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Things to help diarrhea. Effective Strategies for Managing Diarrhea: Foods to Eat and Avoid

by alexxlab

What are the best foods to consume when experiencing diarrhea. Which foods should be avoided during a bout of diarrhea. How can proper nutrition help alleviate diarrheal symptoms. What are the potential complications of prolonged diarrhea.

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Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. While occasional diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern, understanding its causes and symptoms can help in managing the condition effectively.

Causes of diarrhea can range from viral infections, such as stomach flu, to specific foods or ingredients that don’t agree with your digestive system. In some cases, diarrhea may be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions.

Common symptoms of diarrhea include:

  • Frequent, loose, watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Fever (in some cases)
  • Dehydration (if severe or prolonged)

Can certain foods worsen diarrhea symptoms? Yes, some foods can exacerbate diarrhea by irritating the digestive system or causing increased fluid secretion in the intestines. This is why it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet when experiencing diarrhea.

Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea

When dealing with diarrhea, it’s essential to consume foods that are gentle on your digestive system and help firm up your stools. Dr. Peter Higgins, director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan, recommends eating “thicker, bland foods” during the first 24 hours of a diarrheal episode.

Here are some foods that can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms:

  1. Bananas: Rich in potassium and pectin, which can help firm up stools
  2. Plain white rice: Easy to digest and can help bind loose stools
  3. Applesauce: Contains pectin and can help reduce diarrhea
  4. Oatmeal: Provides soluble fiber, which can absorb excess fluid in the intestines
  5. Toast: Plain, white toast is easily digestible and can help settle an upset stomach
  6. Boiled potatoes: A good source of easily digestible carbohydrates
  7. Lean, grilled chicken or turkey: Provides protein without added fats

Why are these foods beneficial during diarrhea? These foods are easy to digest, provide essential nutrients, and help firm up stools. They also help replenish electrolytes lost during diarrheal episodes.

Foods to Avoid When Experiencing Diarrhea

Just as certain foods can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms, others can exacerbate them. It’s crucial to avoid foods that may irritate your digestive system or increase fluid secretion in your intestines when you have diarrhea.

Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

  • Fatty foods: Fried, greasy, or gravy-covered foods can worsen diarrhea
  • Dairy products: Milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese may be temporarily difficult to digest
  • Alcohol and sodas: These can act as diuretics and worsen dehydration
  • Artificial sweeteners: Sorbitol and other sugar substitutes can have a laxative effect
  • Gas-producing vegetables: Cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower may increase intestinal gas
  • Spicy foods: These can irritate the digestive tract
  • Caffeine: Coffee, strong tea, and some sodas can stimulate bowel movements

Do artificial sweeteners really affect diarrhea? Yes, artificial sweeteners like sorbitol can have a laxative effect on the digestive system. They cause the intestines to produce more water and electrolytes, which can lead to looser stools and worsen diarrhea.

The Role of Probiotics in Managing Diarrhea

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to your gut microbiome. While dairy products are generally discouraged during diarrhea, probiotic-rich yogurt may be an exception.

Several studies have shown that probiotics can help rebalance intestinal flora and potentially shorten the duration of diarrhea. Probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live cultures may be beneficial in managing diarrheal symptoms.

How do probiotics help with diarrhea? Probiotics work by:

  • Competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and space in the gut
  • Producing substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria
  • Strengthening the intestinal barrier
  • Modulating the immune system

When considering probiotic supplementation, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate strain and dosage for your specific situation.

Hydration: A Crucial Aspect of Diarrhea Management

One of the most serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea, your body loses fluids and electrolytes at an accelerated rate. Therefore, maintaining proper hydration is crucial in managing diarrhea and preventing complications.

Dr. Higgins emphasizes the importance of consuming enough liquids when experiencing diarrhea. He recommends looking for “liquids with sugar and salt,” such as Pedialyte or full-salt soups.

Here are some tips for staying hydrated during a bout of diarrhea:

  1. Drink clear fluids regularly throughout the day
  2. Opt for oral rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes
  3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration
  4. Consume clear broths or soups to replenish both fluids and electrolytes
  5. Sip water or other clear liquids between meals

How can you tell if you’re adequately hydrated? Dr. Higgins suggests checking your urine color. If your urine is not clear or you’re not producing much urine, it’s a sign that you need to increase your fluid intake.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Diarrhea

While dietary changes and proper hydration are crucial in managing diarrhea, over-the-counter medications can also provide relief in some cases. However, it’s important to use these medications judiciously and under appropriate circumstances.

Loperamide (Imodium) is a common over-the-counter medication used to slow bowel movements and provide relief from diarrhea. However, Dr. Higgins advises that this type of medication should only be taken for a day or two, and only if you don’t have an infection and aren’t seeing blood in your stools.

When should you avoid using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications? These medications should be avoided in the following situations:

  • If you have bloody stools
  • If you have a high fever
  • If you suspect you have a bacterial infection
  • In young children, unless advised by a pediatrician

It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, especially if your symptoms are severe or persistent.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own with proper care and dietary management, there are instances when medical attention is necessary. Recognizing the signs that indicate a need for professional medical care is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

You should consult a healthcare provider if:

  1. Your diarrhea persists for more than a few days
  2. You experience severe abdominal or rectal pain
  3. You notice blood in your stools
  4. You have signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness)
  5. You have a high fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
  6. Your stools are black and tarry

Why is it important to seek medical attention in these cases? These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of your diarrhea and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Potential Complications of Untreated Diarrhea

Prolonged or severe diarrhea can lead to various complications if left untreated. These may include:

  • Severe dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Malnutrition
  • Weakened immune system

In vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems, these complications can be particularly dangerous and may even be life-threatening.

The BRAT Diet: A Traditional Approach to Managing Diarrhea

The BRAT diet has long been recommended as a dietary approach for managing diarrhea, particularly in children. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. While this diet is no longer universally recommended by medical professionals, understanding its principles can still be helpful in managing mild cases of diarrhea.

The BRAT diet works on the following principles:

  • Bananas: Provide potassium and help firm up stools
  • Rice: Easy to digest and can help bind loose stools
  • Applesauce: Contains pectin, which can help reduce diarrhea
  • Toast: Provides easily digestible carbohydrates

Why isn’t the BRAT diet universally recommended anymore? While these foods are indeed gentle on the digestive system, the BRAT diet is quite restrictive and doesn’t provide all the nutrients your body needs, especially during illness. Current recommendations focus on a more varied diet that includes lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, as tolerated.

Expanding Beyond BRAT: A More Comprehensive Approach

While the BRAT diet can be a good starting point, it’s important to gradually introduce other nutritious foods as your symptoms improve. This helps ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs to recover and maintain overall health.

Foods to consider adding as you recover:

  1. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish
  2. Cooked eggs
  3. Cooked vegetables (non-gas producing)
  4. Fruits low in fiber, such as melons or canned fruits (without added sugars)
  5. Potatoes (baked or mashed, without added fats)

Remember to introduce these foods gradually and in small portions to see how your body responds.

The Impact of Stress on Digestive Health

While dietary factors play a significant role in managing diarrhea, it’s important to recognize the impact of stress on digestive health. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, and may even trigger episodes in some individuals.

How does stress affect the digestive system? Stress can:

  • Alter gut motility, potentially leading to diarrhea or constipation
  • Increase inflammation in the digestive tract
  • Affect the balance of gut bacteria
  • Increase sensitivity to digestive discomfort

Given the connection between stress and digestive health, incorporating stress management techniques into your overall approach to managing diarrhea can be beneficial.

Stress Management Techniques for Digestive Health

Consider incorporating these stress-reduction techniques into your routine:

  1. Deep breathing exercises
  2. Meditation or mindfulness practices
  3. Regular physical activity (as tolerated during illness)
  4. Adequate sleep
  5. Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy

By managing stress effectively, you may help reduce the frequency and severity of digestive issues, including diarrhea.

Long-Term Dietary Strategies for Digestive Health

While managing acute episodes of diarrhea is important, maintaining good digestive health in the long term can help prevent future episodes and promote overall well-being. Adopting a diet that supports digestive health can be beneficial not only during episodes of diarrhea but also in preventing future occurrences.

Key components of a gut-healthy diet include:

  • High-fiber foods: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
  • Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
  • Lean proteins: Fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins
  • Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts
  • Adequate hydration: Water and herbal teas

How does a high-fiber diet benefit digestive health? A diet rich in fiber can:

  1. Promote regular bowel movements
  2. Feed beneficial gut bacteria
  3. Help maintain a healthy weight
  4. Reduce the risk of digestive disorders

Remember to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid digestive discomfort, and always ensure adequate hydration when consuming high-fiber foods.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Digestive Health

The gut microbiome, or the collection of microorganisms living in your digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health, including digestive function. A balanced and diverse gut microbiome can help prevent diarrhea and other digestive issues.

To support a healthy gut microbiome:

  • Consume a variety of plant-based foods
  • Include fermented foods in your diet
  • Limit processed foods and added sugars
  • Consider probiotic supplements (after consulting with a healthcare provider)
  • Manage stress effectively
  • Get regular exercise

By adopting these long-term dietary and lifestyle strategies, you can support your digestive health and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of diarrheal episodes.

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about. The causes of diarrhea can range from a stomach flu to a specific meal or ingredient you ate that didn’t sit well. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, it’s good to know the foods you should eat when you have diarrhea — and what you should avoid. (1)

You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,” he says.

Avoid These Foods When You Have Diarrhea

As important as it is to know what to eat when you have diarrhea, you should also know which foods to avoid. Certain foods can travel through your intestines very quickly and aggravate your digestion, or worsen diarrhea in other ways.

Avoid the following for diarrhea relief:

  • Fatty Foods These include foods that are fried, greasy, or covered in gravy, which can make diarrhea worse.
  • Milk, Butter, Ice Cream, and Cheese Even if the diarrhea isn’t caused by lactose intolerance — a difficulty processing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products — stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them. Probiotic-rich yogurt may be the one exception to this rule, as some studies have shown probiotics help rebalance intestinal flora and could shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea.
  • Alcohol and Sodas When you have diarrhea, you want to steer clear of foods and beverages that cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, meaning it’s dehydrating, and should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. Sodas with high-fructose corn syrup can also pose a problem if you have diarrhea. Large quantities of fructose can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea. (4)
  • Sorbitol and Other Artificial Sweeteners Some people find that artificial sweeteners have a laxative effect on their digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it’s best to pass on sugarless candy and gum, diet soft drinks, and sugar substitutes. Consuming sugars, including artificial ones, causes your intestines to produce more water and electrolytes, which can then loosen bowel movements and lead to diarrhea. (5)
  • Foods That Cause Excess Gas It’s important to eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. But when diarrhea strikes, you want to avoid choices that are likely to increase intestinal gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, until you’re feeling better.
  • Foods That May Be Spoiled Stay away from foods that may have been mishandled, including foods that have been out of the refrigerator for too long or improperly stored. Raw meat or fish can be problematic, too. Follow the old maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out,” and you may save yourself some stomach upset.

Other Strategies for Tackling Your Diarrhea

One of the more serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea for any length of time, take steps to avoid becoming dehydrated by consuming enough liquids, Higgins says.

More in Digestive Health

3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

“Look for liquids with sugar and salt — Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well,” he says. “If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough.”

In terms of diarrhea treatment, Higgins says, if you don’t have an infection and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow your bowel movements. But this kind of medication should only be taken for a day or two.

If diet and simple remedies aren’t working, and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.

RELATED: When Diarrhea Is More Serious Than You Think

Additional reporting by María Villaseñor.

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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:

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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Likbez

Health

July 18, 2019

Sometimes even healthy habits, such as running, cause it.

Diarrhea is normal. Sooner or later, absolutely everyone faces it, and in most cases, diarrhea safely passes by itself – within a day or two. But sometimes diarrhea can become a serious problem.

When to see a doctor urgently

Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about diarrhea. But see your doctor as soon as possible or, depending on the severity of your symptoms, call 911 if:

  • You have not only loose stools, but also blood in them. Or it is black – this is a sign of clotted blood.
  • You have a high temperature (above 38.3°C) along with diarrhea.
  • You have severe nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking to replace lost fluids.
  • You feel severe pain in your abdomen or anus.
  • Diarrhea appeared after you returned from abroad.
  • Your urine is very dark in color.
  • Your heart rate has increased.
  • Diarrhea is accompanied by severe headache, irritability, clouding of consciousness.

These symptoms indicate either an acute inflammatory process associated with an infection or severe dehydration. Both situations are equally dangerous – even fatal. Therefore, do not rely on home remedies and do not delay in contacting a doctor.

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

Where does diarrhea come from

Diarrhea is called the disease of unwashed hands, and it’s true: most often diarrhea catches up with those who are not too concerned about hygiene. But it happens otherwise. Here are the most common causes of diarrhea.

1. Viral infections

They didn’t wash their hands, they swallowed water from a river or a warm sea, they bit an unwashed apple. And got, for example, a rotavirus infection. Or maybe viral hepatitis. From the same sources – the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and other gastrointestinal filth, accompanied by liquefaction of the stool.

2. Bacteria and parasites

They come from about the same place as viral infections – from the careless habit of dragging something poorly washed or filtered into the mouth. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites often overtakes people in unfamiliar countries, which is why it has the “romantic” name of traveler’s diarrhea.

3. Taking certain medications

Diarrhea is often caused by:

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

4. Artificial sweeteners

Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame – the human digestive system is not always ready to deal with these sweet synthetic substances. They are poorly digested, sometimes causing bloating and diarrhea.

5. Fructose or lactose intolerance

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. Fructose is the same, but comes from fruits or honey. Despite the natural origin of these simple carbohydrates, the body of some people does not know how to process them. Hence the digestive problems, including diarrhea.

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

6. Digestive disorders

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

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

7. Alcohol abuse

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

8.

Some hormonal disorders

Diarrhea is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).

9. Running

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

What to do if you have diarrhea

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

  • Drink more liquids: water, broth, fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Eat low fiber foods such as boiled eggs, boiled rice or chicken, white bread toast or crackers.
  • Avoid high-fat, high-fiber foods (raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread), and spices and condiments for a while.
  • Consider taking probiotics, substances that help restore normal intestinal microflora. It is best to choose the necessary drug with a therapist.

What to do if diarrhea persists

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

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a look at your medical history. You may need to take blood, urine, and stool tests. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

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why it occurs and what to do?

Diarrhea: why it occurs and what to do?

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  • Diarrhea: why it occurs and what to do?

Diarrhea is one of the main reasons adults visit a doctor. Diarrhea refers to all cases of rapid (more than 3 times a day) defecation with the release of liquid unformed feces. If the symptoms last no more than 14 days, such diarrhea is considered acute, and malaise for more than 4 weeks is equated to chronic diarrhea. About 800,000 cases of acute diarrhea in intestinal infections are registered annually in Russia, and chronic diarrhea occurs on average in 7-14% of the adult population.

Different types of diarrhea and how they differ

Doctors distinguish 4 types of diarrhea, and they differ not only in the mechanism of development, but also in the appearance of feces:

  1. Secretory. Occurs with excessive ingress of water and salts into the intestinal lumen under the influence of bacterial toxins, violations of the hormonal regulation of digestion, excessive intake of laxatives. Manifested by abundant watery stools without or with a small amount of impurities.
  2. Osmotic. It is observed with slow absorption of water, electrolytes and carbohydrates from the intestine due to insufficiency of digestive enzymes, deficiency of bile acids, anatomical and functional defects of the gastrointestinal tract. Manifested by abundant loose stools with a fetid odor, often accompanied by steatorrhea – “fatty” feces.
  3. Exudative. It develops when the intestinal wall is damaged by an inflammatory process in certain intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. In this case, the stool will be liquid or mushy, scanty, with an abundance of mucus and blood impurities.
  4. Motor. It occurs due to accelerated peristalsis in violation of nervous regulation (irritable bowel syndrome), excessive secretion of hormones, taking certain medications. During defecation, a moderate amount of liquid feces without pathological impurities is released.

What other symptoms might there be?

Violation of the intestines and / or direct damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is accompanied by unpleasant manifestations:

● Abdominal pain and cramps

● rumbling in the intestines

● Bloating

● belching with an unpleasant odor

● Nausea and vomiting

● Painful urge to defecate

● increase in body temperature

In acute diarrhea, such symptoms occur suddenly within a few hours (up to a day), sharply disrupt the patient’s habitual life and performance. With proper treatment, the state of health is normalized within 7-10 days.

Chronic diarrhea is characterized by undulating symptoms. Exacerbation occurs with overeating, abuse of fatty and fried foods, alcohol intake, stressful situations.

First aid measures for diarrhea

If you have diarrhea and other signs of gastrointestinal upset, do not delay contacting your doctor. The specialist will quickly make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. However, before the doctor arrives, you can alleviate your condition:

● drink more fluids (water, dried fruit compotes, strong tea) to prevent dehydration

● refuse heavy fatty foods, starchy foods, sweets, spices and spices, fresh vegetables and fruits

● Eat more starchy soft foods – cereals, stewed vegetables, mashed potatoes, unsweetened pastries made from premium flour

● drink enterosorbents (Sorbex, Enterosgel, Polisorb, Laktofiltrum)

When to call an ambulance

Diarrhea can be severe or be the first sign of a serious gastroenterological or surgical pathology. To avoid complications, the patient is advised to seek emergency care.

Signs of deterioration:

● repeated vomiting without relief

● frequent and copious stools accompanied by dehydration

● Temperature increase over 39°C and no effect from standard antipyretic tablets

● The appearance of blood or pus in the stool

● disturbance of consciousness

Not allowed before consulting a doctor:

● Take antidiarrheal medicines

● Take painkillers and antispasmodics

● start taking antibiotics, intestinal antiseptics, antiviral and anthelmintic drugs

● Use folk recipes to help with diarrhea

Consultation at ID-Clinic

If you have symptoms of diarrhea, you can always contact the competent infectious disease specialists and therapists ID-Clinic. Doctors conduct appointments at the clinic, give online consultations and, if necessary, go to the patient’s home. Choose a convenient format for a doctor’s consultation and leave a request, and our administrator will find a free window at the doctor’s and answer all questions.

Tags:

symptoms

Cost

Inspection

B01.014.001.001

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist

3000 ₽

B01.014.001.003

Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist

3000 ₽

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  • Krotov Kirill Yurievich

    Urologist,
    Oncologist,
    Oncourologist,
    Doctor of the highest category