Discussion
Diarrhea is a condition that is characterized by frequent passage of watery stool. It is the way one’s body gets rid of substances that are harmful (Collins 121). When one has diarrhea, the body quickly flushes out food containing bacteria or viruses. One may also suffer from diarrhea when he or she takes certain foods that don’t agree with them. Diarrhea complications normally last a day or two and in most cases reside without complications.
If diarrhea persists on for more than five days, one may have a medical problem that requires attention. Persistent and serious cases of diarrhea may lead to severe dehydration and may also cause electrolyte imbalances (Niedert 68). Thus, the patients must get medical attention within three days to avoid rapid and dangerous dehydration. Chronic and excessive diarrhea can result to weight loss and serious malnutrition. Quite often, persistent cases are followed by symptoms such as; cramps, fever, or dyspepsia (DeBruyne 517). These symptoms help in diagnosing the causes of diarrhea. This paper discusses the diarrhea causes, and its medical treatment.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a disease of different medical conditions. Diarrhea complications can be induced by infectious, dietary substances or medications. The condition occurs due to inadequate re-absorption of fluids in the intestines, sometimes accompanied with rise in intestinal secretions. Majority of diarrhea complications are classified under osmotic or secretory diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea occurs as a result of unabsorbed nutrients or other substances attracting water to the colon and increasing fecal water content. In effect, this causes deficiency in lactase, enhanced intake of sugar that is poorly absorbed such as fructose, sorbital, and ingestion of laxatives that have magnesium or phosphates (DeBruyne 518).
In secretory diarrhea, fluids secreted by the intestine surpass the amount that can be re-absorbed by intestinal cells. Secretory diarrhea is often caused by bacterial food poisoning. It can also occur as a result of various chemical substances and inflammatory conditions (DeBruyne 518).
Diarrhea can also be caused by motility disorders; rapid movement within the colon shortens the contact period required for fluid re-absorption, whereas slow movement within the colon may enhance bacterial overgrowth and thereby alter intestinal secretions. Diarrhea of acute nature normally occurs suddenly, and may persist for several weeks. In most cases, such diarrhea is caused by bacterial, viral or protozoan infections or come about as a side effect of medications (Collins 121).
Medical Treatment of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be treated a number of ways. The first step in diarrhea treatment requires correction of underlying medical disorders. Antibiotics should be administered to treat infections. Diarrhea resulting from a medication side effect should be treated by prescribing alternate drug. Incase certain foods are responsible for diarrhea; these foods can be omitted from the patient’s diet. We can also make use of bulk-forming agents such as psyllium to help reduce stool liquidity (Niedert 68).
Anti-diarrheal drugs can be prescribed to slow GI motility or reduce intestinal secretions incase chronic diarrhea does not respond to treatment (Collins 122). Nutrition therapy can also be used for treatment of diarrhea. However, this will depend on the cause of diarrhea, its severe nature, duration, and degree of water loss. Incase of rehydration development, it is necessary to apply rehydration therapy. In some individuals, a low fiber diet may be necessary to improve symptoms. Restriction of fiber is necessary during periods of active intestinal inflammation, which can reduce tolerance to fiber. Patients must be advised to avoid foods and beverages that contain fructose, sugar alcohols or lactose that may worsen symptoms (Niedert 68).
Conclusion
In sum, a condition is considered diarrhea if one has more than two loose stools in a day. Viral illness is the common cause of diarrhea. Diarrheas resulting from viral illnesses can last duration of up to two weeks. Although antibiotics can be used for treatment, they do not assist much. In some situations, antibiotics may actually worsen diarrhea. Mild diarrhea causes may include; emotional upsets, travel, dietary changes, changes in routines, food intolerances or allergies, or bacterial illnesses. Medical treatment must be sought immediately if diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms such as; blood and mucus an indication of a severe bacterial cause; high fever; and dehydration (Collins 122).
Works Cited
Collins, Douglas. Differential diagnosis in Primary Care. Sydney: Wolter Kluwer Health, 2007.
DeBruyne, Pinna K. Nutrition and Diet Therapy. New York: Cengage Learning, 2007.
Niedert, Dorner B. Nutrition Care of the Older. New York: American Diabetic Association, 2004.