Diarrhea is loose, watery stools and people with diarrhea pass stool more than thrice a day. This is a common problem among adults and does not need any special treatment, if the condition lasts for one or two days. But beyond that, it may be a sign of chronic diarrhea as the result of chronic disease and may lead to dehydration and therefore, needs treatment.
Some of the common causes of loose watery stools, combined with cramps of abdomen are viral bacterial or parasitical infection. Certain antibiotics or artificial sweeteners may also cause diarrhea. As compared to elders, diarrhea in children and new born is very dangerous and may lead to dehydration, in just one or two days and even has the risk of losing life.
In older adults too, it has to be immediately treated to avoid further complications. Generally, contaminated water or food transmits parasites and bacteria to the body which causes diarrhea. It can be sometimes accompanied with intestinal flu, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and an urgency to use the toilet. More commonly, diarrhea is the result of insanitary conditions like unclean water and unhealthy food items on the road shop. Therefore, obviously, people in the slums are more prone to this disease and its incidence is higher there.
The immediate effect of diarrhea is loss of electrolytes since a large amount of body fluid is lost through bowel movements and vomiting. Therefore, the patient has to be immediately compensated with electrolytes. This condition can be treated by taking electrolytic solutions that are readily available. If the condition is more severe, the patient needs to be hospitalized and dehydration is treated by giving enough fluids through IV.
If infection is the cause of chronic diarrhea, it can be treated with antibiotics or medicines. If the reason is due to long term medication, surgery may be required. Some intolerance towards certain food items can cause diarrhea which can be rectified through minor modifications in the diet. It is better to avoid food like dairy products, high fat content food, fried food, high fiber food and spicy foods. Milk should be avoided.
Acute diarrhea may be either watery or dysenteric and rehydration therapy is the best way to manage. If the condition persists, nutritional therapy may be needed. Rehydration can be carried out either by the oral or through intravenous according to the degree of dehydration. For initial management of severe dehydration, intravenous fluid works well. If severe dehydration occurs in children and elderly, it may need hospitalization for fluid and electrolyte replacement urgently.
Simple home remedies can also be taken for mild conditions like drinking lemon juice from freshly squeezed lemon, three to five times a day. This has the capability of killing the pathogens causing diarrhea. Non alcoholic fluids and apple juice should be avoided. Depending on the severity and type of virus, viral diarrhea can be treated with medication or left untreated. Medicines to stop bacterial diarrhea should not be used as they may prolong the infection.
