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Diarrhea |
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Diarrhea is a medical condition, in which a change in bowel movements that is either more fluid in consistency or in frequency occurs. Here are the 3 types of diarrhea:
Osmotic diarrhea, Secretory diarrhea, and Iatrogenic diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is caused by the presence of osmotically active particles in the intestine, such as unabsorbable salt or undigested lactose. Secretory diarrhea is caused by a disease process that increases the secretion of water into the intestine. Iatrogenic diarrhea is caused by a medications or other treatment. The problem with any type of diarrhea, aside from the very unpleasant condition itself, is the serious metabolic consequences it brings about. For example, excess loss of fluid leads to dehydration; excess loss of sodium causes hyponatremia; excess loss of potassium causes hypokalemia; excess loss of bicarbonate causes acidosis. Such types of metabolic consequences may be fatal, if not checked promptly. Diarrhea is one of the major causes of death among children and infants around the world. For many people diarrhea is self-limiting condition brought on by either bacterial or viral infection. The food poisoning is a common cause of diarrhea. For some individuals, diarrhea is a symptom of a chronic disease affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It is very important to treat diarrhea properly depending on the type. In many cases, the body may adjust to the medication and diarrhea will resolve. Because of potential for malnutrition with chronic diarrhea, it is very urgent to monitor carefully the frequency of diarrhea and possible deficits in nutritional status. Diarrhea in young children, infants and in the elderly is a major concern. These groups of individuals are at higher risk for dehydration, which is the main-term concern of diarrhea. Dehydration is a common hospital admitting diagnosis for elderly patients. If diarrhea is chronic and does not respond to treatment, it is called intractable diarrhea, which is a serious medical condition. If diarrhea lasts for 1 to 4 days and is not accompanied by vomiting, it may be treated at home. The treatment of diarrhea consists of eliminate or control underlying disease; correct fluid and mineral imbalances; medications; only clear fluids, no food. For diarrhea lasting up to 4 days without vomiting, treatment includes:
Withholding foods for 24 hours; using clear fluids, especially fruit juices (no milk); using rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, in infants; progressing to a low-fiber diet before returning to a regular diet. Medications to relieve diarrhea include Bismuth subsalicylate, Atropine sulfate, Loperamide, Tincture of opium diphenoxylate, and Kaolin-and-pectin
drugs. The medications slow gastrointestinal tract, keeping the toxin in the system and maintaining the infection. In any types of diarrhea, especially bleeding, you should seek medical attention.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > D
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| Related Searches |
diarrhea induced water, diarrhea treatment, diarrhea during pregnancy |
| Date Submitted |
27-Sep-2005
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