Cough

Indigestion diarrhea treatment. Chronic diarrhea in adults: causes, treatment

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is the liquefaction of stool to a watery state. In this case, bowel movements can be a one-time or repeated occurrence. Diarrhea is not an independent diagnosis. Loose stools in an adult are associated with a variety of reasons and are a symptom of various pathologies.

Reasons

Normally, the intestines empty their bowels once a day. For some people, the frequency of bowel movements is 2-3 days. If this regimen does not cause discomfort, experts attribute the delay in emptying to the individual characteristics of the body.

Diarrhea may be associated with intestinal diseases. Violation of peristalsis is manifested by frequent emptying, but the stool does not liquefy. The daily volume of feces does not exceed 100–300 g. Impaired absorption of food by the intestinal walls manifests itself with particles of undigested food.

Main causes of diarrhea:

consumption of expired products, violation of storage and transportation conditions;
overeating;
insufficient production of enzymes for digesting certain components - lactose, egg white, gluten, etc.;
allergic reaction;
taking medications - laxatives, antacids, ;
stress;
alcohol intoxication;
change of climate and usual diet.

In these cases, the stool is restored within 2–3 days. Usually a person can easily find the cause of diarrhea. Eating low-quality food most often occurs in the summer and is associated with slower digestion in the heat and rapid spoilage of food.

Causes of diarrhea in adults and children associated with pathogenic viruses and bacteria:

salmonellosis;
dysentery;
intestinal flu.

When microorganisms enter the intestines, they release large amounts of toxins. As a result, peristalsis increases, the body is freed from harmful compounds. Severe diarrhea caused by infection is accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 38–39 degrees.

In an adult, the cause of diarrhea may be a chronic pathology:

pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
gastritis;
malfunction of the gallbladder;
autoimmune diseases - food absorption slows down with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, enteritis;
neuropsychic disorders;
hepatitis;
ischemic colitis;
diabetes mellitus;
endocrine system disorders;
cirrhosis;
dysbacteriosis;
cancerous tumor.

In these cases, diarrhea is prolonged.

The cause of diarrhea in women may be pregnancy. Stool disorder is considered as one of the symptoms of early toxicosis. The consistency of stool may change a few days after conception. Stool liquefaction is accompanied by morning nausea, weakness, and a slight increase in body temperature. This type of diarrhea is associated with hormonal changes in the body.

However, diarrhea in early pregnancy can be caused by an intestinal infection or consumption of low-quality foods.

Types and clinical signs of diarrhea

According to the nature of the course, stool liquefaction can be acute and chronic. Types of diarrhea:

nutritional;
motor;
medicinal;
neurogenic;
exudative.

Each type has characteristic features.

The diagnosis of “chronic diarrhea” is made if stool disorder persists for more than 3 weeks.

Infectious diarrhea

The intensity of bowel movements depends on the causative agent of the intestinal disorder. Uncontrollable urges are accompanied by copious watery feces interspersed with green mucus. The infection is easily transmitted through contact with a sick person. Before the urge to defecate, there is a feeling of general weakness and sudden malaise. The tongue is covered with a white or yellow coating.

Nutritional diarrhea

This type of bowel disorder is associated with food poisoning. A mild degree of intoxication is manifested by yellow, mushy feces. In this case, some of the necessary elements are absorbed into the bloodstream. The frequency of stools usually does not exceed 5 times a day.

Severe poisoning is accompanied by severe intoxication: significant loss of fluid, weakness, elevated body temperature, pain in the stomach and intestines. Without a stool test, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of diarrhea, since nutritional diarrhea has similar symptoms to the disorder caused by infection.

Motor diarrhea

Characterized by impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Stool disorder occurs due to the regulatory influence of hormones produced by the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine. Motor diarrhea may be associated with decreased tone of the intestinal wall. This type of disorder occurs when protein metabolism is disrupted and small blood vessels are damaged.

Drug-induced diarrhea

A change in osmolarity (concentration of dissolved substances) in the intestines occurs when taking saline laxatives. Some medications contain large amounts of disaccharides, peptones and other components that the small intestine does not have enough enzymes to break down. As a result, the stool becomes watery and bulky.

Diarrhea can be a side effect of some medications. After discontinuation of the drugs, the stool is restored.

After taking antibiotics, the balance of microflora in the intestines is disrupted. The active components kill not only pathogenic microbes, but also beneficial bacteria. Diarrhea is a common occurrence after treatment with antibacterial drugs. The stool is restored within 5–7 days. During this period, the balance of intestinal microflora returns to normal.

Neurogenic diarrhea

A disorder of nervous regulation caused by strong emotions and experiences leads to impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Frequent urges to defecate occur, as a rule, against a background of stress and anxiety. This disorder is called irritable bowel syndrome. Feces have a semi-formed consistency and come out in small portions.

Exudative form

Exudative diarrhea is characterized by the release of blood, pus, mucus particles, and protein fluid into the lumen. The stool is liquid, the volume of feces does not exceed the daily norm.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive system with the formation of granulomas (nodules) on the mucous membranes. Most often, the pathology affects the tissues of the colon. Diarrhea in Crohn's disease is often accompanied by bloating and severe pain simulating acute pain.

Acute bowel disorder

General signs of diarrhea characteristic of acute course:

pain – localized in the lower abdomen, on the left side;
high temperature;
nausea, vomiting;
weakness;
decreased blood pressure;
painful urge to defecate;
fecal incontinence caused by increased gastrointestinal motility;
flatulence - increased formation of gases occurs due to fermentation, lack of digestive enzymes.

Bloody diarrhea

In liquid stool in an adult, indicates a severe infection accompanied by active bleeding. The feces have a dark cherry color and a mushy consistency. Active bleeding is also observed during the disintegration of a cancerous tumor.

Scarlet blood in the stool is a sign of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and diverticulitis. It is present in the form of clots. Since the bleeding site is located close to the anus, the blood does not have time to clot and its color does not change.

Symptoms of diarrhea caused by gastric bleeding: loose, tarry, black stools. These signs indicate an exacerbation of ulcerative-erosive gastritis.

Diagnostics

Specialist help with diarrhea is necessary in the following cases:

increase in body temperature to 37.50 and above;
mucus, blood, or pus in the stool;
cutting pain in the abdomen;
dry mucous membranes;
lack of urination;
The intensity of diarrhea did not decrease after 2 days.

Diagnosis includes laboratory tests of stool and blood. If necessary, an instrumental examination of the large intestine, FDGS, is prescribed.

The most informative diagnostic method is stool culture for aggressive microorganisms. Treatment of diarrhea is carried out after the underlying disease has been established.

First aid

Diarrhea and vomiting are the body’s protective reactions from external and internal irritants. The body, with the help of the evacuation function, is freed from toxins and pathogens. Taking anti-diarrhea medications at the first signs of intoxication can lead to a worsening of the condition.

First aid for diarrhea includes taking enough fluid and saline solution. You need to drink water often, in small portions. The liquid is alternated with saline solutions - Regidron, Oralite. If these remedies are not at hand, they are replaced with salted water, chamomile decoction, saline solution, or still mineral water.

Food intake is limited for 4–6 hours. After the break, they adhere to a special diet.

Sorbents will help improve your condition and remove harmful substances from the body. Treatment of diarrhea begins with the following remedies: Activated carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel. They help get rid of diarrhea without harm to health.

Continuous diarrhea and vomiting more than 10 times a day is a reason to consult a doctor. Especially if the symptoms of diarrhea are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, cramps and high fever.

Drug treatment

Depending on the type of diarrhea, a specialist may prescribe drugs from the following groups.

Adsorbents

Medicines will help stop diarrhea and remove waste products of microbes during viral infections and food poisoning: Polyphepan, Diosmectite, Coapectate. They bind harmful substances and remove them from the body naturally. Diarrhea can be treated with adsorbents as independent therapy or in combination with antiviral drugs - Arbidol, Remantadine.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

If the cause of an intestinal disorder is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Sulfasalosin will help stop diarrhea in an adult. These drugs reduce the production of intestinal mucus. They are prescribed from the first day of acute infectious diarrhea. Drugs to relieve inflammation are also used for diarrhea caused by chronic colitis.

Enzymes

The products in this group help improve digestion. The group of enzymes includes Creon, Mezim, Festal. These tablets are given for diarrhea associated with exacerbation of pancreatitis, gastritis with low acidity, and intestinal malabsorption.

Herbal decoctions

Intestinal motility is reduced by natural remedies with a fixing effect. An infusion of cinquefoil root, oak bark, alder cones, and chamomile will help get rid of diarrhea. Brewed herbs and plants are drunk until symptoms stop.

Drugs to reduce intestinal motility

You can get rid of diarrhea with the help of drugs based on bismuth subsalicylate, diphenoxylate, and loperamide. These medications are not recommended for use for viral infections, since some of the microbes will remain in the intestines and recovery will be delayed.

The most popular drugs in the fight against diarrhea as a symptom are those based on loperamide: Imodium, Lopedium, Loperacap. These medications reduce the frequency of bowel movements and increase the tone of the anus. They help quickly restore intestinal motility and get rid of diarrhea due to irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

Loperamide should not be used if there is blood in the stool.

Antibiotics

The drugs are used for the complex treatment of diarrhea due to bacterial infection.

Intestinal antiseptics

Severe diarrhea caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is stopped with the help of antimicrobial drugs. The group of antiseptics includes Enterofuril, Intetrix. These medications fight staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli, shigella, and fungi.

Probiotics

The treatment regimen for any type of diarrhea includes combination drugs with a wide spectrum of action. Probiotics help stop diarrhea because they suppress the activity of the infectious agent. Severe diarrhea disrupts the balance of intestinal microflora. The following drugs help normalize the growth of beneficial bacteria: Hilak Forte, Linex, Acipol. These drugs are prescribed to stop diarrhea after taking antibiotics. Bifikol, Enterol, Laminolact are also used to treat dysbiosis.

Immunomodulators

Chronic diarrhea in adults and children causes a lack of vitamins and minerals. Immunomodulating drugs (Galavit, Tamerit) are prescribed to improve the general condition and relieve signs of intoxication during infectious diarrhea.

Antispasmodics

For severe pain accompanying frequent bowel movements, take No-Shpu, Drotaverin, Trimedat.

Antidepressants

If chronic diarrhea is associated with a malfunction of nerve receptors, sedatives are used. These include tricyclic antidepressants: Amitriptyline, Cloripramine, Trazodone. These medications are prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Diet

Help for diarrhea is aimed at treating symptoms and eliminating the cause of intestinal distress. A gentle diet plays a big role in improving the condition. It is recommended to adhere to a special diet for 3 to 5 days. List of products that help restore stool and eliminate toxins:

blueberry jelly;
strong black tea;
crackers;
serum.

After detecting loose stools, it is advisable to remain in bed. Meals begin with slimy rice porridge. Next, soups with cereal and vegetable broth are introduced into the diet. For drinks, drink a decoction of rose hips and chamomile. Vegetable puree and steamed cutlets are gradually being introduced into the menu. The therapeutic diet involves avoiding fatty, salty, smoked, fried, and spicy foods. Vegetables and fruits are eaten boiled or baked.

Complications

Dangerous consequences of diarrhea:

dehydration;
violation of water-salt balance;
anemia;
renal failure;
haemorrhoids.

A timely diagnosis, compliance with the drinking regime, and taking saline rehydrant solutions significantly reduce the risk of complications.

The information on our website is provided by qualified doctors and is for informational purposes only. Don't self-medicate! Be sure to consult a specialist!

Gastroenterologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences. Prescribes diagnostics and carries out treatment. Expert of the group for the study of inflammatory diseases. Author of more than 300 scientific papers.

Who doesn’t know from television advertising what to do if diarrhea occurs in adults? Take a “magic” pill that will instantly stop diarrhea! However, any doctor will say that such “treatment” will not help at best, and will do harm at worst. Firstly, medications for diarrhea do not act instantly, they only reduce it, and secondly, the use of such medications is contraindicated for a number of diseases. What to do when you suffer from loose stools?

Diarrhea is not a disease, but a symptom that indicates problems in the gastrointestinal tract or in the body as a whole. Therefore, it is impossible to cure diarrhea without knowing what causes it. Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose stool either once or with an increased frequency of bowel movements. If such a violation goes away within 2-3 weeks, we are talking about acute diarrhea, over 21 days - chronic.

In a normal state, the body of a healthy adult excretes 100–300 g of formed feces daily or at other intervals that are comfortable for a particular gastrointestinal tract. Liquefaction and accelerated evacuation of stool occurs due to a sharp increase in water content: with diarrhea, stool is 90% liquid. The amount of feces suggests the etiology of diarrhea:

disturbances of intestinal motility usually do not increase the daily volume of feces; it is excreted frequently, but in small portions;
if the problem is in the absorption of substances by the intestinal wall, there is a significant increase in the volume of feces due to the mass of undigested food.

The main causes of loose stools in adults:

Such diarrhea usually goes away within 3-4 days, and the patient will most likely be able to associate the onset of diarrhea with previous events.

However, the causes of diarrhea in an adult can be more serious:

infection with bacteria, viruses, protozoa (dysentery, salmonellosis, intestinal flu);
inflammatory diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, hepatitis, ulcers);
functional organ failure (deficiency of certain enzymes);
gastrointestinal diseases of unknown etiology (Crohn's disease);
toxic damage (poisoning with lead, mercury).

In such cases, it is not enough to simply stop the diarrhea: a diagnosis must be made and qualified treatment must be carried out, often in a hospital setting. As for the clinical manifestations of diarrhea, they may be mild. This applies to ordinary indigestion, when in addition to loose stools, cramping pain in the abdomen and dyspeptic symptoms (boiling, bloating, etc.) may be observed.

In case of food poisoning, the pain is accompanied by weakness, fever, nausea and vomiting, refusal to eat, and the temperature may rise. Similar symptoms are accompanied by intestinal infections and viral diseases.

Alarming signs that require immediate attention are symptoms of dehydration. Dry skin and mucous membranes, cracked lips, severe thirst, rare urination, darkening of urine occur with debilitating diarrhea, and this condition poses a great danger: the pulse increases, blood pressure drops, and muscle cramps may begin.

What to do for diarrhea in an adult - first aid

To prevent dehydration, the water and salts lost by the body must be compensated by drinking plenty of fluids: it is best to take rehydrating solutions (Rehydron and analogues); in their absence, you can drink saline solution, salted water, chamomile tea. Prevention of dehydration should begin as soon as it becomes clear that loose stools are not an isolated case.

Especially if the diarrhea is profuse and constant, has been going on for several days, and is accompanied by vomiting. It is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of blood in the stool. It can appear with dysentery, ulcerative colitis,.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will select a specific treatment, but there are general rules that must be followed in any case of diarrhea. This is dietary nutrition, taking adsorbent drugs, enzymes.

Diet for diarrhea in an adult

The nature of the diet obviously influences bowel movements. Many foods have an irritating effect on peristalsis, and during diarrhea you should forget about them until complete recovery. These are spices, raw vegetables, plums and other laxatives.

Some foods have a fixing effect, so in the first few days of the diet you should limit yourself to the following set of dishes:

wheat bread crackers;
vegetable purees;
slimy porridge;
pureed meat and fish of lean varieties (steamed, boiled);
tea, blueberry jelly, bird cherry fruit infusion, rice infusion.

You can start the diet on a “fasting” day: drink only strong sweet tea (8-10 cups during the day).

If diarrhea is caused by lactose or gluten intolerance, then diet is the main, and often the only, factor in treatment. For these diseases, therapeutic nutrition is prescribed, completely excluding products containing milk sugar and the cereal protein gluten.

Diet is important: you need to eat often (every 3 hours) and in small portions.

The diet must be followed throughout the treatment and beyond, but after the first “hard” days, you can remove the restrictions and expand the diet, adhering to the following principles:

Thus, we list the prohibited products:

any fried meat;
offal;
rich broths;
fatty fish cooked in any way, and lean fish if it is fried, canned, smoked;
milk, high fat cream;
scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs;
cabbage in any form, beets, spicy root vegetables, turnips, radishes, cucumbers;
canned vegetables;
mushrooms;
sour berries and fruits;
pastries and bread;
carbonated drinks, kvass, cold drinks.

What then can you eat for diarrhea in adults? Here is an approximate list of dishes from which it is recommended to create a diet menu:

steamed minced meat cutlets, meat puree (can be from “children’s” jars), soufflé;
boiled fish (such as pollock, cod), fish balls, steamed cutlets;
cereal cooked in water; you can add a little milk and a piece of butter to the finished porridge;
rice pudding;
puree soups with vegetable or weak meat broth;
boiled pasta;
fermented milk drinks;
fresh cottage cheese;
omelet, soft-boiled eggs;
boiled, baked or pureed vegetables: potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, green beans;
baked fruits in compote, some fresh strawberries;
jellies and mousses from berries and fruits;
white bread croutons, dryers, “Maria” cookies;
water, tea, compote, cocoa without milk.

In addition to diet, it is important to organize the correct drinking regime. The fluid entering the body should be several liters in volume in order to fully compensate for the loss of water through diarrhea.

Since microelements are washed out with loose stools, plain water is not very suitable for drinking. It is better to take glucose-salt drinks, which will replenish the loss of electrolytes, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and salt also promotes fluid retention in the body.

There are special preparations for preparing rehydrating drinks, these are Regidron, Citroglucosolan, Gastrolit, but if they are not available, you can prepare the liquid yourself by diluting it in a liter of water:

Instead of potassium chloride, you can pour a decoction of dried apricots and freshly squeezed orange juice into the solution. You need to drink in small portions, but constantly throughout the day.

Medicines to treat diarrhea in adults

As an important piece of advice, it should be noted that diarrhea in an adult that has not gone away within 3 days is a reason to consult a doctor. Chronic diarrhea can indicate the presence of serious illnesses, it even occurs with some forms of cancer.

It is also worth seeing a doctor if the temperature rises above 38 during diarrhea, signs uncharacteristic of indigestion or poisoning appear: rash, yellowness of the skin and eyes, dark urine, sleep disturbances. Constant excruciating pain in the abdomen should not be the norm (spastic pain before and during bowel movements is acceptable).

Black or green diarrhea, vomiting mixed with fresh or coagulated (dark) blood, fainting, signs of severe dehydration indicate that the situation is critical: it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.

Diarrhea, in other words, diarrhea or indigestion, is a symptomatic manifestation of functional failures or diseases of the digestive system of organs.

There are two stages of diarrhea:

spicy. When diarrhea lasts no more than 15 days;
chronic. If diarrhea continues for more than 15 days.

Diarrhea is a condition in which frequent bowel movements are noted (more than twice a day). The stool is liquid.

Many people are interested in the question of how to treat diarrhea and how to distinguish it from normal stool. In order to understand this, it is necessary to describe the clear differences between these two concepts. So.

Criteria for distinguishing diarrhea from normal stool

Indicator	Diarrhea	Norm
Stool color	Green, brown, yellow, white, black, red	Dark yellow, light brown, dark brown
Stool odor	Fetid (putrid, sour). There may be no smell	Unpleasant (characteristic), but not sour or putrid
Amount of feces	More than twice a day	1 or 2 times a day
Presence of impurities in feces	There are undigested food particles and a large amount of mucus	There may be a small amount of mucus (clear)
Character of feces	Watery, may foam, unformed (patchy)	Decorated, uniform
Stool consistency	Liquid or mushy	mushy

Mechanism of food digestion

Different digestion processes of consumed food occur in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, food and water in the small intestine are broken down into certain components that are absorbed from its wall. As for the large intestine, feces are formed in it, and the processes of absorption of certain microelements, which are synthesized through the intestinal microflora, take place.

When food enters the stomach, it is exposed to enzymes that contribute to its breakdown into simple substances, namely:

on fatty acids;
to monosaccharides;
to amino acids.

Mechanism of development of diarrhea

The main mechanisms for the development of diarrhea include:

increased intestinal motility (dynamics);
disruption of food digestion processes;
failures in the absorption of already digested food;
increased secretion of water and salts into the intestines.

What affects the quality of digestion?

1. The state of health of the digestive system. These include:

pancreas (amount of enzymes secreted). If insufficient quantities are produced, incomplete absorption of food occurs;
gallbladder (production of bile and the degree of its patency along the bile ducts):
stomach (degree of acidity, condition of the mucous membrane, amount of enzymes);
liver (number of enzymes);
intestines (mucosa, peristalsis). If there are lesions of the mucous membrane, digested food will not be able to be absorbed into the intestinal walls. This leads to the release of water and salts from the blood into the intestinal cavity. As for peristalsis, if it increases, diarrhea develops, and if it decreases, constipation occurs.

2. Quantity and quality of food consumed. So, if a person abuses foods that are rich in fats and plant fiber, they will not be completely digested, which will lead to accelerated intestinal motility and, accordingly, to an increase in the growth of bacteria in it.

What are the causes of diarrhea?

1. Acute intestinal infections, which are characterized by the presence in the body of:

2. Acute respiratory viral infections.
3. Changes in the composition of the microflora of the large intestine. The fact is that the cavity of the large intestine of a healthy person is populated by beneficial bacteria. One of the main functions of these bacteria is the processing of incompletely digested food particles, as well as the release of nutrients from them. If changes occur in the composition of the microflora of the large intestine in the form of the appearance of microbes, this leads to the development of some pathogenic diseases.

4. Enzyme deficiency. These conditions include:

cholelithiasis, when the flow of bile is disrupted;
individual intolerance by the body to certain foods. As a rule, this condition is congenital;
fermentopathy;
pancreatitis.

5. Tumor neoplasms. These could be:

endocarcinomas;
polyps;
diverticula, which are complicated by inflammatory processes.

6. Intestinal diseases. These include:

ulcerative colitis (nonspecific);
enteritis;
Whipple's disease;
enterocolitis;
Crohn's disease.

7. Intoxication. These conditions of the body include poisoning through toxic substances and vapors:

heavy metals;
household chemicals;
nitrates;
pesticides.

8. Bleeding. These include:

bleeding from the colon;
bleeding from the small intestine;
open ulcers of the duodenum or stomach.

9. Autoimmune diseases. These diseases include:

various allergies;
dermatitis and dermatoses;
rheumatoid arthritis;
lupus erythematosus, which affects the intestinal mucosa.

10. Drug effects on the body. Diarrhea can occur with long-term use of certain medications:

cytostatics;
antibiotics;
prokinetics;
laxatives in large quantities;
anticholinesterase drugs.

Important to know!

Diarrhea, as a rule, indicates a digestive disorder. However, this is not always the case. After all, it can be a symptom of some diseases unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. This is mainly due to the acceleration of intestinal motility. For example, diarrhea can occur with the following diseases and conditions:

overheating in the sun;
hepatitis;
acute appendicitis;
severe emotional stress.

How and how to treat diarrhea in such cases can be found out by consulting with relevant specialists.

Alarming symptoms of diarrhea

If you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to diarrhea, you should seek medical help immediately. Such manifestations include:

decreased body temperature;
profuse discolored (white, gray) diarrhea;
frequent watery stools (more than 15 times per day);
the presence of blood and mucus in the stool.

Clinical features of diarrhea in the presence of dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is characterized by a decrease in “useful” bacteria in the intestines and an increase in the number of microorganisms that are unusual for healthy microflora. The result of such changes is diarrhea, which, as a rule, is not constant, but chronic.

Clinical features of diarrhea in the presence of acute intestinal infections (acute intestinal infections)

As a result of exposure to various pathogenic microorganisms, the functioning of the digestive organs is disrupted. In the winter period of the year, OCI becomes a consequence of exposure to viruses on the body, and in the summer - bacteria. Digestive disorders occur both due to the penetration of microbes into the intestinal mucosa and due to their production of toxic agents.

Diarrhea caused by acute intestinal infections, such as salmonellosis or enteroinvasive bacilli, can last for quite a long period of time. In some cases, this condition can even threaten the patient's life.

There are two main types of diarrhea in the presence of ACI:

mixed with blood. This type of diarrhea occurs due to bacteria entering the intestinal mucosa and affecting it. Often occurs during the development of diseases such as salmonellosis and dysentery;
watery. This type of diarrhea is characteristic of acute intestinal infections, which are caused by the entry into the body of bacteria and viruses that can release toxic substances, for example, Vibrio cholerae. As a result, the intestinal mucosa, which has been destroyed by pathogenic microorganisms, begins to secrete water and salts, which then become part of the feces.

Must remember!

In the presence of ACI, diarrhea is usually observed, which is in the acute stage. With the development of certain diseases, for example, dysentery, diarrhea can become chronic.

Diagnosis of diarrhea

To make a diagnosis of “acute diarrhea”, a collected medical history and prescription for the patient will be sufficient:

coprograms;
physical examination;
fecal analysis for the presence of worm eggs;
bacteriological culture.

Also, the doctor, if necessary, can prescribe the following types of studies to the patient:

biochemical and general clinical blood tests;
proctological examination;
colonoscopy;
microscopy of feces;
sigmoidoscopy;
gastroscopy;
irrigoscopy;
ultrasound examination of internal organs located in the abdominal cavity;
measuring intestinal pH.

How to treat diarrhea?

Medication methods

When treating diarrhea, doctors take three main actions, which are aimed at:

to eliminate the causes of diarrhea;
to prevent the development of various complications of diarrhea;
to restore the body's resources.

Modern medicine can offer a therapy for diarrhea that solves all three of the above problems simultaneously.

First of all, the doctor will examine the patient and evaluate the results of the studies to identify the cause of diarrhea. This will allow you to prescribe competent treatment (etiotropic therapy).

As you know, there is bloody and watery diarrhea: how to treat it, depending on the type? Let's try to understand this issue in detail.

Treatment methods for bloody diarrhea

It’s worth saying right away that bloody diarrhea in itself is a sufficient reason for immediate hospitalization of the patient. Treatment in this case will be aimed at eliminating the root cause that caused this type of diarrhea. And the cause, as is known, is various types of pathogenic bacteria. The patient is given an appointment:

antimicrobial drugs of synthetic origin;
antibiotics.

Recently, some types of bacteria have become resistant to classical antibiotics. In such a situation, it makes sense to prescribe the patient to take medications included in the group of fluoroquinolones. For example it could be:

ofloxacin;
cotrimoxazole;
ciprofloxacin;
metronizadol;
norfloxacin.

Important to know!

Diarrhea, especially when mixed with blood, can be very dangerous for the health and life of young children and the elderly.
If you notice diarrhea with blood in it, call a doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help immediately if, in addition to bloody diarrhea, you notice the following symptomatic manifestations:

profuse vomiting, including red-brown vomiting with the presence of fresh blood;
acute pain in the abdominal area;
a significant increase in body temperature (38⁰C and above);
tarry (black) stool with the presence of blood clots;
confusion;
change in urine color (darkening);
various side effects from taking medications aimed at eliminating diarrhea (allergic rashes on the surface of the skin, itching, attacks of nausea, sleep disturbance).

Methods for treating watery diarrhea

This type of diarrhea manifests itself due to the effect on the mucous membrane of the small intestine of toxins secreted by bacteria (more often in the summer) and viruses (mainly in winter). And it is not necessary that there should be a large number of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines. There may be very few of them.

Experts do not recommend treating watery diarrhea with antimicrobial medications and antibiotics. The only exception is severe diarrhea caused by cholera or salmonellosis. In such a situation, immediate hospitalization of the patient is required.
If the patient has watery diarrhea of moderate to mild severity, therapy is carried out taking into account the achievement of two main goals:

preventing the development of dehydration;
restoration of the body's electrolyte balance.

For these purposes, doctors often prescribe solutions for patients to take Regidron and Oralit. Also, a specialist, if necessary, can prescribe Loperamide and No-shpa. This applies only to adult patients, since children with diarrhea are contraindicated in taking these drugs.
To summarize the described treatment methods, it is necessary to present a table that indicates some of the procedures and types of medications prescribed for diarrhea, depending on its etiology of origin.

Type of diarrhea	Groups of medications and procedures
Intoxicating	Sorbents, drugs that normalize motility, enemas, gastric lavage
Enzymatic	Enzyme medications
Infectious	Antiseptics, enzymes, sorbents, drugs that slow down peristalsis, antibiotics
For chronic bowel diseases	Glucocorticoid hormones, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs
Medication	Sorbents, antifungal drugs, probiotics
For bleeding	Infusions, hemostatics, antiulcer drugs

Diet during treatment of diarrhea

First of all, it is necessary to avoid eating foods rich in plant fiber (fruits and vegetables), as well as foods that are difficult to digest. You should also not use:

dairy products (except low-fat cottage cheese);
bakery products (except bran bread);
fruit juices (especially grape and apple);
pickles;
any nuts, dried apricots, raisins;
legumes;
sweets;
veal, pork, lamb, duck;
smoked meats

During the treatment of any type of diarrhea, the following is allowed:

strong brewed tea;
buckwheat, oatmeal, rice;
baked vegetables and fruits;
low-fat cottage cheese;
lean meats (rabbit, turkey, chicken);
decoction of rosehip and St. John's wort;
crackers.

Treatment of diarrhea with folk remedies

To begin with, it is worth noting that folk treatment of bloody diarrhea, regardless of its severity, as well as acute watery diarrhea, should be an addition to the main therapy prescribed by the attending physician. Regarding the possibility of using certain folk remedies aimed at eliminating diarrhea, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Method No. 1

This method will help in the fight even with bloody diarrhea. It is necessary to take a small amount of the inner membranes of chicken ventricles. After drying them, grind them until a powdery mass is obtained. This powder should be taken 5 g three times a day with still water.

Method No. 2

Take a couple of tbsp. dried chamomile flowers, pour a glass of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 3 hours. Then strain the broth and take 40 ml after meals 4 times a day.

Method No. 3

An equally effective folk remedy against diarrhea is a herbal mixture consisting of the following ingredients:

snakeweed root;
shepherd's purse grass;
burnet root;
comfrey grass;
cinquefoil erecta herb.

All components must be taken in equal proportions. After mixing the herbs, pour boiling water over them and leave for an hour. Then take 20 ml three times a day.

Method No. 4

Boiled rice and rice water are excellent for diarrhea. They should be cooked strictly in water, without adding salt or any other spices. Consume several times a day as appetite appears.

Method No. 5

Pour 200 ml of alcohol into a glass of walnut partitions and leave in a dark place for 72 hours. Take the tincture twice a day, 5 drops, previously diluted in 50 ml of still water.

Preventing diarrhea

These preventive measures include maintaining body hygiene and certain rules when consuming and processing food. The following will help prevent the development of diarrhea:

thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consumption;
washing hands before eating;
proper heat treatment of food;
refusal to drink raw tap water;
refusal to take foods to which there is an individual intolerance.

Finally, I would like to give some advice. Do not think that diarrhea is a trifle and cannot be a threat to health, and in some cases, life. You should not self-medicate. If you experience diarrhea that does not go away within a few days, or there is blood and mucus in your stool, seek immediate help from a medical facility.
Take care of your health!

General information about diarrhea (diarrhea)

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is the frequent passage of liquid stool.

Most people experience intestinal upset from time to time and it is usually not a cause for serious concern. However, diarrhea is very uncomfortable and lasts from several days to a week.

Causes of diarrhea

There are many different causes of diarrhea, but the most common, in both adults and children, is gastroenteritis, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

These infectious diseases can be brought with you from travel, especially to regions with low standards of public hygiene. This is called traveler's diarrhea.

Other causes of diarrhea may include anxiety, food allergies, medications, or underlying (chronic) conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

In most cases, diarrhea will go away without treatment within a few days and you will not need to see a doctor.

However, diarrhea can cause dehydration, so you should drink plenty of fluids (frequently in small sips). Infants and young children should be kept hydrated.

To replenish fluid losses, you can buy oral rehydration solutions at the pharmacy, which are suitable for both adults and children.

Start eating solid foods as soon as you can. If you are breastfeeding and your baby has diarrhea, try not to change your feeding schedule.

Stay home for at least two days after your last episode of diarrhea to avoid infecting others.

There are medications to combat diarrhea, such as loperamide. However, they are usually not required and most should not be given to children.

Prevention of diarrhea

Diarrhea is often a consequence of an infectious disease. You can reduce your risk of diarrhea by practicing good hygiene:

wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet, before eating and preparing food;
After each episode of diarrhea, clean the toilet bowl, flush handle and toilet seat with a disinfectant;
Use separate towels, cutlery and dishes.

It is also important to practice good food and water hygiene when traveling, such as avoiding poorly treated tap water and undercooked food.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if your diarrhea attacks are very frequent or severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

blood in stool;
constant vomiting;
signs of dehydration, including drowsiness, irregular urination, and dizziness;

Also see your doctor if your or your child's bowel upset lasts particularly long, as it may indicate a more serious condition.

If you are feeling poorly overall and often need to have a bowel movement, call a doctor at home by calling your local clinic. Or find other clinics where you can call a therapist or pediatrician to your home.

Symptoms of diarrhea (diarrhea)

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. Some people may also experience other symptoms, depending on the cause of the diarrhea.

Additional symptoms:

stomach colic;
nausea and vomiting;
headache;
lack of appetite.

Excessive loss of water through stool can also lead to dehydration, which can have dire consequences if not recognized and treated early.

Signs of dehydration

Signs of dehydration in children:

irritability or drowsiness;
rare urination;
pallor or marbling of the skin;
cold hands and feet;
the child looks and feels worse and worse.

Signs of dehydration in adults:

feeling tired and lack of strength;
lack of appetite;
nausea;
fainting state;
dizziness;
dry tongue;
sunken eyes;
muscle cramps;

Loose, frequent stools in infants

Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has had six or more bouts of diarrhea in the past 24 hours, or if he has vomited three or more times in the past 24 hours.

Also seek medical attention if your nursing baby shows signs of dehydration.

Diarrhea in children over one year of age

Contact your child's doctor if your child has the following symptoms:

six or more bouts of diarrhea in the last 24 hours;
diarrhea and vomiting at the same time;
watery stools;
blood in stool;
severe or prolonged abdominal pain;
signs of dehydration;
intestinal upset lasts more than 5-7 days.

Diarrhea in adults

Call a general practitioner at home if you have diarrhea and the following symptoms:

blood in stool;
incessant vomiting;
severe weight loss;
copious watery stools;
diarrhea occurs at night and interferes with sleep;
you have recently taken antibiotics or been in hospital;
symptoms of dehydration;
very dark or black stools - this may indicate bleeding in the stomach.

Also seek medical attention if diarrhea persists for more than 2-4 days.

Causes of diarrhea (diarrhea)

The appearance of frequent loose stools is caused by insufficient absorption of fluid from the intestinal lumen or its excessive release (secretion) by the intestinal walls.

Acute diarrhea (diarrhea)

Typically, diarrhea is a symptom of gastroenteritis, which may have the following causes:

Other possible causes of short-term diarrhea:

feeling of anxiety;
excessive alcohol consumption;
food allergies;
damage to the intestinal lining as a result of radiotherapy.

Medicines

Diarrhea can also be a side effect of some medicines, including the following:

antibiotics;
antacids containing magnesium;
some chemotherapy drugs;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors;
statins (drugs to lower cholesterol);
laxatives (drugs that help with constipation).

The package insert that comes with the drug should indicate whether diarrhea (diarrhea) is among the side effects. You can also read about your drug in a pharmaceutical formulary.

Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea)

Conditions that cause long-term diarrhea include:

Irritable bowel syndrome is a poorly understood disease that disrupts bowel function;
Inflammatory bowel disease - diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis;
Celiac disease is a disease of the digestive system that causes an adverse reaction to gluten;
chronic pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
diverticular disease - a disease characterized by the appearance of small pouch-like protrusions on the walls of the intestine;
colorectal cancer - can cause diarrhea and blood in the stool.

Chronic diarrhea can also occur after gastric surgery, such as gastrectomy. This is an operation to remove part of the stomach, which, for example, is performed for a cancerous tumor.

Diagnosis of diarrhea

In most cases, there is no need to find out the exact causes of diarrhea, since intestinal upset goes away on its own within a few days, and only symptomatic remedies are used in treatment. But if the diarrhea is prolonged or severe, an examination may be required.

Below are the diagnostic methods that your doctor can perform.

General inspection

To determine the causes of intestinal distress, your doctor may ask the following questions:

what is the consistency and color of the stool, is there mucus or blood in it;
how often do you have the urge to go to the toilet?
whether you have other symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever);
whether there was contact with a sick person or travel abroad, as this may indicate infection with an infectious disease;
Have you recently eaten out, as this may indicate food poisoning;
what medications are you taking;
Have you recently experienced stress or anxiety?

The doctor will definitely examine the tongue, skin and visible mucous membranes, palpate the abdomen and check for swelling.

Stool analysis

To determine the cause of diarrhea, you may have a stool test if:

diarrhea does not go away for more than two weeks;
there is pus or blood in the stool;
there are general symptoms: dehydration, fever, etc.;
you have a weakened immune system (for example, with HIV infection);
you have recently been abroad;
you have recently been in the hospital or taken antibiotics.

If a serious infectious disease is suspected, your general practitioner may refer you to an infectious disease specialist for consultation. In some cases, hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital is required. Use our service to select an infectious diseases hospital and discuss in advance the possibility of hospitalization there with the attending physician.

Blood tests

If you suspect your diarrhea is caused by a chronic illness, your doctor may refer you for a blood test.

A complete blood count can reveal signs of inflammation and anemia. A biochemical blood test helps determine the condition of internal organs: liver, pancreas, gall bladder.

Rectal examination (examination of the rectum)

If diarrhea persists and the cause cannot be determined, your doctor may recommend a digital rectal examination, especially if you are over 50 years old.

During a rectal exam, your doctor will insert a gloved finger into your anus to check for abnormalities. This is an effective method for diagnosing diseases of the intestines and anus.

Additional examinations

If your diarrhea does not go away and your doctor cannot determine the cause, you may be referred for additional tests, such as the following:

sigmoidoscopy - an instrument called a sigmoidoscopy (a thin flexible tube with a small camera and a light bulb at the end) is inserted into the intestine through the anus;
Colonoscopy is a similar procedure in which the entire large intestine is examined using a longer tube.

Treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

Diarrhea usually goes away without treatment within a few days, especially if it was caused by an infectious disease. However, there are remedies to relieve symptoms.

In children, diarrhea usually clears up within 5-7 days and rarely lasts longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhea usually begins to subside within 2-4 days, although with some infectious diseases it can last a week or longer.

If you have diarrhea, you can relieve symptoms by following the tips below.

Drink plenty of fluids

It is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting. Drink water often and little by little.

It's best to drink plenty of liquids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as juiced water, soda, and broth. If you drink enough fluids, your urine will be almost clear and light yellow in color.

It is also important to keep infants and young children from becoming dehydrated. Give children water even if they are vomiting. It's better to drink a little fluid than nothing at all. Children should not be given juices or carbonated drinks as they may worsen the condition.

If an intestinal disorder occurs in a breastfed baby, continue to breastfeed as usual.

Food hygiene

Following the rules of food hygiene will help to avoid food poisoning and associated diarrhea. This can be done by following these recommendations:

Wash your hands, kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly with hot water and soap;
do not keep raw and cooked food together;
store food in the refrigerator;
cook food thoroughly;
never eat food that has expired.

Vaccination against rotavirus infection

Rotavirus is a virus that often causes diarrhea in children.

Nowadays, children are vaccinated against rotavirus infection in the form of drops that are placed in the child’s mouth. In Russia, vaccination is carried out for epidemic reasons (if there is a high risk of infection) free of charge.

Traveler's diarrhea

There is no vaccine that can protect you from all possible causes of traveler's diarrhea. Therefore, when going abroad, you need to follow the rules of food hygiene.

If you are in a country with poor hygiene standards, follow these guidelines:

Do not drink tap water - it must be boiled for at least one minute;
do not use cubed ice or eat ice cream;
do not eat raw or poorly cooked seafood, meat, chicken;
avoid products that may contain raw eggs, for example, mayonnaise, pastry cream;
Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, such as cheese;
do not eat fruits and vegetables with damaged skins;
refrain from ready-made salads.

The following are generally safe to eat and drink:

hot food that has been heat-treated;
bottled water, soda and alcohol;
fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself;
tea or coffee.

If you are planning a trip abroad, please read the relevant travel advisories in advance.

Localization and translation prepared by site. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content

All site materials have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow us to take into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only complements it. The articles have been prepared for informational purposes and are advisory in nature.

Diarrhea is a condition in which a person has frequent, watery stools. Painful cramps and flatulence accompany diarrhea in an adult; The causes and treatment of diarrhea are closely related, since the treatment of diarrhea caused by an intestinal infection does not coincide with the prescription for congenital enzyme deficiency, etc.

Causes and types of diarrhea

What can cause diarrhea? The frequency of normal stool varies among people, but normally 100-300 g of stool should be present every day. If diarrhea begins, the frequency of stool increases from 4 to 20 times a day. The amount of water in it sharply increases, so its daily weight exceeds the standard.

In adults, the causes of diarrhea are very diverse:

Intestinal diseases.
Lesions of other organs caused by disorders of motor or secretory function.
Poisoning.
Effect of medications, etc.

When the causes of diarrhea in an adult are associated with intestinal dysfunction, it may be:

Diarrhea in an adult, the causes of which lie in diseases of other organs, can be divided into diarrhea:

Caused by metabolic disorders due to amyloidosis, hypovitaminosis, etc.
Gastric. That is, those that occur with gastritis with secretory insufficiency, cancer, or after partial removal of the stomach.
Pancreatic (for cystic fibrosis, inflammation and pancreatic cancer).
Hepatogenic. They sometimes accompany hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Endocrine. Any hormonal disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands - the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and others - can cause very loose diarrhea.

What else could cause diarrhea?

Prolonged diarrhea can plague people who suffer from food allergies - intolerance to lactose, gluten and galactose.
Water diarrhea in an adult occurs when poisoned by poor quality food, alcohol, poisonous mushrooms, or salts of heavy metals.
Watery diarrhea can be a consequence of taking medications - antibiotics, digitalis preparations, laxatives, cytostatics, etc.

Unexpected water diarrhea in women can coincide with menstruation. 1/3 of the fairer sex experience problems with the digestive tract during menstrual periods. The exact mechanism of this disorder has not been fully identified, but it is thought to be due to increased levels of prostaglandins, which activate peristalsis.

Features of diarrhea for diagnosis

Diarrhea has its own distinctive features; it is important to take into account the color, consistency, as well as the presence of small inclusions, mucus and blood. All this information must be provided to the doctor at the appointment. Watery diarrhea often accompanies a bacterial, viral or intestinal infection. The color may be yellow, light brown or greenish. Important information can be gleaned from a stool test.

Persistent diarrhea can be caused by enteritis, colitis, Crohn's disease, peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, as well as other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If the disease has caused internal bleeding in the upper or middle part of the digestive system, black diarrhea will appear.

Diarrhea that is light yellow or pale brown in color indicates problems hidden in the small intestine. Pasty stools, repeated no more than 3 times a day, are characteristic of damage to the initial part of the small intestine. The disease, which develops in the ileum, usually causes yellow, foamy diarrhea, like water, repeated 6-8 times a day.

Diarrhea that appears for no apparent reason and does not go away for a long time (2 weeks or longer) in elderly and middle-aged people is a reason to check the intestines for the presence of tumors. If you have colon cancer, there may be blood in your stool.

Treatment of pathology

The causes and treatment of diarrhea are interrelated. If diarrhea does not go away within 3 days, you should consult a doctor for medical help. Otherwise, the patient's diarrhea can cause dehydration and other complications. The causes of diarrhea are of paramount importance, because the underlying disease needs to be treated. Along with this, the patient is prescribed medications aimed at eliminating diarrhea.

A severe form of dehydration, when the patient experiences loss of skin turgor, dry skin and mucous membranes, must be replenished with drip intravenous infusions of Disol, Trisol, and glucose. The patient must be given water, 2 or more liters per day.

Infectious diarrhea in an adult requires appropriate antibacterial drugs and intestinal antibiotics. Along with this, adsorbents, enzyme preparations, as well as agents that restore intestinal motility can be recommended.

Special diet

Prolonged diarrhea (diarrhea) takes away strength, sometimes it does not go away even at night. A person has a stomach ache and loss of appetite, as food begins to be associated with unpleasant sensations and pain. What to do? To begin with, forget about foods that stimulate intestinal motility and enhance the production of digestive enzymes. Food should be neutral, light and have a fixing effect.

In the first couple of days, it is advisable to drink a decoction of chamomile and bird cherry, green tea, cranberry and blueberry jelly. Sugary drinks are undesirable, as they can cause fermentation and increase gas formation and painful cramps.

White bread crackers, rice water and bananas are preferred. After a few days, you can switch to mashed potatoes, rice porridge with water, slimy soup, boiled lean meat, vegetables and fish. In order not to burden the stomach and intestines, food must be consumed pureed. Chronic diarrhea requires a long-term diet, maintained for 2-3 months.

During the treatment period, you should forget about eating raw vegetables, boiled beets, plums, apricots, figs, sauces and spices. People with lactose or gluten intolerance will have to spend their entire lives avoiding foods that contain ingredients that are harmful to them.

Replenishing fluid loss

This is a very important component of the treatment of diarrhea, since a person with constant diarrhea loses not only water, but also vital electrolyte salts (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Lethargy, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, extreme thirst, loss of appetite, decreased volume and darkening of urine, decreased blood pressure and accelerated heartbeat are just an incomplete list of symptoms that accompany constant water diarrhea in an adult; treatment of mild dehydration may be limited to drinking plenty of fluids. To do this, use clean water, herbal tea, a solution of Regidron or Citroglucosolan. You can prepare a similar solution yourself. Pour 500 ml of chilled boiled water into a liter jar, add 2 tbsp. l. sugar and ¼ tsp. salt and soda. Mix everything well. If severe diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, dehydration occurs faster, but you need to drink liquid in small portions - a couple of sips with a 5-minute break.

The pharmacy Regidron includes potassium chloride, but it is difficult to find at home. To compensate to some extent for the loss of potassium salts, you can drink a glass of natural orange juice or a decoction of dried apricots.

Sorbents.

Sorbents are used to bind and remove pathogenic microorganisms, their waste products, toxins, food allergens, ethanol and excess gases from the body. For non-infectious diarrhea, sorbents reduce flatulence and abdominal pain associated with intestinal distension. The class of sorbents includes:

Activated carbon. An adult can take 10-15 tablets during the day, and in case of acute poisoning, the amount increases to several packs.
Calcium gluconate and carbonate.
Preparations containing bismuth salt (De-nol, Venter) are practically not absorbed in the intestines, but they help the feces to form.
Smecta is dissolved in ¼ glass of water and taken before meals 3 times a day.
Lignin preparations (Filtrum, Bilignin, Polyphepan).
Atapulgite is a colloidal preparation containing aluminum and magnesium silicate. Start with 2 tablets, and then take 2 pieces after each bowel movement. The daily dose is no more than 12 tablets.
Cholestyramine is an anion exchange resin that, once in the intestine, binds bile acids and helps remove them from the body. This medicine is indicated for diarrhea caused by liver and gallbladder diseases.

Remember that sorbents can neutralize other medications, so they are taken with a break of at least 2 hours.

Drugs to reduce intestinal secretion.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc.) have a similar effect. They are recommended to be taken for acute bacterial diarrhea for no longer than 5 days. There are some exceptions: patients with ulcerative colitis take sulfosalazine for a long time. Steroid medications (Metypred, Prednisolone) have a similar effect in patients with Crohn's disease.

Herbal medicine.

Extracts, infusions and decoctions of some plants are successfully used in the treatment of diarrhea. This can be a decoction of pomegranate peels, oak bark, bird cherry fruits, alder cones, etc. They reduce secretion in the intestines and have an astringent effect.

It happens that watery diarrhea does not go away even after the intestinal infection is eliminated. In this case, you always need to take into account what causes diarrhea. One possibility may be a malabsorption of water and an imbalance in the production of digestive enzymes. Doctors recommend medications that do not contain bile acids - Pancreatin, Pancitrate, Mezim Forte, Creon.

Enzyme preparations.

Medicines that affect intestinal motility.

Why is there very loose stool? Sometimes diarrhea occurs with active intestinal peristalsis. A similar phenomenon accompanies irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. To reduce intestinal tone and motility, Loperamide (Imodium, Suprilol, Enterobene, Loperadium) is prescribed. Please note that Loperamide and its analogs cannot be used for infectious diarrhea. Since a delay in the excretion of toxins and excess pathogenic flora with feces can cause severe intoxication, a rise in temperature and a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Loperamide does not help with diabetic enteropathy and intestinal amyloidosis. To treat these types of diarrhea, Octreotide is used, which slows down intestinal activity and enhances the absorption of water and nutrients.

Antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Papaverine) and anticholinergic drugs (Platifilin, Atropine) reduce peristalsis. They are indicated for acute diarrhea with abdominal pain.

Probiotics.

Frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by dysbiosis, so for several weeks or months it is recommended to take drugs that restore normal microflora in the intestines. These include:

Agents with transient flora (Bactisuptil, Enterol).
Preparations that include obliterative intestinal flora (Linex, Bifidobacteria + Lactobacterin, Polybacterin, Linex, Acipol, Bifiform, etc.).
Products containing particles of intestinal bacteria and substrates of their metabolism (Hilak forte).

Long-term diarrhea leads to dehydration, loss of electrolytes, lack of nutrients and other negative phenomena. If you suffer from water diarrhea and it does not go away within 3 days, urgent hospitalization and examination are necessary.

How to properly treat hemorrhoids at home

Have you ever tried to get rid of hemorrhoids at home on your own? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, victory was not on your side. And of course you know firsthand what it is:

seeing blood on paper once again;
wake up in the morning with the thought of how to reduce swollen, painful lumps;
suffer every trip to the toilet from discomfort, itching or an unpleasant burning sensation;
again and again hope for success, look forward to results and be upset by a new ineffective drug.