All about diarrhea; From cause to treatment

Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive problems that can be caused by various factors such as bacterial, viral, food infections or chronic digestive problems. This disease is associated with an increase in the number of stools and a change in the consistency and weakness of the immune system. Biotic or antiviral... Due to the importance of prevention and rapid treatment of diarrhea, accurate knowledge of its causes and treatment methods is of particular importance.. Diarrhea symptoms Diarrhea is one of the common digestive problems that is associated with an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and a change in its consistency. This disease is usually caused by infection, improper nutrition or digestive disorders and can have many effects on a person's health. ** experience a feeling of fullness in the stomach**.. bacterial or viral**, fever and chills are also observed.... 5... **nausea and vomiting**: some people who have diarrhea, in addition to diarrhea, also have nausea or vomiting.... 6... **dehydration**: one of the important side effects of diarrhea is severe dry mouth, decreased fluid production... dizziness, Weakness and lethargy.... 7... **Stool color change**: In some cases, the color of the stool may change and become **green, yellow, or even bloody**, which can be a sign of infection or digestive problems.... If diarrhea continues for a long time or you experience severe symptoms such as bleeding, high fever, or dehydration, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.. Diarrhea is a digestive disease that can be caused by various reasons. And it is generally divided into three main types of acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea and osmotic diarrhea.. Each of these types of diarrhea is explained in detail below: ### **1... acute diarrhea**: **Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that usually lasts for a short period of time (from a few days to a week) and is mostly caused by viral or bacterial infections**.... This type of diarrhea usually improves by itself and does not require complex treatment, unless symptoms such as dehydration or bleeding in the stool are observed.. - **Viral diarrhea**: One of the most common causes of acute diarrhea is usually caused by viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus or adenovirus.. This type of diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.. Diarrhea It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the stool, fever and abdominal pain.. **Drug Diarrhea**: Some drugs such as antibiotics, antacids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause diarrhea.. ### 2... Chronic diarrhea Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts more than 4 weeks and is usually related to underlying digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or chronic digestive disorders... This type of diarrhea may be accompanied by other problems such as weight loss, bleeding or chronic fever... Some common causes of chronic diarrhea are: - **Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)**: Diseases such as *ulcerative colitis* and *Crohn's disease*, which are associated with chronic intestinal inflammation, can lead to chronic diarrhea. This type of diarrhea is usually associated with abdominal pain, weight loss, and sometimes with bleeding. Kidneys can cause chronic diarrhea.. The body cannot absorb food well, and as a result, food and fluids are excreted from the body.. Osmotic diarrhea occurs when the test does not absorb water and food electrodes.. correctly, and this leads to the accumulation of fluids in the intestine, which causes diarrhea. It improves. The following are the causes of osmotic diarrhea: - **Pancreatic insufficiency**: In this disorder, the pancreas is not able to produce enough digestive enzymes to digest food. For this reason, food is not properly digested and remains in the intestine, which causes insufficient absorption and eventually diarrhea. Those who are allergic to lactose (sugar in milk) may experience osmotic diarrhea after consuming dairy products. - **Usage of some drugs**: drugs that are used to treat constipation or reduce food absorption, may cause osmotic diarrhea.. ### 4... exudative (inflammatory) diarrhea This type of diarrhea usually occurs as a result of severe intestinal inflammation... In this case, protein and blood are secreted from the damaged intestinal vessels into the stool, which causes bloody diarrhea.. Inflammatory diseases such as *Crohn's disease* and *Ulcerative colitis* are the main causes of this type of diarrhea.... Diarrhea is a digestive symptom that may be associated with various causes if the diarrhea continues.. ** dangerous symptoms such as high fever, Bleeding or dehydration**, it is necessary to see a doctor to diagnose the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.... What is the cause of diarrhea?... Diarrhea can be caused by various reasons, including viral infections (such as rotavirus or norovirus) and bacterial infections (such as salmonella or shigella), which are usually transmitted through contaminated water or food.. Consumption of irritating foods or food poisoning are also common causes. Diarrhea is **Chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as digestive tests.. Colitis** and **Irritable bowel syndrome** can also lead to diarrhea.... Also **Hormonal disorders and malabsorption** of foods such as **Celiac disease and pancreatic insufficiency** can also cause diarrhea**.... Medicines and some microbial infections are also other causes of diarrhea... Finally, diarrhea is a common symptom that may be caused by various reasons and in some cases it can be a sign of a more serious disease. Identifying the exact cause and timely treatment can prevent serious complications. Helping with dehydration. Treatment of diarrhea depends on the cause, but In general, the main goal of treating diarrhea is to prevent dehydration, reduce symptoms and, if necessary, treat the underlying cause.... The different methods of treating diarrhea are listed below: **1... replacement of liquids and electrolytes ** One of the most important points in the treatment of diarrhea is to prevent dehydration. Diarrhea causes the loss of fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium), so it is very important to consume fluids, especially fluids containing electrolytes.. Some methods of fluid replacement are: - **Water**: Plain water is used as the first option to prevent dehydration... - **Electrolyte solutions**: Special solutions (such as ORS) that are available in pharmacies, help to compensate for electrolytes and fluids lost in the body... - **Fruit juices and soups**: They can help provide fluids.. If the diarrhea is not caused by a viral or bacterial infection and needs faster treatment, Antidiarrheal medications can be helpful: - **Lopramide (Imodium)**: This drug reduces the movement of the intestines and can reduce the frequency of diarrhea.. But if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, this drug should not be used, because it can help the accumulation of toxins in the body... (if needed)** If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe **antibiotics**. For example, with infections like salmonella or shigella, antibiotics can be helpful. In many cases, home remedies can help, especially if the diarrhea is caused by poor nutrition or stress. Some home remedies include: - **drinking herbal tea**: mint or ginger tea may help relieve stomach pain and reduce bloating... - **avoidance of heavy food**: during diarrhea, you should avoid fatty, spicy or heavy food and use a simple and light diet such as rice, toast or potatoes... 5... If diarrhea is caused by an underlying disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or malabsorption, the treatment should be tailored to This is the condition... For example: - In **inflammatory bowel diseases** such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressive drugs... did.... **6...see a doctor** If the diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days or is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, blood in the stool, severe dehydration or severe abdominal pain, you should see a doctor immediately... The doctor may prescribe tests such as a stool culture or blood test to determine the exact cause of the diarrhea... 7... **prevention of diarrhea** - **Washing hands**: Washing hands, especially after using the toilet and before eating, prevents the spread of many diarrheal infections... - **Food hygiene**: Observance of hygiene in the preparation and consumption of food, including washing vegetables and fruits and fully cooking food... It depends on the cause, but in the root treatment of the disease, proper control and treatment is very important.. For acute diarrhea, home remedies and the use of sufficient fluids are usually helpful, but if the symptoms severe or prolonged, a doctor should be consulted.. Is prolonged diarrhea dangerous?.. **Yes, prolonged diarrhea is dangerous.** Prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of a serious underlying disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), malabsorption (such as celiac disease), or chronic infections... Also, if diarrhea continues for a long time, it may cause severe diarrhea. Electrolytes, weight loss, general weakness and body organ dysfunction... In these cases, it is necessary to see a doctor to diagnose the exact cause and proper treatment... To treat diarrhea, it is very important to consume enough fluids and compensate for the lost electrolytes... Using simple foods such as rice, bananas and probiotics helps yogurt... Adhering to a proper diet and drinking enough fluids can help cure diarrhea faster.. Cooked apple** is recommended, because these ingredients help to **harden stools and relax the digestive system**.. **Probiotic yogurt and Kefir** is also effective by restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut....Liquids such as **ORS solution, water, water, soup** are necessary to compensate for dehydration....Also avoid **fatty, spicy foods and carbonated soft drinks....when to treat diarrhea Should we see a doctor?... In case of persistent diarrhea, it is necessary to see a doctor, or in case of persistent diarrhea or dangerous symptoms such as high fever in the body, the presence of these things can be dangerous symptoms such as dehydration.. serious problems that require accurate diagnosis and treatment... in feces**: this can be a sign of severe infection or inflammatory diseases... - **high fever**: especially if it is above 38.5 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by other symptoms.... in case of persistent diarrhea or dangerous symptoms, it can be dangerous symptoms such as severe dehydration in the blood or the presence of cases of high fever... serious problems that need accurate diagnosis and treatment... What are the symptoms of prolonged diarrhea?... prolonged diarrhea Duration can be a sign of a serious problem such as inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic infections or food malabsorption... Identifying the root cause and timely treatment is necessary to prevent complications.. **Chronic infections**: caused by parasites, bacteria or viruses that have not been treated.... Hyperthyroidism or adrenal gland disorders... If you experience prolonged diarrhea, it is very important to see a doctor to check for... dehydration or nutritional disorders... What are the symptoms of black diarrhea?... Black diarrhea is usually a sign of **presence of digested blood in the digestive tract** and may indicate serious problems such as **bleeding in the stomach or Intestine**.. This condition can be caused by stomach ulcer, bleeding due to esophageal varices or even the use of steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.. Medicines**. To treat severe diarrhea, taking appropriate medications can help reduce the symptoms... before using any medication, the cause of diarrhea should be investigated and consulted with a doctor... - **Lopramide**: This drug, known by the brand name Imodium, **reduces bowel movements and reduces the frequency of diarrhea**.. infection** cannot be used... - **Diphenoxylate**: brand name Lomotil, It is a combination drug used with atropine and is prescribed to control moderate to severe diarrhea. - **Bismuth Subsyrate**: Pepto-Bismol brand name, can help to **reduce inflammation and control diarrhea, especially in case of diarrhea***. Infections**... Taking antidiarrheal drugs without diagnosing the underlying cause can be dangerous, especially in infectious cases... It is always better to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or are severe... Treatment of severe diarrhea in adults To treat severe diarrhea in adults, **dehydration must first be remedied;** **intake of fluids containing electrolytes such as ORS** is essential... A light diet including**white rice**, **banana** and **if needed, such soups can help improve symptoms. Because ** loperamide** is used under medical supervision to reduce bowel frequency... **If diarrhea is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or severe dehydration**, immediate medical attention is necessary... Treatment of the underlying cause, **such as bacterial infection or inflammatory diseases, is necessary to prevent inflammatory complications.* summary The treatment of diarrhea is not limited to the consumption of liquids or light foods, but requires a more comprehensive approach that includes attention to the main cause, adjustment of lifestyle and the use of supportive methods. For example, **probiotic products** have been scientifically proven to be effective in restoring the gut microbiome. Helping to recover faster... Although things like high fever or prolonged diarrhea require medical attention, the use of combined and targeted solutions can make managing diarrhea much more effective... Dr. Mohammad Amani, Gastroenterology and Liver Specialist