Diarrhea

Diarrhea--loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day--is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Dehydration is discussed below. People of all ages can get diarrhea. The average adult has a bout of diarrhea about four times a year.

Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease. A few of the more common causes of diarrhea are
Bacterial infections. Several types of bacteria, consumed through contaminated food or water, can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.
Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis.
Food intolerances. Some people are unable to digest a component of food, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk. Parasites. Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium. Reaction to medicines, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antacids containing magnesium. Intestinal diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. Functional bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, in which the intestines do not work normally. Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder. The reason may be a change in how quickly food moves through the digestive system after stomach surgery or an increase in bile in the colon that can occur after gallbladder surgery. In many cases, the cause of diarrhea cannot be found. As long as diarrhea goes away on its own, an extensive search for the cause is not usually necessary. People who visit foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea, which is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or, sometimes, parasites. Traveler's diarrhea is a particular problem for people visiting developing countries. Visitors to the United States, Canada, most European countries, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand do not face much risk for traveler's diarrhea.

Dehydration occurs when the body has lost too much fluid and electrolytes (the salts potassium and sodium). The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly--the body cannot function properly without them. Dehydration is particularly dangerous for children, who can die from it within a matter of days. Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. To maintain electrolyte levels, you could have broth or soups, which contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables, which contain potassium. For children, doctors often recommend a special rehydration solution that contains the nutrients they need. You can buy this solution in the grocery store without a prescription. Examples include Pedialyte, Ceralyte, and Infalyte.

The most common causes of diarrhea include eating contaminated foods. Drinking impure water also causes diarrhea. Besides that anxiety and stress also cause diarrhea. Viral infections also cause diarrhea. Breast fed babies are less likely to contract these infections. Lactose intolerance may also cause infant diarrhea.

Diagnostic tests to find the cause of diarrhea include the following: Medical history and physical examination. The doctor will need to know about your eating habits and medication use and will examine you for signs of illness. Stool culture. Lab technicians analyze a sample of stool to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease or infection. Blood tests. Blood tests can be helpful in ruling out certain diseases. Fasting tests. To find out if a food intolerance or allergy is causing the diarrhea, the doctor may ask you to avoid lactose (found in milk products), carbohydrates, wheat, or other foods to see whether the diarrhea responds to a change in diet. Sigmoidoscopy. For this test, the doctor uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon. Colonoscopy. This test is similar to sigmoidoscopy, but the doctor looks at the entire colon.

Drinking rice water is very helpful in diarrhea. Foods like rice and cereal, bananas, applesauce, culture yogurt, are all good for the body. Avoid all dairy products and fats. Drink plenty of fluids.

Adding a teaspoon of sugar and salt to water enables the intestine to absorb more of the water content. Adding a teaspoon of sugar to juice and avoiding over the counter drugs is very important.

Nervous diarrhea is bought on by stress. Psychological counseling centered on meditation and relaxation techniques may help to control diarrhea. As is the case with any disorder management of stress is crucial.