Digestive Diseases: Diarrhea
Diarrhea describes bowel movements (stools) that are loose and watery. It is very common and usually not serious. Many people will have diarrhea once or twice each year. It typically lasts two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Others have diarrhea often as part of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic diseases of the large intestine.
Doctors classify diarrhea as "osmotic," "secretory" or "exudative."
Osmotic diarrhea means that something in the bowel is drawing water from the body into the bowel. A common example of this is "dietetic candy" or "chewing gum" diarrhea, in which a sugar substitute, such as sorbitol, is not absorbed by the body but draws water from the body into the bowel, resulting in diarrhea.
Secretory diarrhea occurs when the body is releasing water into the bowel when it's not supposed to. Many infections, drugs and other conditions cause secretory diarrhea.
Exudative diarrhea refers to the presence of blood and pus in the stool. This occurs with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and several infections.
What Causes Diarrhea?
The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the gut. The infection usually lasts for two days and is sometimes called "intestinal flu." Diarrhea may also be caused by:
- Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning)
- Infections by other organisms
- Eating foods that upset the digestive system
- Allergies to certain foods
- Medications
- Radiation therapy
- Diseases of the intestines (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Malabsorption (where the body is unable to adequately absorb certain nutrients from the diet)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Some cancers
- Laxative abuse
- Alcohol abuse
- Digestive tract surgery
- Diabetes
- Competitive running
Diarrhea may also follow constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?
Diarrhea symptoms can be broken down into uncomplicated (or non-serious) diarrhea and complicated diarrhea. Complicated diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious illness.
Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:
- Abdominal bloating or cramps
- Thin or loose stools
- Watery stool
- Sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
- Nausea and vomiting
In addition to the symptoms described above, the symptoms of complicated diarrhea include:
- Blood, mucus or undigested food in the stool
- Weight loss
- Fever
Contact your doctor if you have prolonged diarrhea or a fever that lasts more than 24 hours. Also see your doctor promptly if vomiting prevents you from drinking li quids to replace lost fluids.
How Is Diarrhea Treated?
If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can just let it run its course, or you can treat it with an over-the-counter medicine.Common brand names include Pepto-Bismol, Imodium A-D and Kaopectate, which are available as liquids or tablets. Follow the instructions on the package.
In addition, you should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Choose fruit juice without pulp, broth or soda (without caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey and sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals. Drink small amounts of fluids frequently.
How Can I Relieve Discomfort in the Rectal Area?
If your rectal area becomes sore because of frequent bowel movements, or if you experience itching, burning or pain during bowel movements:
- Try warm baths. Afterwards, pat the area dry (do not rub) with a clean, soft t owel.
- Apply a hemorrhoid cream or white petroleum jelly to the anus.
Can Diarrhea Harm My Health?
Yes. Ongoing diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of water and nutrients. If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you are not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated, which can cause serious complications if not treated.
Notify your doctor if you have ongoing diarrhea and are experiencing any of the following signs of dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Small amount of urine
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Confusion
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Some case s of diarrhea require medical attention. Diarrhea can quickly deplete the body's supply of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) that tissues need to function. People who are very young, old or sick may have difficulty replacing lost fluids. Also, when diarrhea lasts for several weeks or contains blood, a serious illness may be the cause. In these cases, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology. |
