| Diarrhea
is a common problem that we all suffer
from occasionally. Fortunately, it
is usually a limited episode that resolves
quickly. When it doesn't, there can
be cause for concern.
The
word diarrhea means different things
to different people. Some patients
who regularly experience bowel
movements every three days think
they have diarrhea if they begin
going everyday. Complaints of diarrhea
should be compared to what is normal
for each individual patient. Typically,
diarrhea is thought to be loose,
unformed or watery stools that
come more often than normal. It
is often accompanied by abdominal
cramps, and less warning when it
is time to go.
Causes
of Diarrhea
As
was already mentioned, most of us will
get diarrhea occasionally. Most of the
time it is related to a viral illness,
and will go away in a few days. Bacterial
infections like food poisoning can also
cause diarrhea which can be accompanied
by rectal bleeding. This is a more serious
situation, and you should call your doctor.
Other more serious causes of diarrhea
include inflammatory diseases like ulcerative
colitis and Crohn's disease, or diverticulitis.
More
common causes include irritable
bowel syndrome, which is usually
accompanied by constipation alternating
with the diarrhea. Another common
cause is lactose intolerance, which
makes a person unable to digest
milk products.
Things
to Do
During
a minor episode of diarrhea, simply forcing
fluids and rest is adequate. Fluids should
be limited to water, fruit juices, non-caffeinated
beverages and salt containing liquids
such as broth and sport drinks like Gatorade
or All Sport. Avoid all caffeinated beverages.
Those people with a history of irritable
bowel syndrome should make sure they
are getting enough fiber and water in
their diet. They should also make sure
they are using any medicines their doctor
has given them according to the prescription.
If
the diarrhea persists, over the
counter medicines like Imodium
AD should not be used without the
advice of your doctor. If a serious
condition exists, use of those
medicines can actually make the
problem worse.
Warning
Signs
Things
to watch for during an episode of diarrhea
include:
- bleeding
with the stool
- high
fever
- severe
abdominal pain
- dehydration
If
a person can not drink enough to keep
up with the fluid lost through bowel
movements, they need to be in the hospital.
If any of these warning signs occur,
please call your doctor right away. |
