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.
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.
Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain, bloating,
nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause,
a person may have a fever or bloody stools.
Diarrhea can be either acute or chronic. The acute form, which lasts
less than 3 weeks, is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or
parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 3 weeks and is
usually related to functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome
or diseases like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
In most cases, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the
only treatment necessary. Medicines that stop diarrhea may be helpful
in some cases, but they are not recommended for people whose diarrhea
is from a bacterial infection or parasite--stopping the diarrhea traps
the organism in the intestines, prolonging the problem. Instead,
doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. Viral causes are either treated
with medication or left to run their course, depending on the severity
and type of the virus.
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.
Until diarrhea subsides, try to avoid milk products and foods that
are greasy, high-fiber, or very sweet. These foods tend to aggravate
diarrhea.
