DIARRHEA

Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stool occurring more than 3 times in one day. It is a common problem that usually lasts a few days and goes away without treatment. Diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks can be a sign of other problems.

Other symptoms occurring with diarrhea may include:

abdominal pain and cramping
abdominal bloating
nausea and vomiting
mucous, pus, blood, or fat in the stool or
fever

Infections or medications may cause brief diarrhea. Mild diarrhea may occur from an alcohol binge, emotional upset, food intolerance, or poor food preparation. Intestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease or bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, can cause diarrhea. Travel to new areas may also cause gastrointestinal upset from contaminated food and water. Many times the cause of diarrhea is not found.

The most serious potential complication of diarrhea is dehydration (the loss of body fluid balance). Those at highest risk are infants, children, and the elderly. See a healthcare provider if watery diarrhea lasts for more than one week. Be especially careful about dehydration when diarrhea and vomiting occur at the same time.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

thirst
urinating dark colored urine or urinating less often than usual
dry skin
fatigue and
light-headedness

To avoid dehydration, fluids and electrolytes (the salts, potassium and sodium) that are lost through diarrhea must be replaced. The bowel does not need to be rested when a person has diarrhea. In fact, resting the bowel can make the diarrhea worse and cause severe dehydration. Drinking fluids may make the stools larger at first, but will help to prevent dehydration. For mild diarrhea, sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, soft drinks, and soups or broth will usually be enough to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. If there is nausea and vomiting, begin taking small amounts or sips of clear liquids, every 10 minutes. Take fluids such ginger ale, non-caffeinated sodas, broth, apple juice, or an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. Increase the amount to 4 to 8 ounces (.1 to .2 liters) of clear fluids every hour while awake.

It is okay to continue eating when having diarrhea. Foods high in simple sugars and high in fat should be avoided. Eat easily digested food such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal, applesauce, chicken, or turkey without the skin or fat. Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and highly seasoned foods for a few days. Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Do not take aspirin or other over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications until speaking with your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea should be avoided unless recommended by your provider.

See a healthcare provider for any of the following:

signs of dehydration
bloody stools (either bright red or black, tarry stools)
diarrhea with severe abdominal pain, vomiting or fever over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 degrees Centigrade) or
diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

Take steps to prevent the transmission of diarrhea. Hand washing helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause diarrhea. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before meals. Keep hands away from your face.

Food preparation precautions can reduce the source of bacteria and toxins that cause diarrhea. Always chill foods that could spoil. Cook meat thoroughly. Never place cooked meat on surfaces or plates that held raw meat. Wash cutting boards with hot water and soap. Disinfect counters, stovetops, and cutting boards with a diluted bleach solution.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File DIGE4413.rf2 VRS# 4413 (See SYMP5175) Data Version 7.0