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How to treat acute diarrhea. Symptoms and treatment of diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea is increased frequency of bowel movements for less than 3 weeks

Acute diarrhea Abnormally increased frequency or decreased consistency of stools for less than 3 weeks.
Osmotic diarrhea. Caused by the use of a solution that is poorly absorbed (malabsorption of carbohydrates; absorption of mannitol, sorbitol, lactulose, deficiency of disaccharidases: lactose intolerance, pancreatic insufficiency, diseases of the small intestinal mucosa: tropical sprue [gluten-sensitive enteropathy]; excessive consumption of antacids containing magnesium ).
Secretory diarrhea. Increased secretion or decreased absorption in the small intestine. This may be a consequence of bacterial enterotoxins, infections in patients with AIDS (Cryptosporidium spp. and M. avium complex); hormonal secretagogues, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which is secreted by pancreatic tumors and causes “pancreatic cholera”; carcinoid; hypersecretion of gastrin (for example, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome); or laxatives. Characterized by large volume, watery stools without blood or white blood cells.
Exudative diarrhea. Inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and eosinophilic gastroenteritis; radiation enterocolitis; infection by invasive organisms, cytotoxins, ischemia or vasculitis. The intestinal lining becomes inflamed, causing mucus, blood and pus to leak into the intestinal lumen.
Impaired mobility. Normal discharge diarrhea (< 250 г/день) характеризуется маленькими по объему, частыми и сформированными испражнениями, ассоциированными со срочной необходимостью. Причины включают гипертиреоидизм, аноректальные заболевания, проктит или копростаз, синдром раздраженного кишечника.

Causes of acute diarrhea

Diagnosis of acute diarrhea

Treatment of acute diarrhea

Fluid recovery

Orally (clear liquids, oral rehydration solutions containing sodium and glucose).
Intravenously (normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution, especially if severe dehydration or persistent vomiting is present).

Absorbents

Absorbents (aluminum hydroxide). They do not change the course of the disease or reduce fluid loss, but they allow the patient to have greater control over the time of bowel movements. Medicines should be taken at least 1/2 hour before or 2 hours after consuming absorbents.

Antisecretory substances

Antisecretory substances such as bismuth subsalicylate. The usual dose is 30 ml every 30 minutes for up to 8 doses.

Antiperistaltic agents

Antiperistaltic agents, in particular anticholinergic agents and opiate derivatives. Do not use in patients with fever, systemic toxicity, or bloody diarrhea. Stop if no improvement; or if the patient deteriorates. However, antiperistaltic agents are otherwise safe in adult patients with diarrhea. Antiperistalsis agents have been used safely in children, but are not standard of care and should be used only after careful consideration.
Diphenoxylate with atropine. Exists in the form of tablets (2.5 mg diphenoxylate) and liquid (2.5 mg diphenoxylate/5 ml). The starting dose is two tablets 4/day (20 mg/day). For children, the dose is 0.1 mg/kg/dose 4/day. The dose is reduced to zero with the cessation of diarrhea. It is not indicated for diarrhea caused by pseudomembranous colitis or enterotoxin-producing or invasive microorganisms. Lomotil should not be used if you have ulcerative colitis or if you are under 2 years of age. Lomotil is quite toxic with a narrow therapeutic interval in children.
Loperamide (Imodium). Available over the counter as 2 mg capsules and liquid (1 mg/5 ml). Increases intestinal absorption of electrolytes and water and reduces intestinal motility and secretion. The adult dose is 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg after each diarrheal stool, to a maximum of 16 mg in a single 24-hour period. In children, the dose is based on age, children 2-5 years old receive 1 mg 3 times a day, 6-8 years old 2 mg 2 times a day and 9-12 years old receive 2 mg 3 times a day on the first day of treatment. Next, 0.1 mg/kg is administered after each diarrheal stool, but not more than the total daily dose recommended for the first day of treatment. Loperamide is safe and reduces the number of failed stools and the duration of diarrhea in patients with Shigella dysentery treated with ciprofloxacin.

Antibiotics

Not necessary for most episodes of diarrhea. Once a specimen is obtained for culture, empiric treatment is reasonable to cover Shigella and Campylobacter in patients with severe diarrhea, systemic signs, or heme-positive diarrhea. A 3-day course of fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin 500 mg po bid or norfloxacin 400 mg po bid) is first-line therapy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim O/S 1 tablet po/day) is an alternative treatment, but resistant microorganisms are common. If diarrhea is caused by consumption of seafood, infection with Vibrio Cholerae or Vibrio parahaemolyticus is possible and can be treated with a fluoroquinolone or doxycycline 100 mg po 2/day. Antibiotics may increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome in patients infected with E. coli.

Diarrhea is a syndrome in which the patient has an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, the stool becomes liquid and frequent, sometimes accompanied by bloody discharge. In healthy people, the frequency of stool is 1-2 times a day or once every two days. The volume of feces is about 300-400 grams per day.

When symptoms of diarrhea persist for up to 14 days, it is called acute diarrhea. And if diarrhea persists for more than two weeks, they already speak of the development of chronic diarrhea.

Reasons

The following are the most common causes of diarrhea:

Acute intestinal infections

  • dysentery;
  • salmonellosis;
  • cholera.

Acute viral diseases

  • rotavirus infection;
  • enterovirus infection;
  • adenovirus infection.

Intestinal diseases

  • ulcerative colitis;
  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • oncological diseases of the intestine;
  • Crohn's disease.

Disruption of digestive processes with

  • pancreatitis;
  • celiac disease;
  • lactose intolerance.

Endocrine diseases

  • diabetes mellitus;
  • thyrotoxicosis.
  • giardiasis;
  • amoebiasis.

Diarrhea after long-term use of medications:

  • antibiotics;
  • laxatives;
  • drugs that reduce stomach acidity and contain magnesium;
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Travelers' diarrhea - develops with a sharp change in climate, diet, or water quality.

Of course, the main symptom that unites all these diseases is diarrhea. But each disease has its own characteristic developmental features and additional symptoms. Next, let's take a closer look at the most common of them.

Features of diarrhea in various diseases

Acute intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, cholera)

They develop when consuming contaminated foods or water. Dysentery and salmonellosis develop quickly with increasing symptoms.

Loose stools can reach 20-30 bowel movements per day. At the same time, the patient experiences cramping pain in the abdomen. Signs of intoxication of the body develop. Body temperature rises to febrile levels (39-40 degrees), general weakness increases.

After bowel movement, a false urge to defecate occurs, accompanied by pain in the rectal area - tenesmus. As stool frequency increases, dehydration develops. This manifests itself in dry skin and oral mucosa, increased heart rate (tachycardia), and decreased blood pressure. Severe general weakness appears.

The most severe intestinal infection is cholera. Cholera is one of the most dangerous infections. When it appears, a huge number of people get sick, and pandemics develop.

The disease is characterized by an acute, sudden onset. The patient develops uncontrollable vomiting and profuse, loose, watery stools. There is no abdominal pain during or after defecation. Due to the severity of diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration of the body soon develops, which is accompanied by the appearance of tachycardia, hypotension (low blood pressure), and convulsive syndrome. The disease often occurs without fever. The patient requires emergency medical care and isolation.

Acute respiratory diseases

Diarrhea syndrome develops with adenovirus, rotavirus and enterovirus infections. With all these infections, symptoms characteristic of damage to the respiratory tract develop: the patient develops a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Symptoms of intoxication appear - fever up to 38.5 degrees, increased fatigue, headache, body aches.

Also, damage to the gastrointestinal tract develops like acute gastroenteritis - there may be vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, loose stools. The patient’s symptoms of gastroenteritis go away on their own and the symptoms of damage to the upper respiratory tract come first.

Intestinal diseases

With intestinal diseases - ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal cancer, an inflammatory process develops in the mucous membrane, erosions and ulcers occur on the mucous membrane. This leads to the release of fluid, electrolytes, and proteins into the intestinal lumen.

Constant pain in the abdomen appears, and there may be an increase in body temperature to 37.5-38.0 degrees. The stool is liquid with an admixture of blood, and the appearance of pus is also noted. Due to chronic blood loss, the patient develops anemia (decreased hemoglobin). When examining the intestines, signs of inflammation of the mucous membrane (hyperemia, swelling) can be detected.

With irritable bowel syndrome there are no signs of organic intestinal damage. An increase in motor activity of the intestinal wall develops, and motility increases. Food passes through the intestines at a higher speed and the liquid does not have time to be absorbed into the intestinal walls. This diagnosis is a diagnosis of exclusion, that is, it is made when no other diseases are detected. It often occurs at a young age and is triggered by stress. In addition to diarrhea, there may be flatulence (bloating) and minor abdominal pain.

Digestive disorders

During exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis, the digestion process is disrupted due to insufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes. The patient develops signs characteristic of pancreatitis - pain in the umbilical area or girdling pain, which can be extremely pronounced. Such pain is accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient. Liquid, copious stool appears, which is difficult to flush from the walls of the toilet, due to the increased fat content in the stool (steatorrhea). In chronic pancreatitis, diarrhea is also chronic. Intensification of symptoms is caused by non-compliance with the diet for pancreatitis, consumption of fatty, smoked, spicy, and alcohol-containing drinks. An ultrasound examination reveals signs of inflammation of the pancreas; a blood test can reveal an increase in amylase, the enzyme responsible for inflammation of the pancreas.

Celiac disease develops in the absence of the enzyme responsible for breaking down grains. Diarrhea is also chronic.

Lactose intolerance lacks the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for digesting cow's milk proteins. Diarrhea appears after eating dairy products.

Endocrinological diseases

With endocrinological diseases, fluid absorption and intestinal motility are impaired. There is an increase in the speed of food passage through the intestines and the liquid does not have time to be absorbed into the intestinal mucosa.

Traveler's diarrhea

It develops with a change in diet and water in people traveling to other climatic zones. The frequency of bowel movements can reach ten times during the day, and moderate abdominal pain may occur. Most often it goes away within 5-7 days.

Diarrhea after taking medications

It differs in that when the drugs that cause diarrhea are discontinued, the symptoms go away on their own. You may need to take medications that restore intestinal microflora.

Treatment of diarrhea

Drug treatment of diarrhea is carried out in conjunction with diet (see below).

Sorbent drugs are prescribed - they promote the rapid removal of harmful substances from the body.

*First aid for diarrhea is Enterosgel, a drug in the form of a soft paste with a neutral taste. The delicate structure of this product does not injure the internal lining of the stomach and intestines. The porous enterosorbent, like a sponge, absorbs and reliably holds bacteria and particles of harmful substances, ensuring their removal from the body naturally. The native microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract is not affected, since it is not adsorbed by this drug.

If dehydrated:

  • rehydron - dilute the contents of the package in 1 liter of boiled water, consume 1 liter per day until symptoms are completely eliminated.

When increasing intestinal motility, antidiarrheal drugs are used:

  • imodium,
  • loperamide

Antibacterial drugs (Normax, Enterofuril) are used strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

  • bifiform,
  • Linux,
  • bifidumbacterin.

Treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy

For diarrhea during pregnancy, treatment should begin with following a diet and taking adsorbents (Smecta, Enterosgel) in normal dosages.

If you have frequent loose stools and vomiting, you can start taking rehydron to avoid the development of dehydration. It is recommended to take drugs that restore intestinal microflora (Bifiform, Linex) in normal dosages.

Antibacterial drugs are prescribed by a doctor.

Diet

Diet plays a big role in the treatment of diarrhea. In some cases (with lactose intolerance, celiac disease, pacreatitis), diarrhea can be eliminated only by following a diet.

All measures are aimed at reducing mechanical and chemical effects on the intestinal mucosa. We recommend foods that are easily digested in the intestines.

Should be avoided

  • salty, spicy, smoked;
  • alcoholic beverages;
  • conservation;
  • sodas; caffeinated drinks;
  • chocolate.

Puree soups are well digestible. To coat the mucous membrane, it is recommended to use jelly and rice water. It is better to exclude fresh yeast bread; you can eat bread in dried form (crackers).

If you have lactase deficiency, you must avoid dairy products.

For celiac disease, foods made from barley, oats, rye and wheat are excluded.

Normally, the frequency of bowel movements ranges from twice a day to three times a week. An increase in the frequency of bowel movements accompanied by a decrease in stool density is interpreted as a satisfactory, but still imprecise, definition of diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is defined as three or more bowel movements per day for at least 2 weeks. If the disease manifests itself for more than 14 days, then such diarrhea is usually called persistent. If the duration of symptoms exceeds 1 month, then it is called chronic.

Symptoms

Due to its low density, diarrheal stool tends to take the shape of the container in which it is placed. Visually, it is characterized as loose or watery. Some people mistakenly believe that diarrhea is a condition caused by an increase in the amount of stool, but the consistency of the stool is key. Associated symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal cramps;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomit;
  • General fatigue.

Features of the stool can sometimes lead to the cause of the disease. For example, with pathology of the small intestine, the stool is copious, watery and often associated with malabsorption. Often accompanied by dehydration. Diarrhea caused by pathology of the colon is more often associated with rare, small stools streaked with blood.

Causes of acute diarrhea

In case of intoxication, as a rule, the leading symptoms are nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea, and less often an increase in temperature is observed. Vomiting that begins 6 hours after ingestion should suggest food poisoning caused by preformed S. aureus or B. Cereus toxins. When the incubation period lasts more than 14 hours, and vomiting prevails among the key symptoms, then the influence of viral agents must be assumed.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing acute diarrhea, the most important thing is to identify the cause that caused the stool disorder. To do this, it is necessary to collect a history of the disease from the patient, clarify what he ate until recently, and also need to conduct a physical examination to assess the general condition of the patient.

History taking and physical examination

Careful questioning of the patient provides valuable clues that can assist in diagnosis and selection of the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment. Acute diarrhea, as a rule, is of infectious origin, so when diagnosing you need to focus on this feature.

It is necessary to find out from the patient what medications he is taking or has taken previously. Of greatest diagnostic interest are antibiotics and antacids, as well as the presence of alcohol abuse.

You should also ask the patient about his diet, find out the amount of foods consumed containing non-absorbable carbohydrates and fat substitutes. Dairy products, shellfish, large amounts of fruit, juice and caffeinated drinks are also suspect.

In addition, when collecting anamnesis, it is necessary to take into account the place of residence, the patient, the source of drinking water (purified city or well), consumption of raw milk, meat, fish, and contact with farm animals that can spread diseases such as salmonellosis and brucellosis.

Physical examination for diarrhea assesses the severity of the disease and hydration status. It includes determination of vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure) and signs of dehydration (dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor and confusion).

Of great importance is the examination of the abdominal wall, its tension, bloating, as well as an assessment of the nature and consistency of stool. Even if the stool does not contain blood, it must be tested to determine occult blood.

Often, a proper history and physical examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis, but the treatment of some diseases requires a more in-depth diagnosis, which will allow more specific treatment to be prescribed and unnecessary interventions to be prevented. Stool testing should be ordered for patients who have had diarrhea for one day and have the following symptoms:

  • Fever;
  • Bloody stool;
  • History of systemic disease;
  • Recent antibiotic treatment;
  • If hospitalized or severely dehydrated.

Studies in selected patients with acute diarrhea

Patients suffering from acute diarrhea need to undergo the following series of tests:

Assessing stool for white blood cells is an excellent initial test because it can confirm the presence of inflammatory processes in the intestines.

Mechanism of stool consistency disorder

If the test is negative, then a bacterial culture may not be necessary, but if the test is positive, then a bacteriological examination must be performed. In addition, practitioners need to be aware that inflammatory diarrhea of ​​non-infectious origin may be accompanied by an increase in the number of white blood cells in the stool.

Treatment

The basis for the treatment of acute diarrhea is the normalization of water and electrolyte balance, diet correction and drug treatment. All recommendations are consistent with the core principles for the management of acute infectious diarrhea in adults published by the American College of Gastroenterology.

Rehydration

In most cases, with acute diarrhea, normalization of water and electrolyte balance is the most important part of treatment. If the patient is not overtly dehydrated, oral rehydration with soft drinks, fruit juice, broth, or soup is recommended.

Intravenous infusion

Patients who have lost a large amount of fluid are prescribed more aggressive treatment measures, consisting of intravenous infusion or oral rehydration using isotonic electrolyte solutions containing glucose or starch.

Diet

Complete abstinence from food is neither required nor recommended. Calories obtained from the digestion and assimilation of foods are necessary for the renewal of intestinal cells. Patients are recommended to eat frequent small meals, including fruit juices, tea, and soft, easily digestible foods such as:

  • Bananas;
  • Applesauce;
  • Boiled potatoes;
  • Noodles;
  • Crackers;
  • Bread toast.

Dairy products should be avoided as the lactase they contain can be a breeding ground for bacteria. You should also avoid alcohol, as well as foods and drinks that can increase bowel movements.

Medicines

Antidiarrheals will help relieve the symptom, but will not cure the underlying condition. The most effective representatives of this group are opium derivatives (Loperamide). They reduce intestinal motility, but do not affect the nervous system.

If the infectious nature of the disease is confirmed, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. To prevent dysbiosis, it is better to combine them with probiotics.

Acute diarrhea sometimes becomes a symptom of various diseases of the internal organs. More often the signal comes from the gastrointestinal tract. Acute diarrhea occurs with discomfort in the abdomen: pain, bloating, pain, attacks of nausea, etc. The number of trips to the toilet per day increases, while the stool is liquid or mushy in consistency.

Children are at risk for developing acute diarrhea. According to medical statistics, every child before reaching the age of five suffers from a digestive system disorder.

Diarrhea, if not chronic, lasts up to 14 days. Lack of adequate treatment leads to an acute form. Therapy in this case is different, different methods are used.

Gastrointestinal disorders manifest themselves in different ways. Depending on the degree of intoxication of the body, mild symptoms of malaise or severe symptoms occur, provoking a significant deterioration in health and death.

It is not diarrhea that is dangerous, but human actions in an attempt to get rid of toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, beneficial microflora, vitamins and microelements are washed out of the internal organs along with harmful bacteria. The body becomes dehydrated, which leads to disruption of internal systems.

Acute diarrhea does not occur due to a single illness. As a rule, there are many provoking factors:

  • Poisoning. Negative effects of toxins as a result of abuse of alcoholic beverages, ingestion of household and industrial chemicals.

Symptoms of the disease

The course of acute diarrhea is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. This allows the doctor to make a preliminary diagnosis of infection.

What does an adult patient suffering from an acute gastrointestinal disorder complain about:

  • Frequent urge to defecate, loose stools interspersed with mucus, blood or pus.
  • The pain syndrome extends not only to the abdominal area. Complaints are received about headaches with varying degrees of intensity.
  • The skin turns red and rashes appear.
  • The body temperature rises and the patient develops a fever.
  • Weakness, the appearance of seizures is noted.
  • Nausea, profuse vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Painful symptoms in the muscles.
  • Loss of consciousness or temporary confusion may occur.

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out through examination and testing. The patient's stool is examined first. By examining the composition of stool, the laboratory technician sees information about the severity of the condition and identifies what caused the diarrhea.

The danger of intestinal infection is great: the patient rapidly loses strength due to constant.

An acute form of illness occurs unexpectedly, bringing on other symptoms with increasing intensity over a short period of time - fever, pain, cramps, lack of appetite and fatigue.

Acute diarrhea appears and goes away within 3-4 days (rarely a week) provided adequate treatment. If therapy is absent or is not carried out effectively, the disease leads to dehydration and other symptoms:

  • Dry skin.
  • The volume of urine decreases. The color of urine changes from yellow to dark brown.
  • The patient becomes irritable and indifferent.
  • A feeling of a swollen tongue appears in the mouth, and saliva becomes viscous.
  • Tingling sensation in the limbs.
  • Heart rate increases.

Symptoms of diarrhea in adults

The resistance of a particular person’s body varies. Acute gastrointestinal disorders cause symptoms of varying intensity. The main symptom that manifests itself in all patients is the same:

  • Diarrhea appears unexpectedly.
  • The urge to go to the toilet increases to 5-6 times a day. There were cases of 10-15 bowel movements.
  • Feces contain an abundance of water and mucus. There are splashes of blood.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Due to frequent bowel movements, pain and irritation appear in the rectum and in the area of ​​the anal outlet.

Symptoms of diarrhea in children

In young children, the period of acute diarrhea is difficult and with serious complications. The body of small children and infants has not matured, and the immune system is not able to effectively resist attacking microbes and bacteria. It is noted that it is impossible to cope with the new product due to insufficient production of the necessary enzyme.

The appearance of acute diarrhea in a baby leads to severe dehydration. Parents take measures to stop the removal of fluid from the child’s body. Baby feces differ in consistency and color from adult feces. This is a mushy stool, yellowish in color, without foreign inclusions. Copious bowel movements, accompanied by discharge and spasmodic phenomena in the abdominal area, indicate the appearance of acute diarrhea. If a child feels sick and vomits at the same time, the body rapidly loses water. To prevent symptoms of dehydration, parents give the baby plenty of fluids to drink to help replenish lost moisture.

Types of disorders

Doctors divide acute diarrhea into several types depending on the method of occurrence.

Secretory diarrhea

During the period of acute secretory diarrhea, an increased release of electrolytes is observed in the intestines. This occurs due to the impact of pathogenic microorganisms on the mucous membrane of the organ walls. The disease is manifested by liquid bowel movements, more than 1 liter per day. Secretory diarrhea does not provoke cramping in the abdomen and does not depend on the contents of the diet.

Osmolar diarrhea

In the body, disturbances occur in the process of digesting food and absorbing nutrients in the intestines - osmolar diarrhea appears. The appearance of particles of undigested food in the stool is typical.

The etiology of this type of diarrhea is the use of medications that have a laxative effect, non-compliance with the instructions for use. The disorder can also be triggered by a lack of enzymatic substances when a certain product appears in the diet. Long-term fasting or stopping the use of laxatives can help stop osmolar diarrhea.

Exudative diarrhea

Diarrhea, characterized by the appearance of mucus or blood in the patient's feces. A viral inflammatory process occurs on the intestinal mucosa, which contributes to the occurrence of diarrhea.

Hyperkinetic diarrhea

Occurs as a result of certain diseases of the nervous system or stress. As a result of increased motor activity in the intestinal tract, food quickly moves through the digestive system. It is poorly digested and has an irritating effect on the walls of the organ, which leads to the appearance of irritable bowel syndrome.

Hypokinetic diarrhea

Once in a beneficial environment, pathogenic microorganisms multiply and disrupt the local microflora, provoking the occurrence of hyperkinetic diarrhea. The stool contains particles of poorly digested fat. There is a strong smell of feces.

Treatment

When choosing treatment methods, remember: it is not the symptoms that need to be treated, but the source of the disease.

Since diarrhea is a dangerous ailment that can significantly worsen health, the choice of medications is made according to the principle of “do no harm.” Strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations and the instructions for use of the drug will help you quickly get rid of diarrhea and the accompanying symptoms.

Not all diarrhea can be cured at home; there are signs of serious pathologies that cannot be avoided without medical help:

  • Increased body temperature. The fever does not subside within 2-3 days.
  • A symptom of dehydration. The patient is dizzy, thirsty, general weakness, vomiting.
  • Spasmodic and burning pain in the abdomen.
  • The stool contains blood or the stool turns black.

The absence of indications for an emergency call to an ambulance allows you to begin treatment with medications sold in pharmacies.

Sorbents

The action of drugs included in the group of sorbents is aimed at binding toxins and other toxic substances found in the stomach and intestines. Then it is safely removed from the body naturally along with feces. Smecta, Polysorb, activated carbon, Atoxil - help get rid of pathogenic microorganisms, have an astringent effect, and help stop acute diarrhea. The effect of use is noticeable if you take these drugs after the first signs of the disorder appear.

Rehydration products

During the period of diarrhea and profuse vomiting, fluid leaves the human body in large volumes and the water-salt balance is disturbed. Regidron is used to replenish lost moisture and salts. The drug solution replenishes lost fluid and restores electrolyte balance.

Antibiotics

Antimicrobial drugs are prescribed to combat severe forms of the disorder, such as dysentery, salmonellosis, etc. The attending physician, based on examination and test data, prescribes antibiotics and a course of treatment.

Diarrhea(popular name - diarrhea) - a painful condition of the human body, accompanied by frequent loose (watery) stools and, in most cases, pain in the abdomen, high fever and vomiting.

Diarrhea (diarrhea)- a symptom that causes, and is therefore quite dangerous for children and the elderly, which, if not given proper attention, can lead to serious consequences, even death.

According to statistics for 2009, more than 1.5 million children (under 5 years of age) died from diarrhea in third world countries.

Types of diarrhea

Medicine distinguishes between two types of diarrhea (diarrhea) - acute and chronic, the symptoms of which are generally similar. The main difference is the duration and other accompanying symptoms.

Acute diarrhea

The duration is usually short, 1 – 14 days. The causes of loose stools in acute diarrhea can be: allergic reactions to medications, food poisoning, as well as various infections (viruses, bacteria).

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) is persistent, prolonged diarrhea (diarrhea) with possible periods of remission. Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) can lead to weakening and dehydration of the body, and can also be a symptom of a hidden disease, so you should definitely see a doctor to prescribe treatment for an intestinal disorder.

Possible causes of chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) as an intestinal disease: ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), drug therapy, endocrine diseases, etc.

Symptoms accompanying diarrhea (diarrhea) are as follows:

  • feces with blood;

See a doctor immediately if:

  • diarrhea continues in a child for more than 2 days, in an adult for more than 5 days;
  • high body temperature;
  • stool that is dark, bloody, or contains mucus;
  • there is severe and prolonged abdominal pain (more than 2 hours);
  • nausea and vomiting appeared;
  • diarrhea began after a trip to Africa, Asia and other exotic parts of the planet;
  • signs of dehydration appeared.

You should immediately consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms occur in infants or the elderly.

Causes of acute diarrhea:

Causes of chronic diarrhea:

In most cases, diarrhea goes away on its own within 2 days. The main thing these days is to stick to your diet and also prevent dehydration. That is why experts prescribe patients plenty of fluids and other means to prevent the body from losing the necessary amount of fluid for its normal functioning.

If diarrhea does not go away within 2 days in a child or 5 days in an adult, consult a doctor who, based on the examination, can prescribe medications and, if necessary, refer you to the hospital for tests and treatment.

Basically, treatment of diarrhea includes the following set of measures:

— diet;
— maintaining the body’s water balance;
- drug treatment at home;
- treatment in a hospital (if the doctor has concerns or diarrhea does not go away for a long time).

Diet for diarrhea

What to eat for diarrhea? We have selected some useful recommendations:

— For diarrhea, it is necessary to drink plenty of liquid (water, still mineral water, broth), preferably warm or at room temperature.

— If you have no appetite and feel cramps in the abdomen, then it is better to refrain from eating;

— Eat food in small doses;

- If an infant has diarrhea, continue to breastfeed him, but if he is bottle-fed. When bottle feeding, replace cow's milk with clean water.

If you have diarrhea, you should avoid the following foods:

  • fatty and fried foods;
  • coffee;
  • alcohol;
  • milk and fermented milk products (yogurt, fermented baked milk);
  • fruit juices (except apple);
  • grapes, plums and most other fresh fruits;
  • legumes, beets, radishes, radishes, cucumbers and other green vegetables;
  • sweets;
  • sauces, ketchups, mayonnaise and spices;
  • black bread

What to eat for diarrhea:

  • boiled rice, oatmeal and other grains;
  • white bread crackers;
  • potatoes and other boiled or baked vegetables;
  • lean meat, can be in the form of cutlets or meatballs, but always steamed or boiled;
  • applesauce;
  • bananas.

Medicines for diarrhea

It is better to take medications after seeing a doctor. If there is still such a need, then you can take them, but strictly follow the instructions for use and remember that if over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs are taken for a long time, diarrhea can become chronic and provoke more serious disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Antidiarrheal group:“Enterol”, “Eubikor”, “Mezim Forte”, “Smecta”, “Enterosgel”, “Imodium”, “Hilak Forte”, “Loperamide Akri”, “Panzinorm Forte”, “Lopedium”, “”, “Polysorb MP ", "Linex", "Polyphepan", "Diosmectite", "Coapectate", "Enterosorb".

To prevent dehydration:"Regidron", "Hydrovit".

Intestinal antiseptics: Nifuroxazide (Enterofuril, Ersefuril, Stopdiar), Rifaximin (Alfa Normix), Intetrix.

For infectious diarrhea:"Galavit."

Diarrhea due to colitis is treated with drugs that relieve inflammation.

Attention! Products containing salicylate may temporarily darken the tongue or stool.

Antibiotics for diarrhea

Antibiotics for diarrhea are prescribed only by a doctor, and only after diagnosing the body and identifying an “infectious” cause of diarrhea.

Prevention of diarrhea

To prevent diarrhea, the following rules must be followed:

- always wash your hands, especially after going outside, using the toilet, contacting money, before eating, before contact with food for cooking. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap.

— before consumption, fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed;

- diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems can be caused by: unpasteurized dairy products, meat, eggs;

- do not eat food that has expired;

— meat must undergo complete heat treatment before being eaten;

- in the kitchen, including places and objects for preparing food, must be clean (tables, knives, boards, plates, etc.);

- do not leave cooked foods in a warm place for a long time, because... This is an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria harmful to the body.

- Try not to drink raw water or any untreated water, especially of unknown origin. To purify water, boil it for 15 minutes and then consume. You can also purify water using special filters, as well as by adding a tablet or drop of iodine and chlorine to it.

- do not eat fruits or vegetables that have not yet reached the ripening season, for example: strawberries, melon, watermelon. Often, unscrupulous producers inject such berries and fruits with “chemicals”, which provokes their rapid ripening and, of course, frequent poisoning of their customers.