|
Anal Fissure
Barrett's Esophagus
Colon Polyps and Cancer
Constipation
Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Esophagitis and Stricture
Gallstones
Gas
Gastritis
Gastroparesis
GERD
Heartburn and Reflux
H Pylori
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus Hernia
IBS
Lactose Intolerance
Ostomy
Pancreas Disease
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Prevention of Colon Polyps and Cancer
Rectal Bleeding
Ulcerative Colitis
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver
Hemochromatosis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
| | Diarrhea
 Everyone
has diarrhea at one time or another and everyone has their own idea of exactly
what diarrhea is. Is it one liquid stool each day? Is it several soft,
semiformed stools each day? Or is it frequent, watery stools throughout the day
and even the night? Stool is made up mostly of water. For people in the Western
World, the usual amount of water in stool each day is generally no more than 200
ml or 7 oz. (8 oz. = 1 cup). When it is consistently more than this, it is
called diarrhea in the medical field.
Causes of Diarrhea
There are many causes of diarrhea. Fortunately, in most instances, this change
in bowel habits is short lived and clears up on its own. In these cases, it is
assumed that it is a virus infection or even "something I ate."
Whenever diarrhea lasts more than two or three weeks, medical advice is
generally recommended. Among the many known causes are:
Food -- Most people have certain foods that may cause diarrhea. For hot
pepper lovers (the chemical in it is called capaiscin), diarrhea often occurs
the morning after. Many people are intolerant of milk and milk products so
that even small amounts of the milk sugar lactose can cause diarrhea. Large
amounts of fatty foods cause the same problem in other people. The obvious
solution in all these instances is to avoid the offending agent.
Chemical Laxatives -- Many people become dependent on laxatives
early in life and use them on a daily basis. The names for the usual chemical
stimulants are magnesium (Epsom salt), cascara (Nature's Remedy), and
phenolphthalein (Exlax, Correctol, Feen-A-Mint). Magnesium can be
inadvertently ingested in various over-the-counter preparations such as Maalox
or Mylanta. Check labels! Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is used in
sugar free gum and prepared foods such as jams and jellies. Sorbitol, too, is
a laxative.
Prescription Drugs -- If a change in bowel habit occurs after taking
a new drug, the physician should be contacted. In particular, antibiotics are
known to cause diarrhea, at times quite severe. Diarrhea can develop up to one
month after taking antibiotics.
Infection -- There are over 400 different bacteria that normally
live quietly and beneficially in the large intestine. There are also many
viruses and other infectious agents that find their way into our bodies. Some
of these can infect the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Fortunately, most
of the time these infections come and go on their own. Some bacterial
infections, such as salmonella, are serious and require medical evaluation.
Salmonella commonly comes from contaminated poultry. There are parasites, such
as amoeba and giardia, that attack the intestines. Giardia may be found in
wild animals and in contaminated streams and well water. For people infected
with the AIDS virus, there are a number of infections that can occur in the
intestinal tract. Close medical follow up is always required in these
instances. Virus infection is probably the most common cause of short term
diarrhea and, fortunately, it usually clears up on its own.
Traveler's Diarrhea -- The cause of traveler's diarrhea is a toxic
bacteria called E. Coli. It most often occurs in developing countries where
sanitation is not good. This infection can often be prevented by avoiding
fresh, uncooked produce and fruits. Fruits, such as oranges, that have
protective skins are safe. In particular, tap water in any form and especially
ice should be avoided. Bottled beverages are recommended. The physician should
be contacted prior to travel to these countries to obtain more information on
prevention and treatment.
Diseases -- There are certain intestinal disorders that can cause
chronic diarrhea. These include ulcerative and microscopic colitis, Crohn's
disease, diverticulosis, and even colon cancer. These are all serious diseases
that require careful medical attention and treatment. It is a major reason why
the cause of chronic diarrhea should always be known.
Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) -- IBS is a problem that
occurs when the intestines, especially the colon do not contract in a smooth,
rhythmic manner. The contractions can be exaggerated in which case diarrhea
occurs or they may be sluggish and result in constipation. Sometimes there is
alternating constipation and diarrhea. Emotional stress often aggravates these
symptoms.
Diagnosis
The cause and treatment of diarrhea may be very simple, such as discontinuing
magnesium- containing antacids. Or it may be more difficult. Testing of blood
and stool may be needed. X-rays and ultrasound may also be necessary. In some
cases, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy are required to visually inspect the colon
with a lighted, flexible tube. Testing depends on how severe and prolonged the
condition is, and how the physician evaluates a specific case.
Treatment
There are simple things that can be done at the beginning of a diarrheal episode
which may help reduce symptoms. Taking only liquids by mouth and avoiding solid
food and milk may be helpful. Over-the-counter constipating agents, such as
Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, or Imodium can also be tried. For explosive or
persistent diarrhea, treatment will obviously depend on the cause. Fortunately,
the cause of diarrhea can almost always be found and effective treatment is then
usually available.
Summary
Diarrhea is a common problem which is usually not serious. If it is severe or
persistent, a specific diagnosis should be sought. By working closely with the
physician, effective treatment is almost always available.
|
![[Company Logo Image]](_borders/mgi_logo.jpg){kind=logo}
