The main causes of prolonged diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea in adults: causes, treatment What can cause diarrhea

Human body very fragile and vulnerable, especially digestive system. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can occur in a person of any age and gender, and the consequences can be very serious.

One of these unpleasant diseases is diarrhea.

Diarrhea (diarrhea)- This is an intestinal disorder. You can classify it as a separate disease, but it would be more correct to say that diarrhea occurs as a result of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and is more of a symptom.

Diarrhea can lead to fatal outcome, at risk are children under two years of age, if the diagnosis is not made in time and the cause of the appearance is not determined. of this disorder and not start immediate treatment.

If measures are not taken, dehydration occurs, which can be life-threatening for the patient.

There are two forms of diarrhea: acute and chronic.

Acute form, as a rule, begins suddenly and lasts no more than two weeks. Most often it is caused by infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract. At acute form There are two types of diarrhea: when it is just liquid discharge and when it is bloody.

Chronic form diarrhea occurs from more serious illnesses and may continue for a long time. In this case, doctors try to extend the period of remission for the maximum period.

1. Causes of diarrhea

2. Symptoms

• Severe pain in the intestines and stomach;
• Temperature increase;
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating;
• Liquid stool that may be watery, bloody, or slimy.

If symptoms of this kind appear, you should immediately contact a specialist, an adult - no later than 2-3 days, but small child- already on the second, since the child’s body is more vulnerable and suffers more from diarrhea.

3. Diagnostics

By using differential diagnosis specialists can understand the most important thing - what is the cause of diarrhea. To make a diagnosis, they examine the body and study the symptoms, since they may vary for different pathogens of diarrhea.

Doctors pay attention to the color and smell of stool, how abundant and frequent they are, but this may not be enough to prescribe precise treatment. The patient also undergoes tests; only by studying them in the laboratory can the cause be determined and the necessary treatment prescribed.

4. Diseases that cause diarrhea

Diarrhea syndrome can occur not only from infections or inappropriate food, but also due to some kind of disease. For example, diarrhea is caused by:

• Crohn's disease;

This disease is not always associated with the gastrointestinal tract; in a patient with disorders nervous system There may also be diarrhea. Hepatitis and disorders of the biliary tract can also manifest themselves in the form of loose stools.

5. Treatment and prediction of diarrhea

If this is ordinary food poisoning, a diet is prescribed, and after a couple of days the stool should improve. Hospitalization of a patient is necessary in cases where his water balance is already disturbed due to the extent of the disease, loose bloody stools, and when he has been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases - salmonellosis or cholera.

The specialist prescribes medications that relieve spasms and pain in the abdominal area, for example Nosh-pa or Spazmalgon, and solutions or tablets that help stop loose stools.

When treating diarrhea, antibiotics are used in cases where the condition has noticeably worsened. In some cases, the patient needs additional treatment to restore the body, in this case the specialist will tell you what vitamins you need to take.

Treatment of diarrhea with folk remedies

It is not always necessary for a person drug treatment. In cases where diarrhea is caused by banal food infection and does not have a complex nature, it can be cured at home. The most common methods of treatment are drinking strong tea and St. John's wort decoction. In the second case, you cannot overdo it, since St. John's wort is a highly stool-fastening herb.

If diarrhea with bloody discharge, dried chicken gizzards can help. They should be ground into powder and taken several teaspoons per day as a decoction. Well suited as a general tonic pharmaceutical chamomile. You should not overdo it in self-medication, and if it does not help within a few days, it is recommended to go to the hospital to avoid complications.

Diarrhea - causes, symptoms, treatment

If today you have already gone to the toilet for the third (fourth, fifth...), and the stool cannot be called “formed” even with a fair amount of optimism, we are talking about diarrhea - acute, if this condition persists for less than two weeks, or chronic - if it lasts longer or relapses. In this article we will talk about the treatment of diarrhea in adults and about remedies that will help cope with this unpleasant illness.

Diarrhea is not a disease, but a symptom of various diseases. Clarifying the diagnosis is a matter of paramount importance, because treatment depends on it. For example, for severe dysentery, antibiotics are needed, but for Crohn's disease they are completely useless, and the effect can only be expected by prescribing glucocorticosteroids.

However, there are also general rules getting rid of diarrhea, regardless of its cause.

Diet

Replenishment of fluid losses

And this can be significant – up to several liters – volume. And not only water, but also microelements are lost, so it is better to drink not just water or a decoction of herbs, but pharmacy (Rehydron, citroglucosolan) or self-prepared glucose-salt solutions: per liter of water - a teaspoon of salt, half as much soda, a quarter spoon of chloride potassium, 4 tablespoons of sugar. If there is no potassium salt in the house (which is quite likely), it can be replaced with a glass of orange juice or dried apricot compote.

Sorbents

These include:

• first aid drug - Enterosgel, a modern enterosorbent based on bioorganic silicon, which effectively absorbs and removes only toxic substances and pathogens from the stomach and intestines. Enterosgel does not interact with the mucous membrane in any way gastrointestinal tract, unlike other sorbents, which stick to the inflamed mucosa and further injure it. The drug does not cause constipation, does not cause allergies, and can be taken from the first days of life.
• activated carbon, up to 10 tablets during the day,
• kaolin (white clay),
• calcium carbonate and gluconate,
• bismuth salts, which are practically not absorbed in the intestines and contribute to the compaction of stool (venter, de-nol),
• smecta: dissolve the sachet in water, take 3-4 times during the day;
• lignin preparations (polyphepan, bilignin): these wood derivatives do not dissolve in water, but the powder is still easier to drink if you shake a tablespoon in half a glass of water;
  attapulgite is a silicate of aluminum and magnesium, available in tablets, you can take up to 14 pieces per day with water, it is not advisable to use it for more than 2 days,
• cholestyramine is an ion exchange resin that can bind bile acids, helps with hologenic diarrhea that occurs after surgery gallbladder, stomach.

Sorbents are able to bind and remove liquid and gas, viruses, bacteria and toxins from the intestines. They are effective for infectious diarrhea, reduce flatulence in irritable bowel syndrome, but in case of malabsorption (enteropathy, amyloidosis), such drugs can aggravate the symptoms of nutritional deficiency.
We should not forget that drugs in this group are capable of binding and medications, therefore they should be taken with a time interval, preferably at least 2 hours.

Drugs that reduce intestinal secretion

These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: indomethacin, diclofenac. They are used in short courses for acute bacterial diarrhea: on the first day from the onset of the disease. Sulfasalazine, which belongs to the same group, on the contrary, has been taken for years by patients with ulcerative colitis.
Steroid drugs (prednisolone, metipred) have the same effect. They are successfully used to treat Crohn's disease.

Phytotherapy

The effect of most “astringent” herbs is also based on reducing intestinal secretion: oak bark and alder cones, bird cherry fruits, cinquefoil root, chamomile flowers have been used for centuries in folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea.

Enzymes

They are especially indicated for diarrhea associated with impaired absorption and cavity digestion. Preference is given to drugs that do not contain bile acids: Creon, pancreatin, mezim-forte, pancitrate.

Drugs that affect intestinal motility

Lopedium (imodium, loperamide) is the most advertised drug for diarrhea. It really works effectively functional disorders associated with increased motility (with irritable bowel syndrome). It can also be used for Crohn's disease. However, it is not advisable to use it for infectious diarrhea. Slowing down the evacuation of feces from the intestines will retain toxins and bacterial agents in the body, that is, it will not speed up, but slow down recovery. It is also not effective for diabetic enteropathy and intestinal amyloidosis.
Octreotide is an analogue of the hormone somatostatin. He slows down motor activity intestines, but at the same time enhances absorption, which makes it indispensable for enteropathies.

Anticholinergics (atropine, platiphylline) and antispasmodics (papaverine, no-spa) reduce intestinal motility; they can be used in the first days for acute diarrhea, especially if it is accompanied by abdominal pain.

Probiotics

Obligate intestinal microflora ensures normal digestion and absorption. With diarrhea, it always undergoes changes. To restore it they use

• preparations containing transient microflora (enterol, bactisubtil),
• preparations that contain particles of intestinal microorganisms, their metabolic products (hilak-forte),
• preparations that contain obligate intestinal flora (bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, acylact, narine, linex)

Diarrhea often goes away on its own even without treatment. Symptomatic therapy loosening stools is effective in most cases, regardless of the underlying cause. But behind harmless symptoms there can be serious problems, from thyrotoxicosis to colon cancer. Therefore, prolonged or repeated diarrhea, blood in the stool or black stools, weight loss - all this is a definite reason to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.

Which doctor should I contact?

If frequent loose stool accompanied by vomiting and fever - you need to contact a therapist or infectious disease specialist. If the diarrhea is prolonged, but occurs against the background of a relatively satisfactory condition of the patient, you should visit a gastroenterologist to clarify the cause of this symptom.

Professor V.T. Ivashkin about diarrhea in the program “Embrace the Immense”

Diarrhea(popular name - diarrhea) - a painful condition of the human body, accompanied by frequent loose (watery) stools and, in most cases, pain in the abdominal area, high temperature and vomiting.

Diarrhea (diarrhea)- a symptom that causes, and is therefore quite dangerous for children and the elderly, which, if not given proper attention, can lead to serious consequences, even death.

According to statistics for 2009, more than 1.5 million children (under 5 years of age) died from diarrhea in third world countries.

Types of diarrhea

Medicine distinguishes between two types of diarrhea (diarrhea) - acute and chronic, the symptoms of which are generally similar. The main difference is the duration and other accompanying symptoms.

Acute diarrhea

The duration is usually short, 1 – 14 days. The causes of loose stools in acute diarrhea can be: allergic reactions to medications, food poisoning, as well as various infections (viruses, bacteria).

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) is persistent, prolonged diarrhea (diarrhea) with possible periods of remission. Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) can lead to weakening and dehydration of the body, and can also be a symptom hidden disease, so you should definitely see a doctor so that he can prescribe treatment for an intestinal disorder.

Possible causes of chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) as an intestinal disease: ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), drug therapy, endocrine diseases, etc.

Symptoms accompanying diarrhea (diarrhea) are as follows:

• feces with blood;

See a doctor immediately if:

• diarrhea continues in a child for more than 2 days, in an adult for more than 5 days;
• high body temperature;
• stool that is dark, bloody, or contains mucus;
• there is severe and prolonged abdominal pain (more than 2 hours);
• nausea and vomiting appeared;
• diarrhea began after a trip to Africa, Asia and other exotic parts of the planet;
• signs of dehydration appeared.

You should immediately consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms occur in infants or the elderly.

Causes of acute diarrhea:

Causes of chronic diarrhea:

In most cases, diarrhea goes away on its own within 2 days. The main thing these days is to stick to a diet and also prevent dehydration. That is why experts prescribe patients plenty of fluids and other means to prevent the body from losing the necessary amount of fluid for its normal functioning.

If diarrhea does not go away within 2 days in a child or 5 days in an adult, consult a doctor who, based on the examination, can prescribe medications and, if necessary, refer you to the hospital for tests and treatment.

Basically, treatment of diarrhea includes the following set of measures:

— diet;
— maintaining the body’s water balance;
- drug treatment at home;
- treatment in a hospital (if the doctor has concerns or diarrhea does not go away for a long time).

Diet for diarrhea

What to eat for diarrhea? We've picked some useful recommendations:

— For diarrhea, it is necessary to drink plenty of liquid (water, still mineral water, broth), preferably warm or at room temperature.

— If you have no appetite and feel cramps in the abdomen, then it is better to refrain from eating;

— Eat food in small doses;

- If you have diarrhea infant, continue to breastfeed him, if artificial feeding. At artificial feeding replace cow's milk clean water.

If you have diarrhea, you should avoid the following foods:

• fatty and fried foods;
• coffee;
• alcohol;
• milk and dairy products(yogurt, fermented baked milk);
• fruit juices (except apple);
• grapes, plums and most other fresh fruits;
• legumes, beets, radishes, radishes, cucumbers and other green vegetables;
• sweets;
• sauces, ketchups, mayonnaise and spices;
• black bread

What to eat for diarrhea:

• boiled rice, oatmeal and other grains;
• white bread crackers;
• potatoes and other boiled or baked vegetables;
• lean meat, can be in the form of cutlets or meatballs, but always steamed or boiled;
• applesauce;
• bananas.

Medicines for diarrhea

It is better to take medications after seeing a doctor. If there is still such a need, then you can take them, but strictly follow the instructions for use and remember that if over-the-counter antidiarrheals are taken for a long time, diarrhea can turn into chronic form and provoke more serious disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Antidiarrheal group:“Enterol”, “Eubikor”, “Mezim Forte”, “Smecta”, “Enterosgel”, “Imodium”, “Hilak Forte”, “Loperamide Akri”, “Panzinorm Forte”, “Lopedium”, “”, “Polysorb MP ", "Linex", "Polyphepan", "Diosmectite", "Coapectate", "Enterosorb".

To prevent dehydration:"Regidron", "Hydrovit".

Intestinal antiseptics: Nifuroxazide (Enterofuril, Ersefuril, Stopdiar), Rifaximin (Alfa Normix), Intetrix.

For infectious diarrhea:"Galavit."

Diarrhea due to colitis is treated with drugs that relieve inflammation.

Attention! Products containing salicylate may temporarily darken the tongue or stool.

Antibiotics for diarrhea

Antibiotics for diarrhea are prescribed only by a doctor, and only after diagnosing the body and identifying the “infectious” cause of diarrhea.

Prevention of diarrhea

To prevent diarrhea, the following rules must be followed:

- always wash your hands, especially after going outside, using the toilet, contacting money, before eating, before contact with food for cooking. Hands need to be washed warm water with soap.

— before consumption, fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed;

- diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems can be caused by: unpasteurized dairy products, meat, eggs;

- do not eat food that has expired;

— meat must undergo complete heat treatment before being eaten;

- in the kitchen, including places and objects for preparing food, must be clean (tables, knives, boards, plates, etc.);

- do not leave cooked foods in a warm place for a long time, because... This is an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria harmful to the body.

- Try not to drink raw water or any untreated water, especially of unknown origin. To purify water, boil it for 15 minutes and then consume. You can also purify water using special filters, as well as by adding a tablet or drop of iodine and chlorine to it.

- do not eat fruits or vegetables that have not yet reached the ripening season, for example: strawberries, melon, watermelon. Often, unscrupulous producers inject such berries and fruits with “chemicals”, which provokes their rapid ripening and, of course, frequent poisoning of their customers.

Diarrhea(diarrhea) – frequent, repeated loose stools. Diarrhea is usually accompanied by pain, rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence, and tenesmus. Diarrhea is a symptom of many infectious diseases and inflammatory bowel processes, dysbiosis, neurogenic disorders. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease is important in preventing complications. A loss large quantity fluid during profuse diarrhea leads to disruption of the water-salt balance and can cause heart and kidney failure.

General information

Diarrhea is defined as single or frequent defecation of loose stool. Diarrhea is a symptom that signals a malabsorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. Normally, the amount of feces excreted per day by an adult varies between 100-300 grams, depending on the characteristics of the diet (the amount of plant fiber consumed, poorly digestible substances, liquids). If intestinal motility increases, stool may become more frequent and thinner, but its quantity remains within normal limits. When the amount of liquid in stool increases to 60-90%, then they talk about diarrhea.

There are acute diarrhea (lasting no more than 2-3 weeks) and chronic. In addition, the concept of chronic diarrhea includes a tendency to periodically have large stools (more than 300 grams per day). Patients suffering from malabsorption of various nutrients, have a tendency to polyfecal: excreting large amounts of feces containing undigested food debris.

Causes of diarrhea

With severe intoxication in the intestine, excess secretion of water with sodium ions occurs into its lumen, which helps to dilute the stool. Secretory diarrhea develops with intestinal infections (cholera, enteroviruses), taking certain medications and dietary supplements. Osmolar diarrhea occurs with malabsorption syndrome, insufficient digestion of sugars, excessive osmotic consumption active substances(laxative salts, sorbitol, antacids, etc.). The mechanism of development of diarrhea in such cases is associated with an increase in osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen and fluid diffusion along the osmotic gradient.

A significant factor contributing to the development of diarrhea is impaired intestinal motility (hypokinetic and hyperkinetic diarrhea) and, as a consequence, a change in the rate of transit of intestinal contents. Laxatives and magnesium salts help enhance motility. Impaired motor function (weakening and strengthening of peristalsis) occurs with the development of irritable bowel syndrome. In this case they talk about functional diarrhea.

Inflammation of the intestinal walls causes the exudation of protein, electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen through damaged mucosa. Exudative diarrhea accompanies enteritis, enterocolitis of various etiologies, intestinal tuberculosis, acute intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery). Often with this type of diarrhea there is blood and pus in the stool.

Diarrhea can develop as a result of taking medications: laxatives, antacids containing magnesium salts, certain groups of antibiotics (ampicillin, lincomycin, cephalosporins, clindamycin), antiarrhythmic drugs (quindiline, propranol), digitalis preparations, potassium salts, artificial sugars (sorbitol, mannitol) , cholestyramine, chenodeoxycholic acid, sulfonamides, anticoagulants.

Classification

Distinguish the following types diarrhea: infectious (with dysentery, salmonellosis, amoebiasis, food toxic infections and entroviruses), nutritional (associated with dietary disorders or allergic reactions to food), dyspeptic (accompanies digestive disorders associated with insufficiency of the secretory functions of the digestive system organs: liver, pancreas glands, stomach; as well as in case of insufficient secretion of enzymes in the small intestine), toxic (in case of arsenic or mercury poisoning, uremia), medicinal (caused by taking drugs, drug dysbacteriosis), neurogenic (with changes in motor skills due to disturbances in nervous regulation associated with psycho- emotional experiences).

Clinical features of diarrhea

IN clinical practice distinguish between acute and chronic diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea

Diarrhea lasting more than 3 weeks is considered chronic. It may be a consequence various pathologies, identification of which is the main task for determining treatment tactics. History data associated with the disease can provide information about the causes of chronic diarrhea. clinical symptoms and syndromes, physical examination.

Particular attention is paid to the nature of the stool: frequency of bowel movements, daily dynamics, volume, consistency, color, presence of impurities in the stool (blood, mucus, fat). The survey reveals the presence or absence of accompanying symptoms: tenesmus (false urge to defecate), abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.

Pathologies of the small intestine are manifested by copious watery or fatty stools. Diseases of the large intestine are characterized by less abundant stool; streaks of pus or blood and mucus may be present in the stool. Most often, diarrhea with lesions of the large intestine is accompanied by pain in the abdomen. Diseases of the rectum are manifested by frequent, scanty stools as a result of hypersensitivity to stretching of the intestinal walls, tenesmus.

Diagnosis of diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is usually characterized by a very pronounced loss of fluid and electrolytes in the feces. During examination and physical examination of the patient, signs of dehydration are noted: dryness and decreased skin turgor, increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. With severe calcium deficiency, the symptom of a “muscle roll” becomes positive, and convulsions may occur.

In case of diarrhea, the patient's stool is always carefully examined; in addition, it is advisable to carry out a proctological examination. Detection of anal fissure, fistula, paraproctitis may suggest Crohn's disease. For any diarrhea, a comprehensive examination of the organs is performed digestive tract. Instrumental endoscopic techniques(gastroscopy, colonoscopy, irrigoscopy, sigmoidoscopy) allow you to examine the internal walls of the upper gastrointestinal tract and large intestine, detect damage to the mucosa, inflammation, neoplasms, bleeding ulcerations, etc.

Fecal microscopy reveals a high content of leukocytes and epithelial cells in it, which indicates the presence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The detected excess of fatty acids is a consequence of impaired fat absorption. Together with the remains of muscle fibers and the high starch content in the feces, steatorrhea is a sign of malabsorption syndrome. Fermentation processes due to the development of dysbiosis contribute to changes in the normal acid-base balance in the intestines. To identify such disorders, intestinal pH is measured (normally 6.0).

Persistent diarrhea in combination with excessive gastric secretion is characterized by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ulcerogenic pancreatic adenoma). In addition, prolonged secretory diarrhea may be the result of the development of hormone-producing tumors (for example, VIPoma). Laboratory research blood tests are aimed at identifying signs inflammatory process, biochemical markers of liver and pancreas dysfunction, hormonal disorders that can be causes of chronic diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases, therefore, in the choice of medical tactics, the main role is played by the identification and treatment of the underlying pathology. Depending on the type of diarrhea, the patient is referred for treatment to a gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist or proctologist. It is imperative to apply for medical care, if there is diarrhea that lasts more than 4 days, or streaks of blood or mucus are noticeable in the stool. In addition, symptoms that cannot be ignored are: tarry stools, abdominal pain, fever. If signs of diarrhea appear and there is a possibility of food poisoning, you should also consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Therapy aimed at eliminating diarrhea depends on its type. And includes the following components: dietary food, antibacterial therapy, pathogenetic treatment (correction of malabsorption due to enzyme deficiencies, reduction of gastric secretion, drugs that normalize intestinal motility, etc.), treatment of the consequences of prolonged diarrhea (rehydration, restoration of electrolyte balance).

In case of diarrhea, foods are introduced into the diet that help reduce peristalsis and reduce the secretion of water into the intestinal lumen. In addition, the underlying pathology that caused the diarrhea is taken into account. The components of the diet must correspond to the functional state of digestion. Products that promote the secretion of hydrochloric acid and increase the rate of evacuation of food from the intestines for a while acute diarrhea excluded from the diet.

Antibiotic therapy for diarrhea is prescribed to suppress pathological flora and restore normal eubiosis in the intestine. Antibiotics are prescribed for infectious diarrhea wide range, quinolones, sulfonamides, nitrofurans. The drugs of choice for intestinal infections are drugs that do not have an adverse effect on the intestinal microbiocenosis ( combination drugs, nifuroxazide). Sometimes with diarrhea of various origins Eubiotics may be prescribed. However, more often such treatment is prescribed after the signs of diarrhea have subsided to normalize the intestinal flora (eliminate dysbiosis).

Adsorbents, enveloping and astringent agents that neutralize organic acids are used as symptomatic agents. Loperamide is used to regulate intestinal motility; in addition, it acts directly on the opiate receptors of the small intestine, reducing the secretory function of enterocytes and improving absorption. Somatostatin, which affects secretory function, has a pronounced antidiarrheal effect.

For infectious diarrhea, drugs that reduce intestinal motility are not used. Loss of fluid and electrolytes during prolonged and severe diarrhea requires rehydration measures. Most patients are prescribed oral rehydration, but in 5-15% of cases there is a need for intravenous administration electrolyte solutions.

Prevention of diarrhea

Prevention of diarrhea includes measures of physical hygiene and nutrition. Washing your hands before eating, thoroughly washing raw vegetables and fruits, and properly preparing foods helps to avoid food poisoning and intestinal infections. In addition, it is worth remembering the need to avoid drinking raw water, unfamiliar and suspicious food, and food that can cause an allergic reaction.

Everyone has experienced diarrhea, or diarrhea, even healthy man. There are a huge number of reasons for its appearance, starting with food products that are incompatible with each other and ending with very severe infections.

In this article, we will not consider severe infections accompanied by painful diarrhea, such as cholera and others. This is a separate topic.

Watery diarrhea

Watery diarrhea occurs when pathological process involved small intestine. This may be a situation where poisoning has occurred with substandard food products or for acute intestinal infections.

Sometimes the number of pathogenic bacteria present in the intestines can be very small. It is not the bacteria themselves that are dangerous, but their metabolic products, the toxins they release.

In the cold season, watery stools sometimes occur due to a number of viruses that are active in winter. These are so-called rotavirus infections, which are very easy to catch.

Why is water diarrhea dangerous?

Diarrhea can be roughly divided into watery stools without pathological impurities, such as blood, and diarrhea streaked with blood. If blood appears in the intestinal discharge, this is a signal to seek medical help, because... The reasons for this symptom can be very serious: intestinal bleeding, hemorrhoidal bleeding or serious bacterial infection. All these conditions can threaten the patient's life. But this also needs to be discussed separately.

So, if water diarrhea occurs in an adult, treatment should be immediate. It should be noted that with watery stools there is a large loss of water, and if this process is also accompanied by vomiting, then we can talk about dehydration, and it can occur very quickly if emergency measures are not taken.

The human body normally contains about 85-90% water. More precisely, the brain, muscles and heart contain approximately 76% fluid, blood - 84%, and only the human skeleton consists of 15-20% water. From this you can understand how important water is for humans. Every cell of our body consists of water, and if there is a lack of fluid, all systems and organs will suffer. In addition, during diarrhea, along with water, a huge amount of minerals that the body needs is released.

For a small child, a loss of 10% of body weight with watery diarrhea leads to death. If a child weighs 5 kg, then a loss of 500 ml of fluid will be fatal for him. For adults, losing 10% of their body weight in a short period of time is more problematic, because... their weight is much greater, so they have time to make a decision. Dehydration (dehydration) is most dangerous for children and the elderly. Diarrhea in an adult - what to do? Of course, treat.

Diarrhea is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. To select the correct treatment tactics, it is necessary to establish the real reason loose stool. Even if an adult has loose stools 2-3 times a day, which does not pose a threat to his life, over time (if this lasts for several days), the body will be severely depleted and the water-salt balance will be disrupted. Recovery will take much longer than the duration of the illness. If an adult has water diarrhea, treatment is necessary, especially if an elderly person suffers from this symptom.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a kind of defensive reaction to the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. In this way, the body itself is protected from the harmful effects of pathogenic microflora and carries out its detoxification. But if this condition does not go away within a few hours, help is needed. Especially if there is a temperature and in this case it is necessary. Hyperthermia (increased temperature) may indicate general intoxication body. This condition requires an appropriate attitude. You can't leave everything to chance. Some people believe that diarrhea is not really a disease. Diarrhea still needs to be treated if it lasts more than one day. This way you can save your body from serious consequences.

If the patient complains of diarrhea, abdominal pain, treatment is also necessary. Pain is serious symptom, which may indicate a serious illness such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, gallstones or appendicitis. If you have diarrhea painful sensations, then you need to see a doctor. In some of these situations, surgical treatment is necessary.

There are other causes of diarrhea:

• dyspeptic - this is the most common cause of diarrhea; it can occur due to insufficient secretion of the stomach, improper functioning of the glands and, as a result, improper digestion of ingested food;
• infectious - can be caused by dysentery bacillus, various intestinal viruses, amoebas and food toxins;
• nutritional is allergic reaction for food products;
• toxic - poisoning with poisons and toxic substances, such as arsenic or mercury;
• medicinal - caused side effects medications, for example, some antibiotics in the intestines kill not only pathogenic flora, but also beneficial ones, thereby causing diarrhea;
• neurogenic - can be caused by strong emotions or fear; such diarrhea is also called “bear disease”.

Patients experience diarrhea differently, depending on the individual characteristics of the body. For example, loose stools 2-3 times a day cause weakness and poor health in some people, while in others diarrhea 5-6 times a day does not cause negative consequences.

If diarrhea lasts a short time, it usually does not cause negative consequences and passes without much harm to health. If diarrhea continues long time and is accompanied by bloating, rumbling, false urge to defecate (tenesmus), nausea, vomiting, heartburn and causes severe weakness(exhaustion of the body), then this condition requires emergency medical care. Often patients with such symptoms are hospitalized.

For any type of diarrhea, it is necessary to drink enough fluid. Compliance with the drinking regime can protect against negative consequences and keep the patient’s body in good shape.

Drink better mineral water without containing gas, it will help maintain the water-salt balance. If prolonged water diarrhea occurs in an adult, treatment is necessary. If home treatment does not help, and diarrhea does not go away within a few days, this is a serious reason to seek help from medical institution. If severe diarrhea develops, a doctor will determine the cause and treatment.

Diet for diarrhea

Gentle, regardless of the reasons that caused it, is necessary. Until the condition improves and the symptoms of intoxication disappear, you need to follow a diet.

The following products are allowed:

• porridge with water;
• jelly;
• lean boiled or steamed meat;
• steam cutlets;
• boiled or steamed fish.

Prohibited products:

• fatty foods;
• fried foods;
• sweets;
• spicy dishes;
• pickled products;
• any canned food;
• carbonated drinks;
• coffee;
• tea is too strong;
• any alcohol.

After the diarrhea disappears and the diet improves, you need to stick to it for a few more days, at least for a week. By gradually adding other previously prohibited foods to the diet, the weakened body is prepared for the usual diet. You cannot immediately return to your usual diet. A sudden return of the wrong dish to the menu can upset the fragile and unstable balance after illness.

Diarrhea: causes and treatment

Treatment of diarrhea directly depends on the cause that caused it. What medications for diarrhea are most effective? We'll talk about this in this section.

First of all, any diarrhea should not be treated with antibiotics. This is done only in severe cases, for example, if the cause of the pathological process really poses a serious danger. This applies to diseases such as salmonellosis or cholera. In this case, the patient must be hospitalized, and further treatment it will take place under strict medical supervision. If water diarrhea is observed in an adult, treatment should be aimed at preventing dehydration and restoring water-salt balance. For these purposes, solutions such as “Regidron” or “Oralit” are suitable; you can also drink mineral water without gas.

Solutions are taken after each stool, half a glass. In addition, you should drink at least 4 glasses of one of these medications within 12 hours.

Medicines for diarrhea

Medicines for diarrhea are not a panacea at all. A range of interventions should be considered when treating diarrhea. The most important of which, as already mentioned, is the fight against Consider medicines for diarrhea in adults, which are used most often.

All of them are divided into several pharmacological groups:

• sulfonamide drugs ("Fthalazol");
• antibiotics (Levomycetin, Tetracycline tablets);
• nitrofurans (drug "Furazolidone");
• antimicrobial drugs ("Enterofuril", "Sulgin");
• antifungal (Intetrix) - used for;
• enterosorbents (activated carbon);
• antiviral drugs.

Let's look at the most famous ones among adults. In what case is it advisable to take this or that drug?

Activated charcoal for diarrhea

What to give for diarrhea to an adult? Enterosorbents are a group of drugs that have an adsorbing and enveloping effect. Treatment should begin with activated carbon. Sometimes this is enough. These tablets for diarrhea in adults (and children) are not absorbed in the intestines.

Activated carbon is taken at the rate of one tablet per 10 kg of patient weight. So, if the patient weighs 60 kg, then, accordingly, he should take 6 tablets and drink plenty of water.

Activated carbon absorbs all harmful toxins, bacteria and viruses, and also binds water and covers the intestinal wall with a protective layer. After this, it is excreted naturally. It should be noted that after taking tablets of this drug, the stool will be black. There is no need to be afraid of this. If diarrhea occurs due to poor-quality products, then activated carbon in most cases is sufficient for treatment.

The drug "Fthalazol" for diarrhea

This group is most appropriate to take when infectious species diarrhea (dysentery, enterocolitis and colitis infectious nature). Taking the medicine "Fthalazol" for allergic types of diarrhea and ordinary indigestion will be ineffective. Its effect is noticeable only on day 2-3, when the growth of pathogenic microflora under the influence of the drug is stopped.

Imodium for diarrhea

The drug "Imodium" (its other name is "Suprelol", "Lopedium" and "Loperamide") begins to act within the first 40-60 minutes. This drug is effective for diarrhea caused by poor-quality foods, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and initial stages infectious diarrhea. It helps well with frequent vomiting. This drug is convenient to take with you on the road. Diarrhea is a common companion for travelers.

Treatment with Loperamide and Simethicone

This is a new generation drug, it represents combination remedy for diarrhea "Imodium Plus" and includes the so-called antifoam agent - simethicone. This substance eliminates bloating and adsorbs unnecessary intestinal gases. Thanks to it, spastic pain and the feeling of intestinal distension disappear. These are chewable tablets for diarrhea in adults. It is not recommended to give them to children under 12 years of age.

Natural Remedies for Diarrhea

This includes drugs such as Smecta and Kaopectate. These drugs are used for rotavirus infections. It should be noted that the drug "Kaopectate" is contraindicated in childhood.

These drugs belong to the group of enterosorbents; they gradually reduce the frequency of trips to the toilet, and also relieve bloating and rumbling in the abdomen.

Tablets "Linex" for diarrhea

This product contains beneficial microflora and has positive action throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It includes 3 types of positive microflora:

• lactobacilli - have a positive effect on the functioning of the small intestine;
• enterococci - have a similar effect and help the small intestine function properly;
• bifidobacteria - actively work in the large intestine.

Folk remedies for diarrhea

Traditional medicine knows many ways to treat such ailments as diarrhea. Folk remedies for treating diarrhea have been proven for centuries.

1. A decoction of pomegranate peels is considered effective means for intestinal disorders. To prepare the medicine, you need to take a well-washed peel of one fruit and pour it into a glass. cold water. Boil over low heat for 10 minutes, cool and strain. Take this remedy every two hours, 2 tbsp. spoons.
2. Traditional treatment for diarrhea involves the use of rice water. Taking this remedy every 20-30 minutes for 3-4 hours will relieve bloating and stop diarrhea.
3. Wormwood will help cope with diarrhea. But you need to be careful with this product: do not exceed the dosage and do not use it for too long. To prepare the medicine, add 1 teaspoon of dry herb to one glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Take the medicine 30 minutes before meals, 1 tbsp. spoon.
4. A very strong folk remedy for diarrhea using an alcohol infusion of partitions walnuts has been known for a long time. It must be taken without exceeding the permissible dose (5-6 drops), otherwise it may provoke a reverse reaction - constipation. As soon as the number of trips to the toilet decreases, you need to reduce the dosage to 2-3 drops. It is clear that alcohol tinctures can only be used internally for treatment by adults. To prepare the drug, take 1 tbsp. spoon of ground walnut partitions and pour one glass of vodka. Leave in darkness for 5-7 days. This product is prepared for future use and stored in the refrigerator. It is recommended to always have this medicine on hand for those who are prone to frequent intestinal disorders.

Conclusion

For an illness such as diarrhea, folk remedies treatments can be very effective. Whatever the nature of the origin of diarrhea, this fact must be taken seriously. If you cannot cope with an intestinal disorder on your own, and pain or fever also occurs, in this case you need to seek medical help. This is especially true for elderly citizens, because... They become dehydrated much earlier than young people in full bloom.