The Facts on Diarrhea
This digestive condition strikes just about everyone, but can be most dangerous in young children.
Our digestive system is highly sensitive to changes in diet and lifestyle. Introducing unfamiliar substances into the body, including viruses and bacteria, can result in a number of digestive health issues like vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping, and often, diarrhea.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is typified by loose, watery stools that occur urgently and frequently at least three times a day. It's also often associated with belly pain, cramping, nausea, gas, and bloating.
Diarrhea that only lasts a few days is called acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, can last for weeks or even months, leading to serious health complications that need to be addressed.
Diarrhea is extremely common. Nearly all U.S. adults will deal with episodes of diarrhea about four times each year. Children are even more susceptible to diarrhea, and most children will experience around 10 bouts of diarrhea by the time they are 5 years old.
Many things can trigger diarrhea, including:
- Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection
- Adverse reaction to medication
- Intestinal disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Allergy or intolerance to food (like dairy products)
What Can I Do About Diarrhea?
If you experience a quick bout of diarrhea, there's probably not much that you can or should do while you wait for your digestive system to return to normal. Even over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications may make some infections worse and interfere with the bodys own methods of dealing with diarrhea. While you're waiting for diarrhea to subside, you should:
- Drink plenty of fluids (including water, broth, fruit juices, and sports drinks)
- Stay away from dairy products
- Avoid greasy, fatty foods
- Eliminate caffeine
- Steer clear of sugary foods and drinks
Stick to mild foods that won't aggravate your stomach, like crackers, bananas, dry toast, clear broth soups, and unseasoned rice. Baked, skinless chicken and plain boiled potatoes are also usually okay to eat. If you notice that a specific food seems to aggravate your diarrhea, avoid it and tell your doctor.
When Should Diarrhea Be Treated?
Generally, acute cases of diarrhea will clear up without treatment. But, it's important to drink lots of fluids because even brief cases of diarrhea can lead to profound dehydration. People with chronic diarrhea are also at risk of malnutrition because the body becomes unable to absorb foods properly. After testing your stool for bacteria, viruses, and parasites, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to deal with what's causing your diarrhea if it doesn't go away on its own in a few days.
Chronic diarrhea, which persists for longer than two weeks, should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Diarrhea that lasts for several weeks dramatically increases the risk of dehydration. In some severe cases, people with chronic diarrhea may have to receive fluids and nutrients by IV until their diarrhea is under control.
Not surprisingly, diarrhea can be particularly serious in children, since they tend to become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Don't hesitate to call your pediatrician if your child experiences persistent diarrhea or appears dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry lips and mouth, eyes that appear sunken, diminished or dark urination, and fatigue.
Diarrhea can be quite uncomfortable, but it isn't usually an indication of a serious health problem. Nevertheless, if you experience diarrhea that lasts for several days or if your diarrhea is accompanied by intense abdominal pain, fever, or dehydration, contact your doctor.
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com
