DIARRHEA
Overview
Acute diarrhea is an unpleasant digestive disorder that nearly everyone
experiences at one time or another.
The loose-stool consistency that characterizes diarrhea usually lasts a few
days at most. Diarrhea often means more-frequent trips to the toilet and a
greater volume of stool. Some common causes of loose, watery stools and
abdominal cramps are infections from viruses, bacteria or parasites. Other
causes include medications — particularly antibiotics — and artificial
sweeteners. Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amounts of water and
salts. Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own without treatment. But if
diarrhea persists, you become dehydrated or you pass blood in your stool,
see your doctor.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:
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Frequent, loose, watery stools
Abdominal cramps
Abdominal pain
Fever
Blood in the stool
Bloating
In addition, other signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may
precede diarrhea that's caused by, for example, an infection. Bacterial or
parasitic infections sometimes cause bloody stools, and fever may accompany
these infections as well.
Treatment
Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a few days without
treatment. If you seek medical attention, your doctor likely will advise you
to take steps to replace the fluids and salts lost during diarrhea.
If your doctor determines that an antibiotic medication caused your
diarrhea, you'll need to stop taking that medication and modify your
treatment plan.
If a parasitic infection caused your diarrhea, prescription antibiotics may
ease your symptoms. Antibiotics sometimes, but not always, help ease signs
and symptoms of bacterial diarrhea. However, antibiotics won't help viral
diarrhea.
If you have chronic diarrhea, treating the underlying disease may help ease
your diarrhea.
Self-care
Diarrhea caused by viral infections typically ends on its own without
antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications may slow
diarrhea, but they won't speed your recovery. Certain infections may be
made worse by these OTC medications because they prevent your body from
getting rid of what's causing the diarrhea. Take these measures to prevent
dehydration and reduce symptoms while you recover:
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Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, clear sodas and
broths, gelatine, and juices every day. But, avoid apple and pear juices
until you feel better because they can make your diarrhea worse. Avoid
caffeine and alcohol.
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Add semisolid and low-fibre foods gradually as your bowel
movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or
chicken. Starchy foods will stay in longer, (potatoes, noodles, rice)
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Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fibre
foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
When to seek medical advice
If diarrhea persists beyond five days or if you become dehydrated — as
evidenced by excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination,
severe weakness, dizziness or light-headedness, or dark-coloured urine —
see your doctor. Also get medical help if you have severe abdominal or rectal
pain, bloody or black stools, a temperature of more than 101 F, or signs of
dehydration despite drinking plenty of liquids.
In young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your doctor
if diarrhea persists for more than 24 to 48 hours or if your baby:
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Hasn't had a wet diaper in three or more hours
Has a high fever
Has bloody or black stools
Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable
Has a sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks
Has skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released
If you have any further questions, please see one of the nurses in the
health centre
This information package has been developed by the nurses at Sheridan College, Davis
Campus, March 2007