Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool, or increased frequency, or both, when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.

Diarrhea may be acute (short-term), which is usually related to bacterial or viral infections, or chronic (long-term), which is usually related to a functional disorder or intestinal disease.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea may be caused by a number of conditions, including the following:

• a bacterial infection
• a viral infection
• food intolerances or allergies
• parasites
• a reaction to medications
• an intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease
• a functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome
• a result of surgery on the stomach or gall bladder

Many people suffer "traveler's diarrhea" caused by a bacterial infection or a parasite, or even food poisoning.

Severe diarrhea may indicate a serious disease, and it is important to consult your physician if the symptoms persist or affect daily activities. Identifying the cause of the problem may be difficult.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

The following are the most common symptoms of diarrhea. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• cramping
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• nausea
• urgent need to use the restroom
• fever
• bloody stools
• dehydration

Dehydration is one of the more serious side effects of diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• thirst
• less-frequent urination
• dry skin
• fatigue
• light-headedness

The symptoms of diarrhea may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is diarrhea diagnosed?

In addition to a complete physical examination and laboratory tests for blood and urine, diagnostic procedures for diarrhea may include the following:

• stool culture - checks for the presence of abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract that may cause diarrhea and other problems. A small sample of stool is collected and sent to a laboratory by your physician's office. In two or three days, the test will show whether abnormal bacteria are present.
• sigmoidoscopy - a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of a portion of the large intestine, and is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the intestine through the rectum. The scope blows air into the intestine to inflate it and make viewing the inside easier.
• colonoscopy - a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.

Treatment for diarrhea:

Specific treatment for diarrhea will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment usually involves replacing lost fluids, and may include antibiotics when bacterial infections are the cause.

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Online Resources of Digestive Disorders