Causes of prolonged diarrhea. Causes and treatment of prolonged diarrhea. Nutrition for prolonged diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It can take a different time depending on the reasons. Not only children, but also adults suffer from this disease. Therefore, after finding out the cause of diarrhea, it is worth proceeding to timely treatment so as not to dehydrate the body.

Diarrhea in an adult - what can be the cause

Violation of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of diarrhea or diarrhoea - this is rapid liquid or mushy stools. Usually, frequent stool, caused by a disorder of the intestines, proceeds without temperature. Diarrhea can last from one day to several weeks, depending on the cause and severity of the leak. If the disorder of the stool is observed for more than 21 days, then chronic diarrhea is diagnosed.

Causes that can lead to diarrhea:

  • viral and bacterial infections;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with impaired production of enzymes;
  • non-infectious inflammatory processes in the intestine;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • reaction to taking medications - after taking antibiotics, the balance of intestinal microflora is often disturbed;
  • neurogenic factors;
  • allergy;
  • recovery period after surgery on the digestive tract;
  • a sharp change in climate and diet;
  • overeating and indigestion.

This is not a complete list, diarrhea can be caused by many reasons.

Possible symptoms that accompany an adult with diarrhea:

  • general deterioration of well-being;
  • nausea, bouts of vomiting;
  • increase in body temperature.

In some cases, there is a change in the color of the feces. It depends on the causes of diarrhea. Green diarrhea often accompanies dysentery. Its staining in a similar color is associated with an imbalance in the intestinal microflora caused by infectious diseases and, against this background, taking strong antibiotics. Green diarrhea may be accompanied by a characteristic fetid specific odor.

White diarrhea is more common in children, mostly up to a year. It may be due to overfeeding artificial mixture or start during the weaning period. In older children, it appears as a result of indigestion of complex carbohydrates.


Causes of white diarrhea:

  • hepatitis;
  • disruption of the gallbladder;
  • taking medications - antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, oral contraceptives;
  • dysbacteriosis and dehydration.

Depending on the cause, vomiting and diarrhea can be observed - symptoms of food poisoning or an intestinal infection.

In some cases, frequent stools may be present, but not diarrhea, which can be caused by increased consumption of foods rich in fiber and stimulating peristalsis, fermented milk products.

  1. Yellow diarrhea is due to the fact that the passage of feces through the intestines is carried out at an accelerated pace, and they do not have time to form properly. However, there is a partial absorption of the active substances and their enzymatic processing.
  2. Black diarrhea can be caused by two things: stomach bleeding and eating a large number beets, reception activated carbon.
  3. Diarrhea with mucus may occur different reasons, the symptoms should be considered in the aggregate, since the diagnosis of only one symptom is difficult.
  4. The cause of diarrhea with water is dysentery, which leads to frequent, profuse bowel movements, which causes severe dehydration of the body. Urgent medical attention required.
  5. Diarrhea with foam - a symptom infection, in addition to this, there are symptoms: general malaise, weakness, temperature.

Important! Deterioration general well-being, change in color and volume of feces, diarrhea with blood, mucus in feces indicates the need to see a doctor to identify the cause of diarrhea.

how to stop diarrhea fast

In most cases, with diarrhea that is not complicated by other symptoms, you can cope with it yourself. The main task of the patient is to prevent dehydration of the body. To this end, it is necessary not only to consume more liquid, but also to maintain water-salt metabolism.

  1. For this purpose, a rehydrating drug is used - Regidron. In his absence, you can cook saline, adding a little salt to the water, such a remedy will be useful throughout the entire period of the disease.
  2. Chamomile tea is also helpful. The liquid must be drunk frequently, throughout the period when diarrhea is observed.
  3. One of the most affordable means as an absorbent is activated carbon. It must be taken at the first symptoms of diarrhea in the amount of 5-10 tablets.

Food needs to be limited. Meals should be small frequent portions, exclude heavy food.

With prolonged profuse diarrhea, deterioration of health, vomiting, pain and cramps in the abdomen and other symptoms that aggravate the patient's condition, medical attention is needed.

Treatment at home

When treating diarrhea at home, the patient is required to observe:

  • rest - especially in cases where diarrhea is caused by stress, it is possible to take sedatives;
  • drinking enough fluids - diarrhea is fraught with dehydration;
  • diet - at the first sign of diarrhea, nutrition should be adjusted;
  • taking appropriate medications.

Effective home remedy from diarrhea - herbal medicine, which includes taking decoctions of herbs.

It is possible to limit yourself to treatment at home only in cases where there is no temperature above 39 0, there is no vomiting, the color of the feces is not changed.

Important! Prolonged diarrhea, accompanied by other symptoms, requires qualified medical care and appropriate treatment.

Drug treatment

The purpose of medications depends on the causes of diarrhea.

  • antibiotics;
  • reception of sorbents - activated carbon, smectite, kaolin;
  • agents aimed at reducing intestinal secretion - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, diclofenac;
  • enzymes - mezim, creon, pancreatin;
  • probiotics - bifidubacterin, lactobacterin;
  • tablets that have an effect on intestinal motility - loperamide, imodium.

Important! The drugs should be taken on time and according to the instructions, since the joint intake certain types medicines may reduce their effectiveness. This applies in particular to the intake of absorbents.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies is possible in the absence of other symptoms, in addition to loose stools. Decoctions of astringent herbs are used to reduce intestinal secretion.

Herbs

For these purposes, a decoction of oak bark, alder cones, bird cherry fruits, chamomile is used. For its application 1 tbsp. l. any herb or mixture thereof, pour a glass of water at room temperature, put on water bath and bring to a boil, keep on low heat for 10 minutes. Cool, strain and take 3-4 times a day for half a glass.

Walnuts

As a remedy for diarrhea, an infusion of partitions is effective. walnuts. It needs to be prepared in advance. Pour 300 g of partitions of nuts with 1 glass of vodka or alcohol, leave for 3-5 days. Take 5-10 drops up to 4 times a day. The course of treatment continues until the symptoms disappear.

Mint

With disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, an infusion of mint leaves is useful. 1 st. l. Pour mint with 1 glass of boiling water, cool, strain and take half a glass on an empty stomach until the condition returns to normal.

bird cherry

Helps to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea, the fruit of bird cherry. They have an astringent, antiseptic effect. They can be consumed in the form of infusion, jelly, tea. The infusion is prepared from 4 tbsp. l. fruits, they must be poured with 1 glass cold water, insist for 8 hours. Drink throughout the day in small sips. To make tea 1 tbsp. l. fruit pour a glass of boiling water.

Potato starch

Potato starch is used for gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea. 1 tsp dissolve in half a glass of cold water, drink in one gulp.

During the period of bowel dysfunction, it is required to observe strict diet so as not to provoke new bouts of diarrhea and facilitate the work of the digestive tract.

What to give at first? The first day should be limited to the predominant use of liquids, for example, black tea with and without milk, a decoction of bird cherry or chamomile, blueberry jelly, crackers from white wheat bread.

What can you eat with diarrhea? Porridges on the water, lean meat and fish in a grated boiled form, crackers, lean biscuits, baked apples. Food should be heated to a comfortable temperature, chewed thoroughly and eaten in small portions. If necessary, take appointments medicines during meals.

Nutrition for diarrhea strictly excludes:

  • fatty meats and fish;
  • fried food;
  • carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol;
  • spices;
  • spicy food;
  • conservation;
  • smoked meats;
  • sweets.

Vegetables and fruits should also be limited during treatment and recovery. normal function intestines. An exception may be potatoes. Its use in boiled form is similar in action to absorbent preparations.

You need to stick to the diet for at least a week, then the diet expands and returns to the usual.

Prevention

Both adults and children are susceptible to intestinal disorders. There are many reasons for its occurrence. As preventive measures diarrhea should:

  • adhere to the rules of personal hygiene - wash hands with soap in hot water after the street, visiting the toilet, contact with animals;
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating the best option- douse them with boiling water;
  • eat only fresh products - adhere to the expiration date and storage conditions of products;
  • avoid stressful situations or take sedatives;
  • store food in the refrigerator in clean dishes; joint storage of finished and raw foods is also unacceptable;
  • avoid food in in public places where the products reside long time out of the refrigerator or not freshly prepared;
  • to eat clean water: filtered or bottled.

When visiting countries with an exotic climate and nutrition, you should carefully experiment with cuisine, as an unusual diet can cause severe intestinal upset. Also, you should not use local raw water to avoid the risk of catching an infection. Before the trip, you should prepare a first aid kit in case of unforeseen circumstances, as well as consult a doctor if you have a tendency to intestinal disorders.

Given the variety of causes of diarrhea and the factors contributing to its occurrence, you should be attentive to personal hygiene and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Persistent diarrhea- this is an intestinal disorder that does not stop for a long time: three weeks or more, in severe cases - more than a month. The reasons for this phenomenon can be very different.

But it should always be understood that diarrhea is defensive reaction body: in this way it tries to cleanse itself and throw out the accumulated toxins.

Therefore, if an adult has prolonged diarrhea that does not stop for a day, two or three days, but for a whole month or more, this indicates that there are serious problems in his body.

In any case, diarrhea is accompanied by rather unpleasant symptoms: flatulence, bloating, colic, loss of appetite, and if diarrhea bothers you for several days, does not go away for more than 10 days, then this is also dehydration of the body. Not to mention the fact that every hour is required to use the toilet, it is simply impossible to do labor activity and lead full life. Therefore, this condition must be treated by finding its cause and choosing the appropriate methods.

Before wondering why diarrhea does not go away for several days in a row, you first need to decide what is considered diarrhea in medicine. So, diarrhea in an adult is frequent loose stools, repeated three or more times a day. Long-term acute diarrhea is diarrhea that does not go away for more than 10 days or recurs at intervals of several days every month.

The reasons may be as follows:

  1. Inflammatory bowel disease - colitis, enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis.
  2. Infections caused by viruses or bacteria - adenoviruses, salmonellosis, cholera, dysentery.
  3. Any poisoning - food, drug or chemical.
  4. Malignant tumors in the small or large intestine.
  5. Exacerbations peptic ulcer stomach or intestines.
  6. Abuse of diets with the use of laxatives.
  7. Congenital functional organ failure digestive tract.
  8. Hormonal changes.
  9. Taking certain medications.
  10. Stress - diarrhea in an adult can occur due to nervous overexertion and chronic overwork.

Sometimes diarrhea that doesn't go away for more than a month is side effect surgical intervention often one of the signs helminthic invasion. It is sometimes difficult to establish the cause, since quite a long time has passed since the moment when the diarrhea just started, clinical picture had time to change.

Because self-medication this case unacceptable. Only a doctor will help solve the problem.

Clinical picture of persistent diarrhea

Prolonged diarrhea has the same symptoms as regular diarrhea:

  • bloating, rumbling and colic;
  • flatulence;
  • cramping pains in the stomach and intestines;
  • frequent urge to defecate - sometimes every hour throughout the day.

If severe diarrhea in an adult it lasts for several days in a row, the clinical picture changes. The patient can have a fever all the time, shiver, often there is an increase in body temperature and weight loss - the reason is severe dehydration, which invariably occurs if diarrhea does not go away for more than 10 days and worries every hour.

Anxiety should be caused by symptoms such as the admixture of blood or pus in the feces - in this case, you can not hesitate, every hour is expensive, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. There is nothing surprising if pieces of undigested food are found in the feces - this indicates that the digestive system does not produce the enzymes necessary for the absorption of food in the right amount, the irritated intestine simply does not perceive it.

But it often happens that an adult has a stool every hour or two, but at the same time he does not feel any ailments, in addition to the quite natural discomfort associated with constant trips to the toilet.

To establish the reasons will help only laboratory tests and examination of the patient.

What diagnostic methods are used

To find out why an adult does not stop having severe diarrhea for more than 10 days, the following tests are done:

  • General blood and urine tests.
  • Fecal analysis.

  • Bakposev.
  • Testing for worm infestations.
  • Coprogram for occult blood.
  • Steatorrhea test.
  • Identification test infectious agents diarrhea.

Instrumental diagnostics is also used, especially if there is blood in the stool and other signs. possible development cancerous tumors. This is a biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, irrigography. Important role plays differential diagnosis. Sometimes the reason prolonged stool established only by the exclusion of all possible pathologies.

How to treat prolonged diarrhea

If severe diarrhea has been bothering you for more than 10 days, then it can only be cured with an integrated approach.

It no longer makes sense to take activated charcoal and other sorbents at this stage.

Toxins from the intestines have already moved into the blood, and coal still will not help to remove them. But he can absorb liquid, which is already so small, and thereby only worsen the patient's condition.

Usually prescribed drugs of several different groups:

  1. Enzymes that support the pancreas and help digest food - Mezim Forte, Pancreatin, Creon.
  2. Drugs that reduce increased irritable bowel motility are Imodium and Loperamide. But their use is contraindicated if it is established that severe diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection.
  3. Antibiotics only if bakposev showed that the causative agents of the infection were staphylococci, streptococci, dysenteric bacillus and other bacteria.

If it is determined that diarrhea that lasts three or four days is caused by poisoning of any kind, a gastric lavage is performed. To do this, you need to prepare at least two liters of a weak solution of potassium permanganate and drink it in one gulp. You also need to do a cleansing enema. One hour later, you can take medications.

If the cause of diarrhea that does not stop for a long time is dysbacteriosis, preparations containing probiotics and prebiotics will help. This is Linex and its analogues. You need to take drugs from this group every day for at least three weeks. To restore the water-salt balance, you can take Regidron or Electrolyte - these are powdered products that need to be diluted in warm water and drunk a little every hour. If cramps and pains in the abdomen are very strong, No-shpa or Papaverine are prescribed.

Folk remedies and diet for prolonged diarrhea

If you do not follow the diet during prolonged diarrhea, none of the medications will be effective.

First of all, the diet involves the use of a large amount of fluid in order to restore its loss.

But in no case should it be coffee, purchased juices or soda.

The list of foods that can be included in the diet if diarrhea bothers you for several days in a row:

  • stale or dried without butter wheat bread;
  • viscous rice porrige on water without oil;
  • hard-boiled eggs;
  • lean beef or turkey;
  • steam fish low-fat varieties(for example, cod);
  • mashed potatoes on the water;
  • pureed soups with carrots and potatoes, you can add a little rice cereal;
  • various kissels;
  • baked apples and bananas.

If diarrhea is caused by dysbacteriosis and has been bothering you for more than the first or second day, it will be useful dairy products with bifidobacteria - low-fat kefir, natural yogurt, cottage cheese.

The food rules are:

  1. All dishes must be steamed or boiled, in last resort- bake without oil and spices.
  2. Drink compotes, tea or just water every hour for at least one glass. In total, you should drink at least three liters of fluid per day.
  3. It is advisable to wipe or chop meat and vegetables.
  4. You need to eat often, every 3-4 hours up to 6 times a day, but in small portions.

Even when the functioning of the stomach and intestines is fully restored, you can not abruptly return to your usual diet, this can provoke a relapse.

Introduce one new product per day. If everything is in order, then after 1-2 days you can enter next product. But a sparing diet will have to be followed for some time.

From folk remedies, bird cherry helps very well. You can simply pass it through a meat grinder, sprinkle with sugar and put it in glass jar. accept this delicious medicine follows every hour with severe diarrhea, then you can three or four times a day for a teaspoon before meals.

Pomegranate peels have a fixing effect. Take 2 tablespoons of dry and crushed peels, pour boiling water and cook over low heat for at least 10 minutes. Then cool for half an hour, strain and take 1/3 cup an hour before meals.

Prolonged diarrhea usually occurs if the patient has not properly treated ordinary diarrhea, neglected the recommendations of the doctor and did not follow the diet. Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious pathology - advanced hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcer or malignant neoplasms. This condition is very dangerous dehydration. Therefore, in no case should you endure, you need to see a doctor, look for the cause and be treated.

Diarrhea(diarrhea) - rapid, repeated loose stools. Diarrhea is usually accompanied by pain, rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence, tenesmus. Diarrhea is a symptom of many infectious diseases and inflammatory processes of the intestine, dysbacteriosis, and neurogenic disorders. That's why importance in the prevention of complications plays the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease. The loss of a large amount of fluid during profuse diarrhea leads to a violation of the water-salt balance and can cause heart and kidney failure.

Diarrhea (diarrhea)

Diarrhea is called a single or frequent bowel movement with liquid stools. Diarrhea is a symptom that signals a malabsorption of water and electrolytes in the intestine. Normally, the amount of feces excreted per day by an adult varies between 100-300 grams, depending on the characteristics of the diet (the amount of vegetable fiber consumed, poorly digestible substances, liquids). In the case of increased intestinal motility, the stool may become more frequent and thin, but its amount remains within the normal range. When the amount of fluid in the feces increases to 60-90%, then they talk about diarrhea.

There are acute diarrhea (lasting no more than 2-3 weeks) and chronic. Moreover, in the concept chronic diarrhea there is a tendency to periodically plentiful stools (more than 300 grams per day). Patients suffering from malabsorption of various nutrients, tend to polyfaeces: the release of a large amount of feces containing undigested residues food.

Causes of diarrhea

With severe intoxication in the intestine occurs excess secretion in its lumen of water with sodium ions, which helps to thin the stool. Secretory diarrhea develops with intestinal infections (cholera, enteroviruses), taking certain medications and dietary supplements. Osmolar diarrhea occurs with malabsorption syndrome, insufficiency in the digestion of sugars, overconsumption osmotically active substances (laxative salts, sorbitol, antacids, etc.). The mechanism of development of diarrhea in such cases is associated with an increase osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen and diffusion of fluid along the osmotic gradient.

A significant factor contributing to the development of diarrhea is a violation of intestinal motility (hypokinetic and hyperkinetic diarrhea) and, as a result, a change in the rate of transit of intestinal contents. Strengthening of motility is facilitated by laxatives, magnesium salts. Violations motor function(weakening and strengthening of peristalsis) occur with the development of irritable bowel syndrome. In this case, they talk about functional diarrhea.

Inflammation of the intestinal wall causes the exudation of protein, electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen through the damaged mucosa. Exudative diarrhea accompanies enteritis, enterocolitis various etiologies, intestinal tuberculosis, acute intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery). Often with this type of diarrhea in the stool there is blood, pus.

Diarrhea may develop as a result of taking medications: laxatives, antacids containing magnesium salts, certain groups of antibiotics (ampicillin, lincomycin, cephalosporins, clindamycin), antiarrhythmic drugs (quindiline, propranol), digitalis preparations, potassium salts, artificial sugars (sorbitol, mannitol) , cholestyramine, chenodeoxycholic acid, sulfonamides, anticoagulants.

Classification

There are the following types of diarrhea: infectious (with dysentery, salmonellosis, amebiasis, food poisoning and entroviruses), alimentary (associated with disorders in the diet or an allergic reaction to food), dyspeptic (accompanies digestive disorders associated with insufficiency of the secretory functions of organs digestive system: liver, pancreas, stomach; as well as with insufficient secretion of enzymes in the small intestine), toxic (with arsenic or mercury poisoning, uremia), drug (caused by drugs, drug dysbacteriosis), neurogenic (with changes in motility due to impaired nervous regulation associated with psycho-emotional experiences).

Clinical Features of Diarrhea

AT clinical practice distinguish between acute and chronic diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea

chronic diarrhea

Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 weeks is considered chronic. It may be a consequence various pathologies, the identification of which is the main task for determining the tactics of treatment. Information about the causes of chronic diarrhea can be provided by the history data associated with clinical symptoms and syndromes, physical examination.

Particular attention is paid to the nature of the stool: the frequency of defecation, daily dynamics, volume, consistency, color, the presence of impurities in the feces (blood, mucus, fat). The survey reveals the presence or absence of accompanying symptoms: tenesmus (false urge to defecate), abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.

Pathologies of the small intestine are manifested by abundant watery or fatty stools. For diseases of the large intestine, less abundant stools are characteristic, streaks of pus or blood, mucus may be noted in the feces. Most often, diarrhea with lesions of the large intestine is accompanied by pain in the abdomen. Diseases of the rectum are common scanty chair as a result of increased sensitivity to stretching of the walls of the intestine, tenesmus.

Diagnosis of diarrhea

Acute diarrhea, as a rule, is characterized by a very pronounced loss of fluid and electrolytes in the feces. On examination and physical examination of the patient, signs of dehydration are noted: dryness and decreased turgor skin, increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. With a pronounced calcium deficiency, the symptom of a "muscle roller" becomes positive, there may be convulsions.

With diarrhea, the patient's stool is always carefully examined, in addition, it is desirable to carry out a proctological examination. Identification of an anal fissure, fistula, paraproctitis may suggest the presence of Crohn's disease. For any diarrhea comprehensive study organs of the digestive tract. Instrumental endoscopic techniques (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, irrigoscopy, sigmoidoscopy) allow you to examine inner walls upper divisions gastrointestinal tract and large intestine, detect mucosal damage, inflammation, neoplasms, bleeding ulcers, etc.

Microscopy of feces reveals a high content of leukocytes and epithelial cells in it, which indicates the presence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The detected excess of fatty acids is a consequence of malabsorption of fats. Together with the remains of muscle fibers and high content starch in the feces steatorrhea is a sign of malabsorption syndrome. Fermentation processes due to the development of dysbacteriosis contribute to a change in the normal acid-base balance in the intestine. To identify such disorders, intestinal pH is measured (normally 6.0).

Persistent diarrhea in combination with excessive gastric secretion is characterized by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ulcerogenic adenoma of the pancreas). In addition, prolonged secretory diarrhea may be the result of the development of hormone-producing tumors (for example, vipoma). Laboratory research blood tests are aimed at identifying signs of an inflammatory process, biochemical markers of liver and pancreas dysfunction, hormonal disorders that can be causes of chronic diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases, so choosing medical tactics the main role is played by the identification and treatment of the underlying pathology. Depending on the type of diarrhea, the patient is referred for treatment to a gastroenterologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a proctologist. It is imperative to apply for medical care if there is diarrhea lasting more than 4 days, or streaks of blood or mucus are noticeable in the stool. In addition, symptoms that should not be ignored are: tarry stools, abdominal pain, fever. If there are signs of diarrhea and there is a possibility of food poisoning, it is also necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the type of diarrhea. And includes the following components: diet food, antibiotic therapy, pathogenetic treatment(correction of malabsorption enzyme deficiencies, decreased gastric secretion, drugs that normalize intestinal motility, etc.), treatment of the consequences prolonged diarrhea(rehydration, restoration of electrolyte balance).

With diarrhea, foods are introduced into the diet that help reduce peristalsis, reduce the secretion of water into the intestinal lumen. In addition, the underlying pathology that caused diarrhea is taken into account. Diet components must be functional state digestion. Products that promote secretion of hydrochloric acid and increase the rate of evacuation of food from the intestines, for a while acute diarrhea excluded from the diet.

Antibiotic therapy for diarrhea is prescribed to suppress the pathological flora and restore normal eubiosis in the intestine. Antibiotics for infectious diarrhea a wide range, quinolones, sulfonamides, nitrofurans. The drugs of choice for intestinal infections are drugs that do not adversely affect the intestinal microbiocenosis ( combined preparations, nifuroxazide). Sometimes, with diarrhea of ​​various origins, eubiotics may be prescribed. However, more often such treatment is prescribed after the signs of diarrhea subside to normalize the intestinal flora (eliminate dysbacteriosis).

As symptomatic remedies adsorbents are used, enveloping and astringents neutralizing organic acids. To regulate intestinal motility, loperamide is used, in addition, acting directly on the opiate receptors of the small intestine, reducing the secretory function of enterocytes and improving absorption. A pronounced antidiarrheal effect is exerted by somatostatin, which affects the secretory function.

In infectious diarrhea, drugs that reduce intestinal motility are not used. Loss of fluid and electrolytes with prolonged and profuse diarrhea requires rehydration measures. Most patients are prescribed oral rehydration, but in 5-15% of cases there is a need for intravenous administration electrolyte solutions.

Prevention of diarrhea

Diarrhea prevention includes body hygiene and nutrition. Washing hands before eating, washing thoroughly raw vegetables and fruits and proper culinary processing of products help to avoid food poisoning and intestinal infections. In addition, it is worth remembering the need to avoid drinking raw water, unfamiliar and suspicious foods, foods that can cause an allergic reaction.

Persistent incessant diarrhea can also occur in adults. This is a disorder of the digestive system, it does not happen without a reason. It is important to understand that this is often a symptom. It requires not only the treatment of inconvenient consequences, but in addition the disease-primary cause. It will help to establish the disease medical specialist. For accurate diagnosis a series of analyzes and studies will be required. Subsequently, the prescribed therapy will bring results.

Patients often complain:

  • I have a stomachache;
  • appears;
  • concerned about gas formation and bloating;
  • the nasal temperature rises slightly (more often passes without temperature);
  • nausea and vomiting occur.

The presence of diarrhea affects appearance and lifestyle of a man or woman:

  • the person becomes lethargic, tired;
  • circles appear under the eyes;
  • rapidly losing weight;
  • there is excessive pallor and dryness of the skin;
  • there is insufficient salivation.

The reasons

It is important to find out what causes trouble. More often than not, a malfunctioning intestine is the result of malnutrition. It happens that stress provokes disorder. Diarrhea can be caused by various ailments. Common illnesses include:

  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • inflammatory bowel disease;
  • malabsorption syndrome (reduced intestinal absorption);
  • infectious diseases;
  • endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders;
  • food allergies and hypersensitivity to certain foods.

Nutrition is the reason

Due to malnutrition, in case of violations food regimen in the presence of food allergies alimentary chronic diarrhea occurs. Certain foods speed up digestive process, the digested mass tends to leave faster intestinal tract. Culprits accelerated exchange substances:

  • milk;
  • sugar;
  • fermented foods;
  • coffee;
  • spicy food;
  • a large number of fruits;
  • artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose);
  • cold water drunk immediately after a meal;
  • excessive consumption alcoholic beverages(beer or wine).

Diarrhea in men and women is a side effect of antibiotics, herbal infusions or dietary supplements. Therefore, before you start taking medicines, you should carefully read the instructions, do not hesitate to ask a pharmacist or doctor about possible adverse reactions.

irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disease. It is accompanied by pain in the abdomen and violations of the frequency and nature of the stool. This disease is chronic, it will take a long time to treat. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to diet, avoid stress. When strongly severe symptoms you will need to consult a doctor and take medications.

inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic diarrhea is also indicative of the presence inflammatory diseases. The causes of the disorder are still being studied. traced genetic predisposition to pathology. Inflammation of the intestinal mucosa occurs due to the fact that the immune system a person begins to produce antibodies that suppress the development of intestinal microflora.

A number of types of inflammatory bowel disease are known, such as Crohn's disease or non-specific ulcerative colitis. The disease is characterized by relapses. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, the organization of proper nutrition, long-term drug treatment will be required.

Infectious diseases

Intestinal infections can cause persistent diarrhea. The sources are:

  • dirty (unboiled) water;
  • unwashed vegetables and fruits;
  • eggs;
  • unpasteurized (raw) milk.

They often appear in travelers and living in tropical or developing countries- causing illness of a tourist.

What you need to know about treatment

If the symptoms do not worsen, there is no pain in the abdomen, try to eliminate diarrhea. Accept, but this is a short-term solution. If medication does not help for a long time, do not abuse it, but consult a doctor.

Pay attention to the diet: perhaps diarrhea is the body's reaction to specific product. Keep a food diary to find out which food triggers your cravings. In a few weeks, the food that gives rise to malaise will be revealed. You will need to exclude the dish from the diet.

  • avoid caffeinated, sugary and alcoholic drinks;
  • consume food low in fiber;
  • drink more water;
  • don't overeat.

Include probiotic-containing foods (yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, dark chocolate, sourdough bread, and others) in your own diet. "Good" bacteria restore the functioning of the intestinal tract.

We treat the cause

Simple measures do not help - consult a doctor and find out the underlying ailment. In this case, diarrhea is a symptom, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause. You have to spend a lot of time and effort, but this is how they select correct therapy and prevent life-threatening consequences.

During the appointment, the doctor asks the patient, male or female, about the time of onset of the phenomenon, recent travel, frequency of stools, the presence of blood in the stools and the presence of other symptoms. Then the patient takes blood tests, feces, undergoes a biopsy and X-ray examinations.

After the necessary research and establishing a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the treatment of a particular disease. Complex therapy, a regular diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are prescribed.

We treat complications

In most cases it is harmless. At chronic diarrhea there is a risk of dehydration of the body due to a large loss of fluid. Warning signs:

  • dark urine;
  • constant thirst;
  • intense sweating;
  • fatigue;
  • nausea;
  • temperature rise;
  • lack of elasticity of the skin.

Dehydration can become life-threatening - the sick person suffers from dizziness, fainting and confusion, kidney failure, shock and death are possible. Remember to drink liquids, including water, broths, unsweetened decaffeinated tea.

It is possible to buy medicines in a pharmacy. They will support or restore the balance of salts in the body. In the absence of the opportunity to visit a pharmacy, suitable saline solution- it will help to effectively cope with diarrhea, it is permissible to cook at home. To do this, dilute 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt and soda in warm boiled water. Drink gently after cooling.

Prevention of chronic diarrhea

It is not always possible to prevent the development of chronic diarrhea. However, it is possible to prevent infectious manifestations diarrhea. Follow the rules so that improper bowel function periodically does not create inconvenience:

  • drink water only from clean (verified sources), use a filter;
  • thoroughly clean the meat before cooking;
  • fry well, bake meat;
  • wash hands after preparing food and handling raw food;
  • scrupulously wipe kitchen surfaces;
  • always wash fruits and vegetables before eating;
  • do not eat in unverified places where sanitary standards are not observed;
  • wash your hands as often as possible, and especially after going to the toilet, changing a diaper, or having contact with a sick person.

Everyone has experienced diarrhea, or diarrhea, even healthy man. The reasons for its appearance great amount ranging from incompatible foods to very severe infections.

In this article severe infections accompanied by excruciating diarrhea, such as cholera and others, we will not consider. This is a separate issue.

Watery diarrhea

Watery diarrhea occurs when the pathological process is involved precisely small intestine. This may be a situation where there was poisoning with substandard food products or acute intestinal infections.

Sometimes the amount pathogenic bacteria located in the intestines, may be quite small. It is not the bacteria themselves that are dangerous, but the products of their vital activity, the toxins that they secrete.

In the cold season, watery stools are sometimes due to a number of viruses that are active in winter. These are the so-called rotavirus infections, which are very easy to catch.

Why is water diarrhea dangerous?

Diarrhea can be conditionally divided into watery stools without pathological impurities, such as blood, and blood-streaked diarrhea. If blood appears in the discharge from the intestine, this is a signal to seek medical help, because. the causes of such a symptom can be very serious: intestinal bleeding, hemorrhoidal bleeding, or serious bacterial infection. All these conditions can threaten the life of the patient. But this also needs to be discussed separately.

So, if there is water diarrhea in an adult, treatment should be immediate. It should be noted that with watery stools there is a large loss of water, and if this process is also accompanied by vomiting, then we can talk about dehydration, and it can come very quickly if emergency measures are not taken.

The human body normally contains about 85-90% water. More precisely, the brain, muscles and heart contain approximately 76% fluid, blood - 84%, and only the human skeleton consists of 15-20% water. From this you can understand how important water is for a person. Each cell of our body consists of water, and with a lack of fluid, all systems and organs will suffer. In addition, with diarrhea, along with water, a huge amount of minerals are released, which are so necessary for the body.

For a small child, a loss of 10% of body weight at watery diarrhea leads to lethal outcome. If a child weighs 5 kg, then the loss of 500 ml of fluid for him will be fatal. Adults lose 10% of their body weight per short term more problematic, because their weight is much greater, so they have time to make a decision. Dehydration (dehydration) is most dangerous for children and the elderly. Diarrhea in an adult - what to do? Of course, treat.

Diarrhea is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. To select the correct treatment strategy, it is necessary to establish true reason liquid stool. Even if loose stools in an adult happen 2-3 times a day, which does not pose a threat to his life, anyway, over time (if it lasts for several days), the body will be severely depleted, and the water-salt balance will be disturbed. Recovery will take much more time than the illness lasted. If diarrhea is watery in an adult, treatment is necessary, especially if an elderly person suffers from this symptom.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a kind of defensive reaction to the introduction pathogenic microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. Thus, the body itself is protected from harmful effects. pathogenic microflora and do your detox. But if this condition does not go away within a few hours, help is needed. Especially if there is a temperature and in this case it is necessary. Hyperthermia (fever) may indicate general intoxication organism. Such a state requires an appropriate attitude. You can't let everything go by itself. Some people think that diarrhea is not really a disease. Diarrhea should still be treated if it lasts more than one day. So you can save the body from serious consequences.

If the patient complains of diarrhea, abdominal pain, treatment is also necessary. Pain is a serious symptom that may indicate a serious illness, such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, gallstones, or appendicitis. If there is pain during diarrhea, then you need to see a doctor. In some of these situations, surgical assistance is needed.

There are other causes of diarrhea:

  • dyspeptic - this is the most common cause of diarrhea, it may occur due to insufficient secretion of the stomach, improper functioning of the glands and, as a result, improper digestion of the food consumed;
  • infectious - can be caused by dysentery bacillus, various intestinal viruses, amoebas and food toxins;
  • alimentary is allergic reaction for food;
  • toxic - poisoning with poisons and toxic substances, such as arsenic or mercury;
  • medication - caused by side effects medical preparations, for example, some antibiotics in the intestines kill not only pathogenic flora, but also useful, thereby causing diarrhea;
  • neurogenic - can be caused strong feelings or fear, such diarrhea is also called "bear disease".

Patients experience diarrhea differently, depending on individual characteristics organism. So, for example, loose stools in some people 2-3 times a day cause weakness and poor health, while in others, diarrhea 5-6 times a day does not cause negative consequences.

If diarrhea lasts for a short time, it usually does not cause negative consequences and passes without much harm to health. If diarrhea continues for a long time and is accompanied by bloating, rumbling, false calls to defecation (tenesmus), nausea, vomiting, heartburn and causes severe weakness(exhaustion of the body), then this condition requires emergency medical care. It is not uncommon for patients with these symptoms to be hospitalized.

With any nature of diarrhea, it is necessary to use enough liquids. Compliance drinking regime can protect against negative consequences and support the patient's body in good shape.

Drink better mineral water without the content of gas in it, it will help maintain the water-salt balance. If there is prolonged water diarrhea in an adult, treatment is necessary. If home treatment does not help and the diarrhea does not go away within a few days, it is serious occasion ask for help at medical institution. If severe diarrhea develops, the doctor will determine the causes and treatment.

Diet for diarrhea

Sparing, regardless of the reasons that caused it, is necessary. Until the condition improves and the symptoms of intoxication disappear, you need to follow a diet.

The following products are allowed:

  • porridge on the water;
  • jelly;
  • lean boiled or steamed meat;
  • steam cutlets;
  • boiled or steamed fish.

Prohibited Products:

  • fatty foods;
  • fried foods;
  • sweets;
  • spicy dishes;
  • pickled foods;
  • any canned food;
  • carbonated drinks;
  • coffee;
  • too strong tea;
  • any alcohol.

After the disappearance of diarrhea and the improvement of the diet, you need to adhere to a few more days, at least for a week. By gradually adding other previously prohibited foods to the diet, the weakened body is prepared for the usual diet. You can't go back to your normal diet right away. A sharp return to the menu of the wrong dish can upset the balance that is fragile and unstable after illness.

Diarrhea: causes and treatment

The treatment for diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. What drugs are most effective for diarrhea? We will talk about this in this section.

First of all, any diarrhea should not be treated with antibiotics. This is done only in severe cases, for example, if the cause that caused the pathological process really represents serious danger. This applies to diseases such as salmonellosis or cholera. In this case, the patient must be hospitalized, and further treatment it will take place under the strict supervision of doctors. If there is water diarrhea in an adult, treatment should be aimed at preventing dehydration and restoring the water-salt balance. For these purposes, solutions such as Regidron or Oralit are suitable, you can also drink mineral water without gas.

Solutions are taken after each stool for half a cup. In addition, you should drink at least 4 glasses of one of these drugs within 12 hours.

Medicines for diarrhea

Medicines for diarrhea are not a panacea at all. In the treatment of diarrhea, a number of measures should be taken into account. The most important of which, as already mentioned, is the fight against. Consider the drugs for diarrhea in adults, which are used most often.

All of them are divided into several pharmacological groups:

  • sulfanilamide preparations ("Ftalazol");
  • antibiotics (tablets "Levomycetin", "Tetracycline");
  • nitrofurans (drug "Furazolidone");
  • antimicrobials ("Enterofuril", "Sulgin");
  • antifungal (Intetrix) - used for;
  • enterosorbents (activated carbon);
  • antiviral drugs.

Consider the most famous in adults. In which case is it advisable to take this or that drug?

activated charcoal for diarrhea

What to give from diarrhea to an adult? Enterosorbents are a group of drugs that have an adsorbing and enveloping effect. Treatment should begin with activated charcoal. Sometimes this is enough. These tablets for diarrhea in adults (and children) are not absorbed in the intestines.

Activated charcoal is taken at the rate of one tablet per 10 kg of the patient's weight. So, if the patient weighs 60 kg, then, accordingly, he should take 6 tablets and drink large quantity water.

Activated charcoal absorbs all harmful toxins, bacteria and viruses, and also binds water and covers the intestinal wall with a protective layer. After that it outputs naturally. It should be noted that after pills taken this drug, the stool will be black. This is not something to be afraid of. If diarrhea occurred due to poor-quality products, then activated charcoal in most cases is sufficient for treatment.

The drug "Ftalazol" from diarrhea

This group is most appropriate to take with infectious types of diarrhea (dysentery, enterocolitis and colitis of an infectious nature). Taking the drug "Ftalazol" with allergic types of diarrhea and ordinary indigestion will be ineffective. Its effect is noticeable only on day 2-3, when the growth of pathogenic microflora under the action of the drug will be stopped.

Means "Imodium" for diarrhea

The drug "Imodium" (its other name is "Suprelol", "Lopedium" and "Loperamide") begins its action within the first 40-60 minutes. This drug is effective in diarrhea caused by poor quality products, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and in initial stages infectious diarrhea. It helps a lot with frequent urge to vomit. This drug is convenient to take with you on the road. Diarrhea is a common travel companion.

Treatment with Loperamide and Simethicone

This is a new generation drug, it is combined remedy from diarrhea "Imodium plus" and includes the so-called defoamer - simethicone. This substance eliminates bloating and adsorbs unnecessary intestinal gases. Thanks to him, spastic pains and a feeling of fullness of the intestine disappear. These are chewable tablets for diarrhea in adults. It is not recommended to give them to children under the age of 12.

natural remedies for diarrhea

This includes drugs such as "Smekta" and "Kaopectat". These drugs are used for rotavirus infections. It should be noted that the drug "Kaopektat" is contraindicated in childhood.

These drugs belong to the group of enterosorbents, they gradually reduce the frequency of going to the toilet, and also relieve bloating and rumbling in the abdomen.

Tablets "Lineks" from diarrhea

This tool contains beneficial microflora and renders positive action throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It includes 3 types of positive microflora:

  • lactobacilli - positively affect the functioning of the small intestine;
  • enterococci - have a similar effect and help the small intestine to function properly;
  • bifidobacteria - actively work in the large intestine.

Folk remedies for diarrhea

Traditional medicine knows many ways to treat such an ailment as diarrhea. Folk remedies for treating diarrhea have been tested for centuries.

  1. A decoction of pomegranate peels is considered effective tool with intestinal disorders. To prepare the medicine, you need to take a well-washed peel of one fruit and pour a glass of cold water. Boil on low heat for 10 minutes, cool and strain. Take this remedy every two hours for 2 tbsp. spoons.
  2. Alternative treatment of diarrhea involves the use rice water. Taking this remedy every 20-30 minutes for 3-4 hours will relieve bloating and stop diarrhea.
  3. Wormwood will help to cope with diarrhea. But with this tool you need to be careful: do not exceed the dosage and do not use for too long. To prepare the medicine, 1 teaspoon of dry grass should be poured with one glass of boiling water and insisted for half an hour. Take the medicine 30 minutes before meals, 1 tbsp. spoon.
  4. A very strong folk remedy for diarrhea using an alcohol infusion of walnut partitions has long been known. It must be taken without exceeding the permissible dose (5-6 drops each), otherwise it may provoke a backlash - constipation. As soon as the number of trips to the toilet decreases, you need to reduce the dosage to 2-3 drops. It is clear what to use for treatment alcohol tinctures Only adults are allowed inside. To prepare the drug, take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of ground walnut partitions and pour one glass of vodka. Insist in the dark for 5-7 days. This remedy is prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Recommended this medicine always have on hand for those who are prone to frequent bowel disorders.

Conclusion

With such an ailment as diarrhea, folk remedies can be very effective. Whatever the nature of the origin of diarrhea, this fact must be taken seriously. If you can’t cope with the intestinal disorder on your own, and besides, pain or fever joins, in this case you need to seek medical help. This is especially true for elderly citizens, because. they become dehydrated much earlier than young people in their prime.

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