Diarrhea, diarrhea, watery stool: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Diarrhea; Stools – watery; Frequent bowel movements; Loose bowel movements; Unformed bowel movements

Diarrhea is a common disorder, which affects the digestive system. It is characterized by liquid, watery stool, which occurs more often, than usual. Although diarrhea is usually an easy condition, which passes in itself within a few days, It can also be a symptom of a more serious basic medical problem.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a state, in which a liquid watery chair is released from the body three or more times a day. The consistency of the chair may vary, But usually it is more watery, than usual. Diarrhea can be acute, That is, it occurs suddenly and lasts for a short time, or may be chronic, that is, it lasts several weeks or more.

Causes of diarrhea

There are many possible causes of diarrhea, including:

• Infection. Diarrhea is often caused by infections, caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Common viral causes of diarrhea include rotavirus, Norovirus and adenovirus. General bacterial causes of diarrhea include salmonella, Shigella и Campylobacter. Parasitic infections, which can cause diarrhea, include Giardia and CryptosPoridium.
• Food intolerance or allergies. Some people may have diarrhea after eating certain products, to which they do not tolerate or have allergies, such as lactose or gluten.
• Medicines. Some drugs can cause diarrhea as a side effect, including antibiotics, laxative and some chemotherapeutic drugs.
• Digestive disorders. Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of digestive disorders, such as irritable intestine syndrome (CPK), Inflammatory bowel disease (VZK) And glutenic disease.
• Surgical intervention or radiation therapy. Diarrhea can be a side effect of surgery or radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.
• stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause changes in the digestive system, that lead to diarrhea.

diarrhea symptoms

The main symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools., which occurs more often, than usual. Other symptoms may include:

• Cramping and pain in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heat
• Dehydration

When to contact a healthcare professional

In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days.. Nonetheless, you should see a doctor, if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Hemafecia
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased diuresis and dizziness.
• Heat
• Diarrhea, lasting more than three days
• Diarrhea in infants or young children

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you visit a doctor about diarrhea, it, probably, ask you a few questions about your symptoms and medical history. Some questions, which they can ask, include:

• When you started diarrhea?
• How many times a day do you have bowel movements?
• What is the consistency of your stool?
• Have you recently traveled to another country??
• Have you eaten any new or unusual foods lately?
• Do you have any other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever or nausea?

Diagnosis of diarrhea

Diagnosis of diarrhea usually begins with a physical examination and a detailed history taking.. Your doctor, probably, ask questions, previously mentioned, and may also order laboratory tests, to confirm an infection or underlying disease and rule out other possible causes.

Common tests include analysis of stool samples, blood and urine tests, as well as ultrasound, endoscopy or imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic-resonance tomography (MRT).

Treatment of diarrhea

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, diarrhea takes place on its own within a few days without the need for treatment. But, If diarrhea is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs, to help get rid of the infection. If your diarrhea is caused by medication, you may be advised to change your dosage or switch to a different medication.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, it is important to control the symptoms of diarrhea, to prevent dehydration. Your medical worker can recommend the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids. It is important to avoid dehydration, Drinking a lot of water, transparent broths or periral rehydration solution.
• Adhere to a light diet. To reduce the irritation of the digestive system, It is recommended to eat soft products with a low fiber content, like bananas, rice, apple puree and toasts (Brat diet).
• Refusal of certain products: High fat products, sugar or fiber can aggravate diarrhea, and they should be avoided until then, until the symptoms improve.
• Reception of over -the -counter drugs. Antidiarein drugs, Such as lopeamid (Imodium), They can reduce diarrhea, but they should not be used, If diarrhea is caused by an infection.

Home treatment of diarrhea

If you have diarrhea, you can do a few things at home, to cope with symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of fluids, To replace the liquid, lost due to diarrhea.
• Observe a light diet: Eat soft products with low fiber content, like bananas, rice, apple puree and toasts.
• Avoid certain foods: avoid foods high in fat, sugar or fiber, as they can aggravate diarrhea.
• Recreation: rest can help your body recover and conserve energy.
• Observe the rules of hygiene: wash your hands often, especially after the toilet, to prevent the spread of infection.

Prevention of diarrhea

There are several things, which you can do, To prevent diarrhea:

• Observe the rules of hygiene: Wash your hands more often, especially before meals and after the toilet.
• Carefully cook food: make sure, that meat, Bird and eggs are carefully prepared, to kill all harmful bacteria.
• Correctly store products: Store perishable products in the refrigerator or in a frozen form, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Avoid polluted water: When traveling to developing countries, avoid drinking water from a crane or using it to brush your teeth.
• Avoid close contact with sick people: Avoid close contact with people, which have diarrhea or recently recovered from diarrhea.

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a common state, which can be caused by various factors, including infections, Food intolerance, medication and digestive disorders. Although in most cases diarrhea passes on its own within a few days, it is important to see a doctor, If you experience serious symptoms or signs of dehydration. Treatment of diarrhea depends on the main cause and may include taking drugs and a change in lifestyle. Observing the rules of hygiene and following the safety rules of food products, You can prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Used sources and literature

Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea.In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 131.