this article can help ensure a safer, more enjoyable travel experience.

Adapting to Local Food and Water Conditions

One of the challenges travelers face is adapting to local food and water conditions in resource-limited countries. How can you gradually acclimate to the local environment without compromising your health?

• Start with small portions of local cuisine to test your tolerance
• Gradually introduce more diverse local foods as your trip progresses
• Stick to bottled water throughout your trip, even as you become more comfortable
• Be extra cautious with street food and raw ingredients

Remember, while it’s tempting to fully immerse yourself in the local culinary scene, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. By taking a gradual approach, you can enjoy local flavors while minimizing the risk of traveler’s diarrhea.

Building Natural Immunity

Can frequent travelers build natural immunity to traveler’s diarrhea over time? While some degree of adaptation may occur, it’s important not to rely on this assumption. Even experienced travelers should continue to practice good hygiene and follow food and water safety guidelines to minimize their risk of illness.

The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of probiotics in preventing traveler’s diarrhea. How might these beneficial bacteria help protect travelers?

• Supporting a healthy gut microbiome
• Potentially enhancing immune function
• Competing with harmful bacteria for resources in the gut

While research in this area is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic regimen, as the effectiveness can vary depending on the specific strain and individual factors.

Choosing and Using Probiotics

If you’re considering using probiotics as part of your travel health strategy, keep these points in mind:

• Look for well-researched probiotic strains with evidence supporting their use in preventing traveler’s diarrhea
• Start taking probiotics a few days before your trip and continue throughout your travels
• Store probiotics according to package instructions, as some may require refrigeration
• Remember that probiotics are a supplement to, not a replacement for, other preventive measures

By incorporating probiotics into your travel health plan alongside other preventive strategies, you may be able to further reduce your risk of traveler’s diarrhea.

Long-Term Health Considerations for Frequent Travelers

For those who travel frequently to regions where traveler’s diarrhea is common, there may be long-term health considerations to keep in mind. What potential impacts should frequent travelers be aware of?

• Repeated exposure to different bacterial strains
• Potential for developing antibiotic resistance
• Possible changes in gut microbiome composition
• Increased risk of chronic gastrointestinal issues

While these concerns don’t necessarily apply to every traveler, they underscore the importance of maintaining good health practices both during and between trips. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, particularly one specializing in travel medicine, can help monitor and address any potential long-term health effects related to frequent travel.

Balancing Adventure and Health

How can frequent travelers strike a balance between experiencing new cultures and protecting their health? Consider these strategies:

• Develop a personalized travel health plan with your healthcare provider
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations and health advisories for your destinations
• Practice consistent hygiene and food safety habits across all your travels
• Allow time for rest and recovery between trips to support your immune system

By taking a proactive approach to travel health, you can continue to explore the world while minimizing the risk of traveler’s diarrhea and other travel-related illnesses.

Four Tips to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. Here’s how to prevent it from happening on your next vacation.

By Brian MastroianniMedically Reviewed by Michael Natter, MD

Reviewed: August 10, 2022

Medically Reviewed

There are steps you can take to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.Alamy

Local food gone wrong: It may not be a tourist’s worst nightmare, but it’s certainly one of the most uncomfortable.

Traveler’s diarrhea, the top travel-related illness, can take place anywhere, but it occurs most in countries in Asia (exception: Japan). It’s also common in countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (1)

Traveler’s diarrhea is rarely life-threatening, but if nothing else, it can make an otherwise pleasant trip go south quick.

“If you’re from a resources-rich country and travel to a resource-limited country, some of the common bacteria that might be found in food that wouldn’t be very harmful to the local population could be harmful to you because you don’t have an immune system that is used to that bacteria,” says Christine Lee, MD, in the gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition division at Cleveland Clinic.

According to a study in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, more than 60 percent of traveler’s diarrhea cases are caused by the following bacteria: (2)

• Escherichia coli
• Shigella
• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• Aeromonas
• Plesiomonas
• non-cholera Vibrios

“Traveler’s diarrhea could be mild to severe; it’s a wide range and a case-by-case situation,” says Dr. Lee. “If you find yourself experiencing diarrhea that is very bloody, you should be very concerned and head to an ER immediately.”

Lee outlines four tips to help prevent traveler’s diarrhea.

1. Watch What You Eat

Are you buying from vendors whose food looks like it’s exposed for long periods of time? Where sanitization practices might be sketchy?

It’s important when traveling to a new place to avoid these mistakes and eat foods that are cooked to order and served hot, Lee says. Avoid eating anything raw or that has been sitting out for hours on end, and peel all fruits and vegetables yourself after purchasing them from a grocery store.

2. Close Your Mouth in the Shower

In most developing countries, tap water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses and is not safe to drink. Always have bottled water on you when traveling and order any other beverages without ice, which is usually made from tap water.

Lee also tells visitors visiting resource-limited countries to close their mouths when showering, since shower water is another way they might ingest harmful bacteria.

3. Be Careful About Bringing Antibiotics With You

In the past, doctors would often suggest that people from the United States pre-pack antibiotics with them in case traveler’s diarrhea strikes. But Lee says the “pendulum has swung” in the opposite direction. Lee explains that decades of travelers from resource-rich countries to the developing world has bred antibiotic-resistant E.  coli, for instance, which would render antibiotics useless.

“Another point about pre-packing antibiotics involves the fact that a lot of antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria that can help protect you from infections,” she adds.

The CDC recommends that you always ask your doctor first before taking any antibiotics with you on a trip overseas. (1)

What is a good alternative? Lee says that packing something like Pepto-Bismol, which reduces inflammation and neutralizes acidity in the stomach, can help. And don’t be alarmed if you notice the pink Pepto-Bismol substance turns your stool color black. Lee says this is a normal reaction. She says you can buy any generic brand of bismuth in a drug store.

And if you do get a severe case of traveler’s diarrhea, visit a hospital or medical facility right away so they can prescribe you medication for treatment. A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that a combination of antibiotics, typically a single-dose azithromycin, levofloxacin, and rifaximin with loperamide were the most frequent treatments administered for rapid response. (3) These are all prescriptions that would be given to you by a doctor to help you with your symptoms.

4. Drink Lots of Fluid

If you do get traveler’s diarrhea, keep your bottled water at hand, Lee adds. It’s important to stay hydrated and replace fluids that have been lost by your body.

If you’re severely dehydrated, the CDC advises to find oral rehydration solutions at local drugstores or online to replace necessary fluids.

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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 3, 2022.
2. De la Cabada Bauche J, DuPont HL. New Developments in Traveler’s Diarrhea. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. February 2011.
3. Riddle MS, Connor P, Fraser J, et al. Trial Evaluating Ambulatory Therapy of Travelers’ Diarrhea (TrEAT TD) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 3 Single-Dose Antibiotic Regimens With Loperamide. Clinical Infectious Diseases. December 15, 2017.

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Diarrhea and IBS: How to Ease Symptoms

Diarrhea episodes caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) always seem to strike at the most inopportune times.

Invariably, the minute you’re far from a bathroom, in the middle of an important business meeting, or out on a date, that familiar rumble starts in your gut and you urgently need to find a bathroom. Perhaps the stress of those inconvenient times and the fear of an IBS episode are part of what makes diarrhea strike just at that moment — or maybe it’s related to something in your diet.

If you are living with diarrhea-predominant IBS, there are ways to manage your symptoms.

What Causes IBS Diarrhea?

IBS can cause a number of different symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramping, and gas, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These symptoms can occur individually, together, or alternate. People whose primary IBS symptom is diarrhea — a sudden, urgent need to have a bowel movement that results in loose and watery stools — have what’s called diarrhea-predominant IBS, or IBS-D.

Doctors don’t understand what causes diarrhea to occur in IBS patients, but some people notice that diarrhea strikes when they feel stressed or anxious. Others notice a pattern of diarrhea following certain foods, like dairy.

“Generally, IBS patients need to see if there are any food triggers that aggravate diarrhea. If dairy products tend to aggravate or trigger their symptoms, they may have associated lactose intolerance, and so dairy products may need to be avoided,” says Norman Gilinsky, MD, a gastroenterologist and a professor emeritus of medicine in the division of digestive diseases at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

A growing body of evidence suggests FODMAPs, or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, may also be culprits. These foods result in an increased volume of liquid and gas in both the small and large intestine, leading to GI distress like abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Avoiding foods high in FODMAPs can help relieve IBS symptoms.

Foods high in FODMAPs that may trigger IBS include:

• Fruits like apples, peaches, pears, and watermelon
• Vegetables including onions, garlic, beets, and Brussels sprouts
• Grains like barley, wheat, and rye
• Dairy
• Legumes
• Some artificial sweeteners, specifically sorbitol and mannitol

If you notice that your diarrhea episodes seem to always occur around stressful situations, the stress that your body feels could be what’s triggering your gut to react.

“If they recognize certain stress situations will produce diarrhea — and we can’t avoid stress in what we do these days — it may be reasonable to take an Imodium ahead of time. If someone is going to take part in a meeting that may be stressful and knows that they are likely to have diarrhea and cramps, an antidiarrheal ahead of time could be very useful,” says Dr. Gilinsky.

It’s important to note that it’s unusual for those with IBS to have urgent diarrhea in the middle of the night, according to UpToDate. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing diarrhea in the middle of the night or any persistent changes in bowel habits or other symptoms of IBS — these may indicate a more serious health condition, notes the Mayo Clinic.

RELATED: 11 Foods to Avoid When You’re Having Digestive Problems

6 Ways to Manage IBS Diarrhea

No matter the cause of your IBS, there are ways to manage your symptoms to keep it from interrupting your life once, twice, or 10 times a day. Here are some suggestions to help you manage your diarrhea caused by IBS:

1. Take fiber. Fiber pill supplements or a powder mixture that contains psyllium (like Metamucil) can help some people with IBS control their diarrhea. “Some individuals may use a fiber preparation, which some people find useful to bind and increase the bulk of the stool for those who have diarrhea,” recommends Gilinsky. He also notes that fiber is more likely to be effective in those who experience stress-related diarrhea. Not all people will benefit from fiber supplements, though, and too much fiber can also cause gastrointestinal issues, so it’s best to consult your doctor.
2. Take an antidiarrheal. Try taking an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication, such as loperamide (Imodium), as Gilinsky suggests. If you’ve got a situation coming up that you’re nervous about, try a dose of medication ahead of time to see if it settles your stomach.
3. Avoid trigger foods. If you notice that dairy products have you running to the bathroom, cut them out of your diet — particularly before an event or activity where you can’t be interrupted. Some other common triggers of diarrhea include fried and fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, and carbonated drinks. Sometimes different foods can take time to trigger diarrhea, making it harder to pinpoint the offending food, so it’s worth experimenting with your diet to see what works best.
4. Manage stress. Stress is impossible to avoid, but can be managed in a variety of ways. Exercise is a great stress reliever — particularly types that allow for focus and meditation, like yoga. Even just taking a walk or going for a bike ride or a run can help relax your mind and body. Deep-breathing techniques and meditation are also good methods of managing stress and promoting relaxation.
5. Try therapy. Hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to help some people manage diarrhea caused by IBS. These methods work on controlling fears and changing the way you think about your disease in order to prevent the body from responding with diarrhea.
6. Ask your doctor about medications and supplements. Antispasmodic medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, and other medications can offer some IBS patients relief from their diarrhea. Peppermint oil can also sometimes work as an antispasmodic. It’s important to note that some doctors no longer recommend probiotics to manage IBS-related diarrhea. You should always check with your doctor before beginning a new course of medication or supplements.

There are many different ways to try to control your diarrhea caused by IBS. It may take some time and a combination of methods, but keep trying. You don’t have to spend your life near a bathroom — you just have to figure out what works for your body.

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How to stop diarrhea – diagnosis and stages of diarrhea treatment

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Rarely you can meet a person who has never suffered from diarrhea (diarrhea). 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 the application of urgent measures. This 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, exacerbation 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.

Application IMODIUM

^® Express

IMODIUM ^® Express affects intestinal motility and anal sphincter tone, prolongs the passage of feces through the large intestine, reduces the secretion of water and ions, and also promotes fluid absorption. These effects are due to its effect on opiate and non-opiate receptors, a decrease in the production of prostaglandins and neurotransmitters, and blockade of carrier peptides in the intestinal wall. This versatile action helps to stop diarrhea and reduce the severity of associated symptoms. But in case of intoxication before using IMODIUM ^® Express must be consulted with a doctor. After all, a decrease in the rate of movement of intestinal contents can contribute to increased absorption of toxins and lead to undesirable consequences.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

“Imodium is contraindicated for use in children under 6 years of age.”

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Content of the article:

• What is diarrhea
• What can cause intestinal upset
• Disease forms
  • depending on duration
  • Depending on the development mechanism
• Possible consequences of prolonged diarrhea
• How to cure diarrhea at home
  • Pharmacological therapy
  • Folk remedies
  • Nutrition for diarrhea
• When to See a Doctor
• How to avoid recurrence of eating disorders

Diarrhea is an acute or chronic intestinal disorder, the main symptom of which is frequent and loose stools. Diarrhea occurs for various reasons that require an individual approach to treatment. In most cases, hospitalization is not required and diarrhea can be managed at home.

What is diarrhea

Diarrhea is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of various diseases. The main symptom of diarrhea is frequent, loose stools. Additional manifestations depending on the cause of diarrhea may be:

• fever;
• bloating and rumbling of the abdomen;
• cramping or aching pains in the abdomen;
• nausea and vomiting;
• dizziness, dry mouth;
• palpitations;
• fluctuations in blood pressure.

Not every episode of loose stools can be considered diarrhea. They talk about it if the fluid content in the feces exceeds 60%, and the total volume of stool excreted is more than 200 ml per bowel movement.

What can cause an upset bowel

The formation of a liquid consistency of the stool occurs for the following reasons:

• inflammation of the intestinal mucosa – infectious or non-infectious;
• disturbance of intestinal motility;
• nutritional features;
• dyspepsia – a violation of the digestive function of the liver and pancreas;
• violation of the innervation and blood supply of the intestine;
• taking laxatives.

If the cause of diarrhea is a violation of intestinal motility, it is called functional. More often diarrhea occurs against the background of other diseases:

• intestinal infections – salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera, rotavirus infection;
• food poisoning;
• Crohn’s disease;
• ulcerative colitis;
• intestinal tumors;
• drug poisoning, alcohol poisoning;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• diabetes mellitus;
• intestinal polyps.

Forms of the disease

Forms of diarrhea are determined by the mechanism of its occurrence and duration of existence. Diarrhea is also classified based on its occurrence.

Depending on the duration

Diarrhea that occurs suddenly and bothers a person for no more than three weeks is called acute. It responds well to treatment, or disappears on its own. The causes of acute diarrhea are infections, inflammation of the intestine, and taking medications. Acute diarrhea is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite. Rapid dehydration is manifested by dry mouth, weakness, dizziness.

Chronic diarrhea is defined as if the stool persists for more than three weeks. This condition is less treatable, more often leads to the development of complications. Chronic diarrhea is characteristic of inflammatory diseases of the colon, disorders of the liver and pancreas, and nutritional habits. The general symptomatology is expressed poorly.

Depending on the mechanism of development

According to the mechanism of formation, four types of diarrhea are distinguished.

• Secretory . Pathological processes occur in the small intestine. Under the action of the toxin in enterocytes – cells of the intestinal mucosa – cyclic adenosine monophosphate is actively produced. This leads to a violation of the permeability of the cell membrane, the accumulation of sodium and chlorine in the lumen of the small intestine. Sodium and chlorine attract water to themselves, due to which loose stools form. Defecation is almost continuous, with the release of copious loose stools. This type of diarrhea is typical for cholera, viral intestinal infections, and some hormone-dependent tumors.
• Osmolar . It develops against the background of taking saline laxatives, with malabsorption syndrome, insufficient absorption of sugar. The mechanism of diarrhea is to increase the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, due to which a large amount of intercellular water rushes there.
• Kinetic . Associated with impaired intestinal motility. With an increase in its peristaltic activity, feces quickly move towards the rectum. The stool is semi-liquid, frequent, with a volume of not more than 300 ml. The second option is a weakening of peristalsis, which is why feces do not linger in the intestine.
• Exudative . It develops against the background of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, mainly the colon. Protein, water, sodium and chlorine actively pass through the mucosa into the intestinal lumen. The exudative mechanism of diarrhea is characteristic of enteritis and enterocolitis, salmonellosis, dysentery.

Possible effects of prolonged diarrhea

Long-term diarrhea leads to dehydration. This is a rather dangerous condition for the body, since water is necessary for all vital processes. Signs of dehydration:

• dry mouth;
• palpitations;
• dizziness, headache;
• pressure reduction.

Dehydration quickly leads to the development of arrhythmia, convulsions, respiratory failure.

The second danger of prolonged diarrhea is the loss of nutrients. A person develops anemia, he loses weight. Performance deteriorates.

How to cure diarrhea at home

Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases, so treatment will depend on the underlying cause. General principles for the treatment of diarrhea:

• diet;
• effect on the cause of diarrhea;
• elimination of symptoms;
• restoration of the body.

Diarrhea can be treated at home, preferably after consulting a doctor.

Pharmacological therapy

Medications act on the cause of diarrhea and also help to eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

Etiotropic therapy – impact on the causative factor. The following groups of drugs for diarrhea are used:

• antibiotics – for bacterial intestinal infections, selected by a doctor depending on the type of bacteria;
• Loperamide – regulates intestinal motility, indicated for motor diarrhea;
• Somatostatin is a drug of hormonal origin that regulates the secretory function of the intestine.

In viral infections do not use antiviral drugs as etiotropic therapy. There is no proven effectiveness of this method of treating diarrhea.

It is important to remember that with infectious diarrhea, to stop diarrhea, it is strictly forbidden to take Loperamide and other drugs that slow down peristalsis. This contributes to the accumulation of bacteria and viruses in the intestine, worsening the course of infection.

Symptomatic therapy helps to get rid of the manifestations of the disease, prevent complications. The following are used as symptomatic medicines for diarrhea:

• sorbents – they collect poisons, toxins, which slows down and stops the damage to the mucous membrane;
• rehydration agents – restore water and electrolytes lost with loose stools, prevent the progression of dehydration, the development of dehydration shock.

Simple home remedy for rehydration – a mixture of water, salt and sugar. You need to drink such a solution in small portions, the volume should correspond to the volume of fluid lost with the stool.

Folk remedies

You can get rid of diarrhea with the help of folk remedies:

• rice water;
• infusion of pomegranate peels;
• strong brewed tea;
• walnut shell infusion;
• decoction of oak bark.