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Chronic diarrhea - why diarrhea becomes frequent and how to get rid of it. According to the nature of the course (in the temporal aspect), diarrhea is usually divided into two options, acute and chronic. Travel of food in the body

What is diarrhea (diarrhea)?

Diarrhea or diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the volume of stools due to loose stools. The relationship between the frequency and nature of stool can constantly change independently of each other, but more often there is a combination of them in the form of frequent and loose stool.

Diarrhea must be distinguished from four other conditions similar to diarrhea. They can accompany diarrhea, but have a fundamentally different origin and causes and require different therapeutic measures. These are the states:

1. Fecal incontinence , characterized by a violation of the act of defecation due to the patient’s inability to control the rectal sphincter and, accordingly, the patient, when the urge to defecate occurs, does not have time to get to the toilet.

2. Constant urge to defecate , which are characterized by the sudden onset of sensations of the desire to defecate and in the absence of a toilet nearby, can lead to fecal incontinence.

3. Feeling of incomplete bowel movement , in which there is a feeling that, following the completed act of defecation, there is a urge to defecate again, but at the same time, due to the lack of feces in the rectum, it turns out to be difficult to carry out.

4. Defecation immediately after eating

Diarrhea can be absolute or relative and is based on the frequency of bowel movements or the characteristics of the stool.

Frequency of bowel movements. The presence of absolute diarrhea implies an increase in the frequency of bowel movements above normal values. That is, the occurrence of a maximum of no more than 3 acts of defecation during the day is considered normal; accordingly, an increase in the frequency of more than 3 times a day can be regarded as diarrhea or diarrhea. The concept of relative diarrhea suggests that there is an increase that is not as pronounced, but that there is an increase in bowel movements. For example, if a person considers it normal to have one bowel movement during the day, then an increase in the number of bowel movements up to 2-3 times (but no more) can be considered relative diarrhea.

Characteristics of the chair. Based on the characteristics of the stool, it is quite difficult to determine whether it is absolute or relative diarrhea, since in many respects the nature of the stool depends on the diet and varies among different people. For example, in people who are on vegetable diet, the stool is softer in nature. When loose, watery stools appear, we can confidently speak of diarrhea (diarrhea).

How does diarrhea occur?

With diarrhea, the characteristics of the stool change; it becomes more liquid, which naturally affects the frequency of bowel movements and reduces the voluntary participation of the rectal sphincters in this process. Changes in stool properties can vary greatly from slightly soft stools to watery, loose stools. This is caused by a change in the ratio of food masses to liquid in the intestinal lumen, that is, it is associated with an increase in the volume fraction of water in the feces. During normal digestion, food mixed with water passes freely through the stomach, upper parts small intestine and is processed by pancreatic juice and the secretion of the bile ducts of the liver, which promotes the digestion of food. Undigested food then passes into the lower small intestine and colon in liquid form. In these parts of the gastrointestinal tract, water is absorbed from food masses and more or less formed stool is formed. An increase in the volumetric water content in stool can be caused by several different reasons: 1) the absorption of water in the upper gastrointestinal tract, stomach and small intestine is impaired; 2) the absorption of water from the intestines into

lower parts

· small intestine and colon; 3) food masses move too quickly through the intestines, as a result of which the intestines simply do not have time to absorb water from food and it ends up in the large intestine in an undigested form. Of course, with diarrhea, most often there is a combination of all three variants of impaired absorption of fluid from the intestinal lumen.

· According to the nature of the course (in the temporal aspect), diarrhea is usually divided into two variants, acute and chronic: Acute diarrhea lasts from several days to a week, it is this condition that is most often called diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea

At the diagnostic stage, it is important to distinguish between acute and chronic diarrhea, since most often they have different causes and origins and require different diagnostic tests and for their treatment they are used in principle different variants therapy.

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Do not take loperamide if you have invasive diarrhea (i.e., diarrhea with blood or pus).

Despite various prohibitions and restrictions, loperamide is useful in the treatment of a number of diarrheas:

hyperkinetic diarrhea: irritable bowel syndrome, “bear disease” (nervous diarrhea caused by stress - for example, at a wedding, etc.), but doses should be minimal,
secretory diarrhea,
Crohn's disease,
V complex treatment diarrhea during chemotherapy of malignant tumors, etc.

In other cases, it is better to avoid loperamide or at least consult a specialist.

Loperamide is available in capsules 2 mg. The instructions recommend taking 2 capsules first, and then 1 capsule after each loose stool. However, practice shows that in mild cases it is not necessary to take more than 1 capsule, otherwise constipation will occur for 1-3 days. The maximum permitted dose is 8 capsules per day.

Galavit for the treatment of intestinal infections

In the late 1990s, a safe and effective universal anti-inflammatory immunomodulator was created in Russia Galavit. Among the many indications for use are: treatment of any infectious diarrhea accompanied by elevated temperature and symptoms of intoxication ( weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations). Galavit normalizes the activity of hyperactive macrophages, reduces excessive inflammatory response and accelerates recovery.

Galavit well compatible with other drugs (including traditional treatment intestinal infections), is well tolerated and has a minimum side effects(rarely possible allergies). It's safe and legal healthy people, with the exception of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Galavit is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, because They haven't checked.

Clinical studies of Galavit for diarrhea were conducted in adults and children over 12 years of age with intramuscular administration according to the following regimen: 200 mg once, then 100 mg 2 times a day until the symptoms of intoxication cease (disappear). However, taking it in tablet form is a more convenient and safer method of treatment.

Galavit

Dosage forms for treatment with Galavit:

adults and children over 12 years of age: 25 mg tablets, 100 mg ampoules, rectal suppositories 100 mg each;
children 6-12 years old: 50 mg ampoules, 50 mg rectal suppositories, no tablets with a “children’s” dose;
children under 6 years of age: not shown.

For acute intestinal infections, the initial dose of Galavit for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2 tables 25 mg once, then 1 tablet. 3–4 times a day until symptoms disappear intoxication for 3–5 days (but usually one day of administration is enough). Please note that Galavit tablets should be placed under the tongue (!) and kept there until completely dissolved (10-15 minutes). Used in children 6-12 years old intramuscular injections or rectal suppositories at a dose of 50 mg.

So, for acute diarrhea no fever and symptoms of intoxication (weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, etc.) RECOMMENDED (dosages for adults):

1 sachet per 0.5 glass of water 3 times a day in breaks (!) between meals and other medications for 2-4 days,
enterol 1-2 capsules morning and evening 1 hour before meals with a small amount of liquid for 7-10 days.

For diarrhea with elevated temperature and symptoms of intoxication to the above treatment is necessary add:

Necessarily - galavit 2 tablets under the tongue. once, then 1 tablet. 3–4 times a day until symptoms of intoxication disappear for 3–5 days,
optional - 200 mg orally every 6 hours for 3 days.

In case of large fluid losses, it is necessary rehydration:

or dissolve in clean water according to the instructions and drink often, but little by little. However, if the patient has repeated vomiting, which does not allow fluid to be taken orally, it is necessary to induce ambulance and go to the hospital.

If you are clearly something got poisoned, you feel nauseous, it is advisable before taking medications rinse the stomach(drink 1 liter of warm water, then bend over and press your fingers on the root of the tongue; then the whole procedure can be repeated). If the cause of nausea is food poisoning, you will immediately feel relief after gastric lavage. After this, you can take enterosorbent orally ( smecta, polyphepan, enterosgel, atoxil, polysorb).

If after 3 days If diarrhea persists after treatment, you should consult a doctor to determine its cause. Remember that diarrhea can be a sign of quite serious and even fatal diseases (even some forms of cancer). If chronic diarrhea(lasts over 3 weeks), you need to immediately go to the doctor, get examined and find out the cause. It is very advisable to remember after what it occurred, this will help you choose the right treatment. For example, if after taking antibiotics, then it should be treated as dysbacteriosis.

AVOID the following drugs without any particular need:

Activated carbon- this is an ineffective and outdated drug;
- relieves symptoms of diarrhea, but does not cure. When intestinal infection loperamide increases self-poisoning of the body. It is prohibited for young children and is dangerous for infectious diarrhea. Taking loperamide is possible only for chronic diarrhea after consultation with a doctor (for example, after removal of the gallbladder, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.). For acute diarrhea, take it only in desperate situations or if you are well aware of what you are doing;
antibiotics and antibacterial drugs- they should be taken as prescribed by a doctor, since they themselves can cause diarrhea due to dysbacteriosis. Allowed exception - .

Diarrhea is usually treated at home. You need to see a doctor in the following cases:

no effect from treatment for more than 3 days,
diarrhea developed in a child under one year old or in an old (weak) person,
diarrhea is accompanied by a temperature above 38° C (the above-mentioned Galavit is highly effective in these cases),
emergence unclear adverse reactions for treatment (allergic skin rash, irritability, sleep disturbances, yellowness of the skin and sclera, dark urine, etc.),
constant worries stomach ache,
(!) black chair (tar look) may indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract,
(!) vomiting dark brown masses or with admixtures of fresh blood is possible with bleeding from the stomach or esophagus,
(!) observed impaired consciousness or significant dehydration(dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, cold skin, little urine and it is dark with strong odor, wrinkled skin and sunken eyes).

In the last three cases (!) you need not just see a doctor, but call an ambulance immediately and be prepared to transport the patient to the hospital.

Prevention of acute intestinal infections

Wash everything: vegetables and fruits, hands after using the toilet and before eating. Use clean water and fresh food.

Use the refrigerator and freezer - bacteria multiply more slowly in the cold. True, there is one exception - salmonella feel great on chicken eggs in a refrigerator.

IN home medicine cabinet , at the dacha and on long trips, have (per 1 person):

smecta (5 sachets),
enterol (bottle of 30 capsules or more),
Galavit (10-tablet strip),
rehydron or gastrolit,
loperamide (2 capsules for emergency use).

To prevent diarrhea When traveling or during antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take Enterol 1-2 capsules daily in the morning during the entire trip or while taking antibiotics.

Diarrhea or, scientifically, diarrhea, in adults can occur due to various reasons. Most often, the presence of loose stools is caused by the penetration of pathogens of intestinal infections into the human body. It could be pathogenic bacteria different types(staphylococcus, coli, salmonella), representatives of the viral group (adenovirus, rotavirus), as well as protozoa, for example, Giardia.

What are the causes of diarrhea and diarrhea in an adult?

In addition, the causes of diarrhea in adults can be divided into 4 large groups, which often have a relationship with each other:

1 reasons related to diet;

2 reasons due to the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and organs of other systems in the body;

3 consequences drug treatment or poisoning;

4 reasons due to psycho-emotional instability and nervous tension.

The first group of reasons depends on daily diet, consumed as food, its quality and quantity. Frequent snacks, plentiful fatty food, overeating before bed, excessive infatuation with fast foods, abuse of alcohol and carbonated drinks, neglect of the quality and freshness of food lead to the fact that the gastrointestinal tract tries to free itself from excess substances that are not for it nutritional value, and diarrhea begins.

The pathological processes developing in the body often involve the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which is manifested by diseases such as gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, enterocolitis. They can occur against the background of enzyme deficiency, abnormalities in the production of gastric juice, and work disorders endocrine glands, hormonal imbalances. Gastrointestinal diseases of non-infectious origin (nonspecific ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), often presenting with diarrhea among a variety of other symptoms.

Treatment process various diseases associated with reception medications, many of which have a number of side effects. While taking some medications, diarrhea may develop, which stops after discontinuation of the drug or after replacing it with another drug that does not have a similar effect. negative influence on the patient's body. This group of causes of diarrhea also includes the consequences of poisoning, both food and other types of intoxication resulting from saturation of the body with harmful, toxic substances in dangerous concentrations.

Sometimes diarrhea appears so suddenly that a person cannot at all associate it with diet and use of medications, and the whole issue may be short-term, but severe stress out of fear or nervous tension that arose against the background of emotional shock.

The vast majority of people, faced with the problem of diarrhea, try to cope with the problem on their own, trying to avoid medical assistance in such a delicate matter. They are referred to a doctor only when they feel that their condition is deteriorating sharply, their body temperature rises, and the diarrhea does not stop. Conditions in which liquid feces change in color and contain foreign inclusions in the form of bloody or mucous clots or foamy contents should cause particular concern. At severe diarrhea a person will very quickly develop signs of dehydration: dry tongue and lips, feeling extreme thirst. If no measures are taken, dehydration will further weaken the patient and cause irreparable damage to his internal organs. Therefore, with all these negative phenomena, you should immediately seek medical help.

Even if the patient considers his condition to be satisfactory, but he is bothered by diarrhea after a holiday in one of the hot countries of East Asia or an African safari, it is advisable to consult a specialist about this problem. Medicines recommended for use if necessary should be studied for possible side effects. Their list may include diarrhea - how side effect when treated with antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants.

Prevention, what to do to avoid diarrhea

It is easier to prevent diarrhea than to treat it later, so preventive measures must be taken constantly, especially since it is not at all difficult:

1 use only boiled or bottled water that has not expired;

2 wash your hands often, especially in the summer, maintain personal hygiene;

3 control the freshness and quality of all food products, do not buy products at spontaneous markets;

4 heat treat meat and fish products, eggs, and vegetables and fruits intended to be eaten raw should always be thoroughly washed, and it is advisable to rinse the skins with boiling water.

Types of diarrhea, types of diarrhea, what are there

Depending on the cause that caused diarrhea, it is divided into the following groups:

1 Diarrhea of infectious origin. This type develops when pathogenic bacteria and viruses enter the intestines.

2 Diarrhea that developed due to poisoning with toxins of arsenic, mercury and other potent poisons;

3 Nutritional diarrhea. Occurs as a result of eating stale or poor-quality food, or as allergic reaction for unusual foods.

Conditions in which diarrhea is caused functional disorders processes of digestion and absorption of food. They are provoked by deviations in the production of necessary enzymes, secretory disorders individual organs(liver, gall bladder, pancreas). Diarrhea caused by long-term use medications, for example, antibiotics, after which intestinal dysbiosis often develops. Diarrhea can also be caused by antiarrhythmic, anticonvulsant, and hypoglycemic drugs. Diarrhea of the neurogenic type associated with instability of the psycho-emotional state (excessive excitement, stress, unreasonable fear before anything).

Frequent diarrhea in adults and their causes

If diarrhea continues for quite some time in adults long time, for a month, it is called chronic. It is characterized by a stool frequency of more than 3 times a day with a volume of feces that exceeds 250 g. Chronic diarrhea significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life, but the main problem in constant dehydration of the body due to water-salt imbalance, loss of valuable nutrients and salts (potassium, magnesium, sodium), which negatively affects the functioning of all body systems. Therefore, you need to deal with chronic diarrhea not on your own, but to find out its cause by contacting doctors and be treated according to their recommendations.

The causes of chronic diarrhea vary, but most often it is caused by the following diseases:

1 Nonspecific ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease. These diseases belong to the group characterized by inflammatory lesions intestines, having an autoimmune origin. These diseases manifest themselves in a number of symptoms with diarrhea, when the presence of foreign inclusions in the form of purulent, bloody or mucous streaks can be detected in the stool. The patient, if such signs are present, should not hesitate to visit a doctor and be thoroughly examined. Delaying the initiation of adequate treatment measures can lead to life-threatening conditions for the patient (peritonitis, perforation of the intestinal wall, internal bleeding).

2 Irritable bowel syndrome. The very name of the disease indicates the state of the intestines. Doctors classify this pathology as functional. It is manifested by signs of flatulence, pain in the abdominal area, increased frequency of bowel movements, sometimes with false urges. The disease can cause poor nutrition and excessive irritability nervous system due to constant stress.

3 Malsorption syndrome. This disease is associated with abnormalities that disrupt the normal process of absorption of nutrients from the walls of the small intestine. Possible causes of such disorders lie in enzyme imbalance during development pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract (liver, pancreas, gallbladder). The resulting diarrhea is called osmotic. Malsorption syndrome can be congenital or acquired. For example, as a result of removal of a section of the small intestine for some reason, malsorption syndrome may develop. His treatment is aimed mainly at correcting his diet.

4 Endocrine diseases. Patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism often experience diarrhea, which is associated with increased level hormone production thyroid gland, and this affects intestinal motility, enhancing it. Therefore, the treatment of this type of diarrhea must be coordinated with an endocrinologist, who will prescribe medications that normalize the level of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

Treatment of diarrhea in adults, how to properly treat diarrhea

It is better to discuss how to treat acute or chronic diarrhea with a specialist, because different approaches and medications are used to treat different types of diarrhea. But the beginning of any treatment must precede the establishment of the true cause. If a person is sure that diarrhea is not associated with a serious illness, there is no fever and severe pain syndrome, then you can use simple remedies that will relieve this unpleasant symptom:

1 croutons from rye bread you need to soak them in water at room temperature and when they soften, drink this rye infusion throughout the day;

2 juice squeezed from fresh lemon, diluted with water and drunk;

3 brew a healing decoction of oak bark at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. bark in a glass of boiling water, cool it and take 50 ml three times a day.

4 if there is wormwood tincture in the house, then by taking only 15-20 drops, you can cope with diarrhea very quickly.

In addition, there are many pharmaceuticals, which have proven themselves in solving the problem of diarrhea, you just need to choose the right drug and its dosage, and for this it is better to consult a doctor.

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 various reasons 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 allergy, taking medications or underlying (chronic) diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

In most cases, diarrhea will go away without treatment within a few days and you won't 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 feeding a baby breast milk, and he has diarrhea, try not to change the feeding regimen.

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;
Clean the toilet bowl, flush handle, and toilet seat after each episode of diarrhea. disinfectant;
Use separate towels, cutlery and dishes.

It is also important to practice good food and water hygiene when traveling, such as not drinking poorly purified 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 water loss through stool can also lead to dehydration, which may have severe consequences, if it is not identified and treated in time.

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 ask for medical care if your infant has signs of dehydration.

Diarrhea in children over one year of age

Talk to pediatrician 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;
great loss in weight;
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 can have the following causes:

Other possible causes of short-term diarrhea:

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

Medications

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)

Diseases that cause prolonged diarrhea, include:

Irritable bowel syndrome is a poorly understood disease that disrupts bowel function;
inflammatory bowel diseases - diseases causing inflammation in the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis;
Celiac disease is a disease of the digestive system that causes adverse reaction for 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 is 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, a doctor general practice may refer you to a consultation with an infectious disease specialist. 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 that diarrhea is caused chronic disease, your doctor may order a blood test.

A complete blood count can reveal signs of inflammation and anemia. Biochemical analysis blood 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 rectal examination the doctor will inject you anus gloved finger to check for irregularities. This effective method diagnosis of diseases of the intestines and anus.

Additional examinations

If the diarrhea does not go away and your doctor cannot determine the cause, you may be referred to additional examinations, for example the following:

sigmoidoscopy - an instrument called a sigmoidoscope (a thin flexible tube with a small camera and a light bulb at the end) is inserted into the intestines through the anus;
colonoscopy is a similar procedure in which the entire colon 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 in 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

Compliance with food hygiene rules will avoid food poisoning and associated diarrhea. This can be done by following these recommendations:

wash your hands regularly, kitchen surfaces and dishes hot water with soap;
do not keep raw and cooked food together;
store food in the refrigerator;
cook food thoroughly;
never eat foods with expired suitability.

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 according to epidemic indications(at high risk infection) free of charge.

Traveler's diarrhea

There is no vaccine that can protect you from everyone possible reasons 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 ice cubes 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 Napopravku.ru. 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.

Many people wonder what to do with diarrhea, how to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Treatment of diarrhea, after identifying the disease, should be very delicate.

The restoration of the proper functioning of the intestines and stomach, as well as the patient’s health, directly depends on the speed of the solution.

Severe diarrhea can cause extreme Negative consequences, the most dangerous of them will be dehydration, often leading to death.

When, due to various circumstances, a consultation with a doctor is not possible, and the patient’s general health is satisfactory, then you can try to get rid of diarrhea at home.

Severe diarrhea: causes and treatment

Diarrhea is not a disease, but only a symptom that indicates disorders of the intestines or stomach, or within the body as a whole. Therefore, it is impossible to eliminate diarrhea without identifying the factors that provoked it.

Diarrhea is the release of liquid stool once or with an increased frequency of bowel movements.

When such a violation occurs within 21 days, then in this situation we can talk about acute diarrhea, more than 3 weeks - chronic.

If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a specialist. He will tell you what to do if you have diarrhea, what remedies can eliminate this phenomenon.

Causes

The main causes of diarrhea in adults are the following:

indigestion after a heavy meal with “heavy” dishes;
food intoxication;
susceptibility to certain products (allergy, hypolactasia);
use of certain medications(laxatives, antacids, drugs against arrhythmia, anticoagulants, sweeteners);
psycho-emotional shocks (anxiety, fear, during which diarrhea is a consequence of a hormonal surge);
diarrhea during travel (associated with climate and nutritional changes). Such diarrhea usually goes away after 3-4 days, and the patient associates the appearance of diarrhea with these events.

But the provoking factors of diarrhea in adults are much more serious:

infection by pathogenic microorganisms;
inflammation of the digestive organs (gastritis, hepatitis, colitis), ulcers;
functional organ failure (lack of enzymes);
gastrointestinal diseases of unknown origin (Crohn's disease);
intoxication (poisoning with lead, mercury).

IN similar situations It will not be enough to simply stop the diarrhea: you need to make a diagnosis and then select the appropriate therapy, often in a hospital.

Relatively laboratory signs diarrhea, they are mild.

This applies to simple indigestion, when in addition to loose stools, spastic painful sensations inside the abdomen and dyspepsia (grumbling, bloating, accumulation of gases inside the gastrointestinal tract).

Treatment

Self-therapy for diarrhea at home is only possible in a situation where the patient does not have additional symptoms, indicating the presence of complex pathological processes.

Treatment for diarrhea at home, after establishing the causes of the pathology, involves the following directions:

following a gentle daily routine;
dietary nutrition;
fluid replenishment;
therapy with folk remedies or medications.

To know what to do if you have diarrhea, you need to consult your doctor.

Diet for diarrhea in an adult

Nutrition directly affects bowel movements. Many foods have an irritating effect on motor skills, and in case of severe diarrhea, you should forget about them until the final recovery. These are spices, raw vegetables, some fruits.

Certain products are characterized by a fixing effect, therefore, after the pathology has been established, in the first 3-6 days of dietary nutrition, the following dishes should be eaten:

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

It is optimal to start your diet on a “hungry” day: you only need to drink strong tea (8-10 cups throughout the day).

When diarrhea is caused by lactose or gluten sensitivity, then dietary nutrition is the main factor in therapy.

After identifying this pathology, it is prescribed therapeutic nutrition, V to the fullest excluding products that contain milk sugar and gluten.

Diet plays a big role: meals should be frequent (every 3 hours) and in small portions.

Dietary nutrition must be followed throughout therapy and beyond, but after the first strict days It is permissible to remove restrictions and saturate the menu, observing the following principles:

Remove products that mechanically and chemically irritate the intestines (spicy, salty, sour, which contain coarse fiber).
It is forbidden to eat foods that stimulate the release of bile (tomatoes and carrots, grape juice).
Eliminate foods that cause fermentation from the menu and increased gas formation(apples, cabbage, black bread).

Prohibited products:

fried meat;
offal;
rich broths;
fatty fish, prepared in any way, and low-fat fish, fried or canned;
whole milk, heavy cream;
hard-boiled and fried eggs;
cabbage, beets, radishes, cucumbers;
canned vegetable products;
sour berries and fruits;
flour;
highly carbonated water, cold drinks.

steamed cutlets meat puree, soufflé;
boiled fish, steam cutlets;
porridge with water;
pasta;
fermented milk products;
cottage cheese;
scrambled eggs;
boiled vegetables;
baked fruits;
berry mousses;
white bread crackers;
tea, compote

Drug therapy

Medications for the treatment of diarrhea in adults, after detection of the disease:

Sorbents. They are an important component of pathology therapy. They help remove toxic substances and infectious agents from the gastrointestinal tract, help absorb gases, and reduce bloating. It is recommended to use these medications during an intestinal infection or intoxication, but they must be taken separately from any other medications (it is optimal to leave a gap of 2 hours, otherwise the drugs will not be absorbed). In case of severe absorption disorder within the intestine, medications are not prescribed so as not to aggravate the lack of nutrients. The list of these products is long, from standard activated carbon to the latest medicines, based on calcium and bismuth salts.
Medicines that reduce the production of mucus in the intestines. They are used 1 day after the onset of pathology. These are anti-inflammatory drugs like Diclofenac, Indomethacin. When Crohn's disease is detected, hormonal drugs (Metypred, Prednisolone) are used for these purposes, with appropriate prescription from a specialist.
Herbal medicines. Plants with astringent characteristics help reduce secretion and intestinal motility. These include oak bark, bird cherry, alder cones, chamomile, and cinquefoil. From these raw materials, decoctions and tinctures are made for internal use throughout the day. Suitable for eliminating diarrhea various means traditional medicine with a fixing effect.
Enzymes. When diarrhea is associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, enzymes make it possible to replenish the lack of digestive juices. Failures in absorption within the intestine also require auxiliary stimulation. For these purposes, drugs based on pancreatin (Creon, Festal, Mezim) will be effective.
Medicines that eliminate diarrhea and reduce intestinal motility. The choice of remedy varies depending on the factors that provoked the disease. Loperamide is a well-known component; medications based on it eliminate diarrhea as a phenomenon (Imodium, Lopedium). It is forbidden to use during an intestinal infection, since some pathogens remain inside the body and will not be eliminated.
During the period of enteropathy are prescribed hormonal drugs, which simultaneously paralyze the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract and enhance its absorption (Somatostatin, Octreotide).
Antispasmodic medications eliminate excessive motor skills (Papaverine, No-shpa).
Antibacterial agents are prescribed by a specialist after receiving information from the tests performed and identifying the factors that provoked diarrhea. Basically, in the presence of an intestinal infection, it is recommended antimicrobials broad action. In situations with a viral origin of the disease, antiviral or immunoglobulins are used. However, such diarrhea can disappear on its own without medical intervention. Antibacterial agents that act directly in the gastrointestinal tract and do not penetrate the bloodstream. They have a detrimental effect on staphylococcus, streptococcus, salmonella and other pathogenic microorganisms, but retain beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics. These medications are indispensable during the treatment of diarrhea of various origins, since diarrhea, no matter what factor it is provoked, contributes to the imbalance of microflora in the intestines. For example, Acipol, Normobact, Linex, Florok. Drugs reduce activity pathogenic microorganisms, help to remove toxic substances, helps restore the intestinal mucosa and strengthen local immunity, and also stimulates the restoration of positive bacteria.
Intestinal immunomodulators. Specialists can include in the therapeutic regimen for diarrhea a remedy such as Galavit, which is recommended during any viral diarrhea. The drug eliminates the symptoms of poisoning and quickly improves well-being in adult patients (in childhood contraindicated).

ethnoscience

Walnuts. A proven remedy that eliminates diarrhea. Usually, they help improve the functioning of the stomach and the proper formation of stool. It is permissible to make an infusion with vodka or water.
Black bread. Is extremely common folk remedy from diarrhea. It is soaked in water and then taken orally. It is recommended to consume more crackers - they help make stool more stable in composition.
Sagebrush. A popular remedy for relieving diarrhea. It is recommended to make an infusion of wormwood in a dosage of 1 tsp. three times a day.
Every hour, until the diarrhea stops, you need to drink 1 tsp. potato starch, which is dissolved in warm water.
Oak bark. An effective remedy for diarrhea. The decoction from it is strong antibacterial drug. In addition, it is characterized by excellent astringent properties. 1 tsp crushed raw materials, which need to be infused into 2 cups cold water(at least 6 hours), significantly alleviates and often eliminates the pathology. Use this remedy should be 100 g three times a day. The only condition is a contraindication for children with diarrhea.
Cranberry during pathology is suitable for everyone, regardless of age. It must be done as follows: brew berries with leaves - 2 tbsp. 2 cups boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Use chilled for diarrhea 4 times a day. Dosage – 100 g at a time.
St. John's wort. 1 tbsp. l. crushed herbs are steamed with 1 glass of boiling water and infused. One-time diarrhea goes away quickly. However, the remedy will also cope with long-term, 2-week diarrhea. You only need to drink 150 g of decoction three times a day for diarrhea. It will also be effective to make enemas from it.

Prevention

Preventing diarrhea is much easier than treating it. Preventive measures to eliminate pathology are as follows:

compliance with hygiene rules;
washing fruits and vegetables before eating;
heat treatment of products of animal origin;
taking medications directly according to a doctor’s prescription;
eating fresh and high-quality products;
drinking boiled water.

When measures taken to improve well-being are unsuccessful positive result or the patient’s condition has deteriorated significantly, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.

Diarrhea is an unpleasant symptom of many pathologies, indicating problems with the intestines or stomach. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements with changes in stool consistency.

A condition in adults that has not gone away within 3 days is a reason to visit a specialist.

Chronic diarrhea indicates the presence of dangerous diseases, and regular pain inside the abdomen is not the norm.

Black either green diarrhea, a gag reflex with blood impurities, severe dehydration can indicate the severity of the condition: doctors should be called without delay.