Diarrhea is one of the syndromes of various diseases. This is frequent and loose stool, which may be accompanied by abdominal cramps, vomiting, and increased gas formation. There can be many reasons for such a violation. But most often it is poisoning or infection in the intestines.
The danger of diarrhea in adults is that it leads to rapid dehydration of the body. This can affect your overall health. Therefore, you need to immediately take all measures to stop diarrhea.
Causes and symptoms of diarrhea
The occurrence of diarrhea is very different.
Let's take a closer look:
- Antibiotic treatment can lead to intestinal dysfunction
Viruses, bacteria . The digestive system is in close contact with the environment. When viruses and bacteria enter the human body, they begin to produce many toxic substances, which subsequently cause diarrhea. - Dysbacteriosis occurs from prolonged use of antibiotics, deterioration of the immune system, and chemotherapy.
- Lack of enzymes is also a cause of diarrhea. This occurs when there is a complication of pancreatic disease, disruption of the gallbladder, or an allergy to lactose (natural sugar in milk).
- Autoimmune diseases . These include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and enteritis.
- Stressful situations can cause “irritable bowel syndrome” without obvious infectious symptoms.
- Poisoning or intoxication has a detrimental effect on intestinal microorganisms.
- Oncological diseases are becoming one of the main causes of diarrhea.
- Liver cirrhosis has diarrhea as its main symptom, due to the fact that the body cannot tolerate fatty foods and the integrity of the liver tissue is compromised.
- Treatment for various diseases with antibiotics can lead to intestinal dysfunction due to the suppression of beneficial cells in the body.
Let's highlight the most common symptoms of diarrhea:
- pain occurs in the colon area;
- bloating occurs due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines, rumbling;
- temperature rises;
- pain appears in the abdomen;
- if it is food poisoning, there will be nausea and vomiting;
- malaise and weakness are the result of dehydration due to diarrhea.
Before taking action, it is necessary to distinguish between normal loose stools and diarrhea. If the body defecates once, but the stool is liquid, then this is not an alarming signal. With diarrhea, bowel movements pass more than three times and are accompanied by the symptoms mentioned above.
For each person, the color of stool depends on what he eats. This is the norm. For example, in the diet of beets, and therefore the feces will be purple in color, from iron supplements, blueberries, activated carbon - the color will turn black. The body does not suffer from this.
With diarrhea, the color of stool can be yellow to black. And by its color one can guess the causes of diarrhea.
The green color of stool indicates an acute infectious intestinal disease with intoxication, diarrhea, and dysbacteriosis.
Yellow color suggests chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory reactions of the gastrointestinal tract, dysbacteriosis.
Diseases that cause diarrhea:
- Dysentery. Reasons: dirty hands, unboiled water, unwashed vegetables and fruits. Symptoms: abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, fever, streaks of blood appear in the stool.
- Salmonellosis. Causes: Poorly processed poultry meat or eggs. Symptoms: malaise, chills, vomiting, abdominal pain.
- Dysbacteriosis. Causes: taking antibiotics. Symptoms: nausea, belching, bloating and abdominal pain.
Child chair
Young mothers always panic when they see something in their baby that they are not used to noticing in themselves. And in vain.
A child's chair has different characteristics than an adult's. The baby may have bowel movements up to 15 times after each meal, and this is normal.
https://youtu.be/JDR4IJtgfss
Frequent loose stools in infants are due to the immaturity of the food system. When the baby begins to eat like adults, then his stool will be similar to theirs. It is important to say that the consistency and color of feces in babies is unstable. It may be yellow, light yellow, with white specks, but absolutely odorless. Moreover, it should not normally be smelly. If, despite frequent bowel movements, the baby remains cheerful and continues to eat well and gain weight, then there is no reason to worry. It's just loose stools, not diarrhea.
Available facilities in the house
Diarrhea that does not stop for three days or more should be treated under the supervision of a doctor. From the very beginning, you can try to cope with the available means.
In every home's kitchen there are many different ingredients that, when properly prepared or consumed, will relieve the first symptoms of diarrhea and bring relief.
We are talking about folk recipes, of which there are many, it will not be difficult to find and choose the most effective one for yourself:
- Pomegranate peels are great for diarrhea.
Tea leaves. Take 1 tsp three times a day. dry brew. You can drink some water. Contraindications: food poisoning. Allowed to be given to children. - Potato starch. A simple and effective remedy for treating diarrhea is starch. It is used both as a powder and in a solution of cold boiled water. You need to dilute one spoon per mug of water, stir, drink slowly, in small sips. You can simply swallow 1 tablespoon of dry starch and drink water. Whichever is convenient for you. Starch can be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- Onion peel. I always have onion peels at home. Take a handful of husks and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Then leave for half an hour and strain. During the day you need to drink half the volume of the decoction, distributing the portions evenly. There are no contraindications for children over five years of age.
- Sunflower seeds. Add two cups of boiling water to a glass of fried seeds. Then simmer over low heat until the water is reduced by half. Strain and take 1/3 cup of decoction for adults and elderly, 1 tablespoon for children.
- Chicken stomachs. Separate the yellow film from the stomachs, rinse it, and dry it. Store in a glass jar. If necessary, grind into powder and take 1 tablespoon with water. For children, 1 teaspoon is enough.
- Pomegranate peels. The crusts are prepared in advance. Cut the peel off a clean pomegranate, place it on a napkin, and cover with a cloth or gauze. Then the well-dried peels are wrapped in parchment and placed in a jar. Important! Store in a dry place. Dried peels are poured with boiling water and left for 2-3 minutes. If you don’t have dried peels on hand, you can use fresh ones, you just need to leave until the water turns a dark burgundy color.
- Rice water or porridge. Rice water occupies a special place among traditional medicines for diarrhea. One glass of rice is boiled in water until tender (proportions 1:7). After this, strain through a sieve, drink the resulting liquid 100 ml every 2 hours during the day.
- Rice water occupies a special place among traditional medicines for diarrhea.
Another recipe with rice. Boil 1.5 teaspoons of rice in 0.5 liters of water over low heat for 40 minutes. After the broth cools down, it is filtered. You need to drink a quarter glass every two hours. The result will not take long to arrive. - Rye bread. Plain rye bread, preferably dry, or soak rye crackers in warm water for 20-25 minutes. Drink the resulting infusion 20-30 ml throughout the day. Relief occurs on the same day.
- Black pepper. Swallow 10 peas without chewing and wash down with 1 glass of water. It's better to do this at night. This product is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.
- Strong tea. Freshly brewed tea has an amazing effect in relieving the symptoms of diarrhea. You need to brew in a separate glass container - 3 small spoons of tea per glass of boiling water. Cool and drink in one gulp. Relief occurs within half an hour. You can also use tea mass, chew thoroughly and swallow. But not everyone can cope with this because of the strong bitter taste.
- Iodine with water. Iodine is an antiseptic that is most often used externally. Traditional medicine experts claim that this remedy helps stop diarrhea. You need to add 5-7 drops of the drug per 100 grams of water and drink it all in one gulp. But you should remember that you can burn the weakened walls of the stomach (with diarrhea, the mucous membrane suffers). And this method of treatment is strictly prohibited for children.
- Wheat flour. This recipe is primarily suitable for children. In a hot frying pan, fry 2-3 tablespoons of flour until golden brown. Then stir 1 spoon of fried flour in boiling water until the consistency of sour cream is obtained. Feed the baby like porridge.
- Garlic. This plant deserves special attention because it helps to get rid of not only diarrhea, but also other diseases. Children over two years old can be given thin slices of garlic on a piece of white bread. It turns out to be a sandwich that needs to be eaten on an empty stomach. Regularly every morning until the stool is completely fixed. For adults, to quickly get rid of diarrhea, you need to eat a whole head of garlic every day. The smell from your mouth will be unpleasant, so it is advisable to stay at home during this period. 2-3 grams of garlic powder helps effectively get rid of diarrhea and is a preventative if taken twice a day after meals.
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Prevention
Prevention of watery diarrhea consists of several points:
- Compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules in everyday life.
- Taking medications as prescribed by a doctor.
- Be careful and attentive when picking mushrooms.
- Use of personal protective equipment when working with insect poisons.
- Before traveling abroad, find out the epidemiological situation in the region and get vaccinated.
- While on vacation, drink bottled water, avoid raw foods and buying food from street stalls.
- Get a medical examination at least once a year.
- Strengthen your immune system with healthy eating, exercise, and adequate rest.
Watery, frequent stools are a symptom of various diseases. It is dangerous due to severe dehydration. Drinking plenty of warm drinks will replenish lost fluid. Medicines containing loperamide will stop diarrhea caused by dietary errors. Astringent herbal preparations will protect the intestines from water loss. Dietary nutrition will speed up recovery. Preventative measures will help prevent illness.
We recommend: Can diarrhea occur during early pregnancy and what is its danger?
Delicious folk remedies for loose stools
Now let's look at drugs, the preparation of which will not be difficult, but the benefits will be great.
They help not only to fix the stool, but also to other ailments:
- A medicine made from blackberries. Dried blackberries have many beneficial properties.
Treatment of diarrhea with onion peels is not contraindicated for children over five years of age. This small juicy fruit combines a whole range of vitamins and minerals. To do this, fresh blackberries are taken to satisfy the body's needs for substances for normal functioning. The low calorie content of this berry has gained credibility among nutritionists. If you have overcome this acute infectious intestinal disease, food poisoning has occurred, and you feel pain in the stomach, then the dried berries are poured with boiling water (15 grams per glass) and placed in a thermos for three hours. Take half a glass twenty minutes before meals. - Blueberry medicine. Blueberries contain a large number of substances that act on the stomach, which stop diarrhea. At the same time, vitaminization of microelements lost during diarrhea occurs. Blueberries successfully cope with painful abdominal cramps, the walls of intestinal vessels become stronger. To eliminate the symptoms of diarrhea, you will need one tablespoon of fresh berries (it’s good to have them), which are chewed thoroughly. After five minutes, drink it with a glass of warm water. Dosage for children: up to seven years - one teaspoon, up to fourteen years - one dessert spoon. Dried berries, sixty grams, soaked in 500 ml of water. Leave for two hours, and then take 200 ml every two hours. Dosage for children: up to seven years old – 1/4 cup, up to fourteen years old – 1/2 cup. However, not everyone can use blueberries to combat diarrhea. Despite its effectiveness, it has contraindications for biliary dyskinesia, urolithiasis, disease of an important organ of the digestive system - the pancreas, and changes in the body's reaction to blueberries (allergies). It is mandatory to follow the dosage and prohibitions on use. Violations cause significant harm to your health.
- Fresh apples. The substance pectin, found in apples, has an antiseptic effect on the intestines. Restores microflora well. The most common way to forget what diarrhea is is to eat three kilograms (12 pieces) of grated apples the whole day. Do not use the peel. One apple every two hours. At the same time, you cannot eat or drink anything.
- Rowan juice with honey will help fix the stool
. Rowan juice. Rowan berry juice has a very sour taste, but contains strong binding agents due to its astringent taste. Therefore, you need to add honey to the juice from rowan berries. Several techniques can help cope with diarrhea. - Lemon juice. Lemon is a real home healer. Everyone has known about its beneficial properties for a long time. The bactericidal properties of lemon have made this fruit popular. Now it is grown not only in subtropical countries and on the windowsill at home. Lemon juice contains a lot of microelements. If you have an upset stomach, you can prepare a drink: dilute the juice of one lemon with a glass of warm boiled water, add one spoon of honey. Mix thoroughly and drink. This will help cleanse the intestinal walls of harmful bacteria.
- Medicine from walnut partitions. An alcohol tincture prepared on the internal partitions of walnuts has an effective effect against diarrhea. It has a strongly astringent effect. You need to take 300 grams of partitions and pour 1/2 bottles of vodka. Place in a cool, dark place for 48 hours. Take 6-10 drops per 100 ml of water. If you do not follow the dosage of the tincture, you can get the opposite result.
- Cherry fruits. Cherries are rich in various vitamins and iron. In addition, they contain small amounts of organic acids. Eating berries on an empty stomach relieves stomach pain. There is enough fiber, which contains saprophytic bacteria that help with dysbacteriosis. But to a greater extent, cherries give the desired result for constipation, and not vice versa.
What Causes Watery Stools
Loose, watery stools occur in a number of cases, the causes of which are conventionally divided into external and internal. External factors include:
- Medicines that change the process of ion exchange in the intestinal wall. These are laxatives, diuretics, medications for bronchial asthma, and thyroid diseases. Blood pressure pills, medications for depression and age-related mental disorders, and cardiac stimulants cause diarrhea with water.
- Poisoning with mushroom toxins, arsenic, phosphorus compounds, insect repellents, alcohol.
- Infection with intestinal infections - cholera, E. coli, yersiniosis, staphylococci. The most dangerous is watery diarrhea in adults and children, caused by Vibrio cholerae. The last massive outbreak of cholera was recorded in 2010 after the earthquake in Haiti.
Internal causes of watery diarrhea:
- hereditary anomalies found in newborns and consisting in improper ion exchange of electrolytes in the intestinal wall;
- tumors of the thyroid gland, stomach, female breast, and other organs that secrete hormones. As a result, water metabolism is disrupted;
- Crohn's disease and ileal resection prevent bile acids from being absorbed. They reach the large intestine and stimulate the excretion of water.
Diarrhea like water in case of poisoning is accompanied by severe vomiting. The contagious nature of the illness will be indicated by a temperature of 38 ºC and above. Side effects of medications are reflected in the instructions attached to them. Genetic abnormalities will be identified by a physician based on a series of complex studies.
Decoctions and infusions in the folk treatment of diarrhea
Recipes for decoctions and tinctures:
- In addition to getting rid of diarrhea, sage leaves have a healing effect - in case of inflammation, they relieve pain.
A decoction of oak bark. A good remedy for various manifestations of diarrhea: boil 5 grams of bark in 400 ml of water for ten minutes. You need to boil until a third of the broth has boiled away. Thirty grams of the decoction is drunk in three doses per day. - Sage tea. Sage leaves have a healing effect against inflammation and relieve pain. It’s simple to prepare an aqueous extract: pour 50 grams of leaves with the brew in a thermos, in a jar, but you need to wrap it well in a towel. After the product has cooled, add 0.5 liters of red wine. Take half a glass every two hours.
- Infusion of horsetail and quince syrup. To prepare this medicinal drink, you need horsetail shoots (40 grams) and quince syrup (200 ml). Finely chop the horsetail stems with a knife or in a meat grinder and mix with syrup. A day is enough to insist. The decoction is ready to drink. Take one spoon three times a day before meals.
- An infusion of horsetail grass juice and dry red wine. After preparation, keep this infusion in a safe, dark place. Use it as needed to treat ailments such as diarrhea, tuberculosis, bladder problems, and pleurisy. Combine the herb juice with wine in a 1:1 ratio. After two weeks you can take it.
- Infusion of barberry root bark. This infusion is kept for a month before starting to be used in treatment. When you have loose stools or your liver hurts, it helps a lot. For 100 grams of product take 1 liter of dry grape wine. Simmer over low heat for thirty minutes. Pass the remaining liquid through a sieve. A sufficient dose of three tablespoons fifteen minutes before meals.
- Plantain seeds for diarrhea. The most common way to prepare plantain seeds is to pour 25 grams of the product with water at a temperature of 90 degrees. Wait until it boils, keep it on low heat for several minutes. The result is a thick decoction, like jelly. Drink in one day. Daily preparation of the product is recommended. Contraindications: Pregnant and lactating women, children under six years of age are not recommended to use this product. You also need to take into account individual tolerance to avoid an allergic reaction. If the seeds are taken in dry form, then no more than 10 grams per day should be washed down with plenty of water.
- Cinquefoil root syrup. Potentilla root syrup helps reduce pain and relieve symptoms of chronic diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and bleeding from rectal hemorrhoids. To prepare the syrup you need to take: 400 grams of sugar, one liter of water, one hundred grams of cinquefoil root. Cover the container where the syrup is boiled and cook for 20 minutes. After this, gradually add sugar and bring to the consistency of syrup. Cool, take five grams three times a day.
- St. John's wort seeds. St. John's wort is known for its medicinal properties, so healers actively use it. The benefits of this plant for headaches, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, poisoning, and cardiovascular diseases. This is a good anthelmintic. Most importantly, the seeds are completely harmless, so don’t be afraid to use them. For one dose, it is enough to take 3 grams of seeds with warm water. Do this procedure every time before meals for half an hour.
- A decoction of knotweed and horsetail herbs. To cure diarrhea, it is advisable to drink the decoction hot. This way there will be more benefits. Take two parts of knotweed and one part of horsetail and cook for three minutes in red wine. Drink 1/3 cup at a time. So every four hours.
- A medicine made from fresh meadowsweet flowers. Meadowsweet is used for many diseases. This plant cleanses the blood and improves the general condition of the body. Tea and tinctures are prepared from it. To treat diarrhea you need to take 1 tbsp. dried herb, pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes in a water bath. Take 3 times a day after meals. There are contraindications for use in pregnant women, children under twelve years of age, and those who are prone to allergic reactions.
- Cinnamon tincture in alcohol. Pour 50 grams of cinnamon powder with vodka (0.5 liters), leave in a dark place, stir constantly. Take 20-30 drops three times a day before meals.
- Burnet decoction. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over fifteen grams of crushed root and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Let the broth cool. Strain the cooled mixture; if the patient feels unwell, drink one tablespoon of the decoction with 1/4 cup of boiled water. The decoction is effective and treats acute dysentery, bloody diarrhea, and other internal bleeding. Its astringent properties help quickly and effectively.
- Infusion of red pepper with cinnamon. Intestinal upset, diarrhea, when suffering from food poisoning, are well relieved by an infusion of cinnamon and red pepper. Mix 200 grams of boiling water with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, add hot red pepper (on the tip of a knife). Leave for 15 minutes, wrapped in a towel. Take two tablespoons every hour. The result will be in two to three hours.
- Wormwood tea. Dry, crushed wormwood (1 teaspoon) is poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion, take a tablespoon 30 minutes before meals. The antibacterial properties of wormwood will relieve symptoms of diarrhea after the first dose. This tea effectively helps with indigestion, but is contraindicated for pregnant women and those suffering from enterocolitis.
- A decoction of oak bark is a good remedy for various manifestations of diarrhea
. Cumin. Cumin helps produce gastric juice, relieves pain, and normalizes digestion. If you suffer from gas formation in the stomach, then adding cumin to food can reduce this symptom. To prevent a swollen belly, newborn children dilute cumin with boiled water and give one teaspoon each. To prepare your own cumin remedy, you will need two tablespoons (30 grams of seeds) and 200 ml of boiling water. Steam in a thermos. Take half a glass three times a day after meals. - Infusion of alder cones. Tincture of alder cones helps well with inflammatory processes, as an astringent and disinfectant. Several cones are poured with boiling water in a glass, then one tablespoon is drunk 3-4 times a day.
- Decoctions of dill and carrot seeds. Diarrhea, accompanied by bloating, can be tamed at home with dill seeds. It’s not difficult to prepare them yourself; they don’t require special storage. And the benefits can be great. For children, such a decoction will be harmless. Add dill seeds ground in a coffee grinder to 250 ml of boiling milk. Boil for five minutes, drink chilled. Divide this portion into four doses. Carrot seeds have the same medicinal properties and are not inferior to dill seeds. Consuming one teaspoon of carrot seed powder three times a day will strengthen the stomach walls and remove accumulated gases.
- A medicine made from blackberry twigs. Blackberries are a plant with a wide range of uses, which have healthy berries rich in vitamins and leaves with twigs that have medicinal properties. It helps with dysentery and is also a wonderful wound-healing and diaphoretic remedy. One tablespoon of twigs per glass of hot water and your herbal tea is ready. You can drink without restrictions.
https://youtu.be/R5-RypXt228
How to treat diarrhea?
If diarrhea occurs regularly, is accompanied by pain, bloating, discomfort, if there is mucus and blood in the stool, and the frequency of bowel movements exceeds 15-20 times a day, you need to consult a doctor and find out the causes of the condition. Only understanding the cause allows you to prescribe the correct effective treatment for diarrhea.
At home, treatment with medications should only be carried out after consultation with a specialist! Incorrectly selected medications, as well as non-compliance with the dosage, can lead to very serious consequences!
Diarrhea poses the greatest danger to humans due to the high risk of dehydration, which can be prevented with the help of special medications, such as Regidron.
- Regidron. Glucose-electrolyte mixture with a rehydrating effect. Used for diarrhea to restore lost electrolytes. Contraindicated in patients who are unconscious, as well as people with intestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and functional renal impairment. Not used for diarrhea caused by cholera. Patients with diabetes should take Regidron only with permission and under the supervision of a doctor!
The following drugs are also used to combat diarrhea:
- Acipol. A probiotic that helps restore intestinal microflora and takes part in normalizing the synthesis of vitamins K, B1-B12. It is used to treat diarrhea caused by intestinal dysbiosis, impaired intestinal motility and peristalsis. Contraindicated in patients sensitive to any of the components of the drug. The average price is 250 rubles.
- Activated carbon. A water-insoluble preparation based on animal or vegetable charcoal, which has detoxification, adsorbent, and antidiarrheal effects. Contraindicated in adult patients with gastrointestinal ulcers and gastric bleeding. When taken simultaneously with other medications, it neutralizes their effect and becomes useless for the treatment of diarrhea. The average price for 10 tablets of the drug is 15-20 rubles.
- Hilak Forte. An anti-diarrhea remedy that has a beneficial effect on the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. Has a detrimental effect on pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic flora. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to the main and/or auxiliary substances included in the drug. In acute bacterial conditions, antibacterial drugs are used to treat diarrhea, which destroy pathogens of intestinal pathologies. All antibacterial drugs have a negative effect not only on pathogenic microorganisms, but also on the normal intestinal microflora.
- Smecta. A sorption drug that has a positive effect on the body in case of chronic diarrhea caused by allergic reactions or exposure to infections. Not recommended for use in patients with hypersensitivity and intestinal obstruction. The average price is 125 rubles.
- Enterol. An antibiotic with antimicrobial and antidiarrheal effects. Has antitoxic and immunostimulating effects. Contraindicated for women carrying a child and during breastfeeding. It is also not used to treat patients with hypersensitivity to the drug. The average price is 250 rubles.
As an important piece of advice, it should be noted that diarrhea in an adult that has not gone away within 3 days is a reason to consult a doctor. Chronic diarrhea can indicate the presence of serious diseases, it even occurs with some forms of cancer.
It is also worth seeing a doctor if the temperature rises above 38 during diarrhea, signs uncharacteristic of indigestion or poisoning appear: rash, yellowness of the skin and eyes, dark urine, sleep disturbances. Constant excruciating pain in the abdomen should not be the norm (spastic pain before and during bowel movements is acceptable).
Black or green diarrhea, vomiting mixed with fresh or coagulated (dark) blood, fainting, signs of severe dehydration indicate that the situation is critical: it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.
Other folk remedies
- A mash of starch or rice flour with goat lard. Goat fat is a unique product. It contains a lot of vitamins and is easily absorbed by the body. It is clear why healers use it to treat diseases, including diarrhea. Lard is taken separately, one teaspoon three times a day. Or they prepare the usual mash from starch and rice flour.
- Potassium permanganate. The potassium manganese solution must be made light to avoid burns to the esophagus and stomach. One dose is enough to provide relief.
- Bean flour soup. You can cook bean soup or stew as a tonic.
- Cherry wood glue. This remedy helps against diseases: bloody diarrhea, simple diarrhea, cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, vomiting. During the day, consume cherry tree gum, dissolved in water, three times before meals, twenty minutes before a thick syrup.
- Acorn or barley coffee. Symptoms of diarrhea force a person to temporarily give up his eating habits, because not all foods can be consumed during this period. For coffee lovers, barley or acorn coffee will come to the rescue. It does not irritate the gastric mucosa, and the therapeutic effect is not strong. Therefore, it is better to take other remedies for diarrhea.
- Oatmeal and dry pears. Kissel is recommended to drink during diarrhea. You can simply prepare it from oatmeal, dried pears, and blueberries. Pleasant to the taste, it has a healing effect on the body, recovery occurs faster. No wonder our grandmothers used this recipe.
- Salt drink. For food poisoning, diarrhea, and vomiting, saline solution is vital. Our body loses a large amount of moisture; a saline solution will help replenish it. Sweet drinks, tea, compote do not perform this function. Pour sugar, salt, soda into three liters of warm boiled water in a ratio of 1:1:0.5 per liter of water. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Drink one glass after each bowel movement or vomiting. If there are serious signs of dehydration, for each kilogram of your weight you need to drink 60 ml over ten hours (for example, a patient weighs 70 kilograms, then he needs to drink 70x60 = 4200 mg of solution. This is four liters).
- Vodka with salt. For half a glass of vodka, take half a teaspoon of salt. Stir, drink. The product is good, but has its contraindications - for people suffering from stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases, this recipe can worsen the general condition of the patient .
Consequences of profuse diarrhea
If an adult does not stop loose stools, there is a risk of dehydration. Dehydration (dehydration) is distinguished in three degrees:
- The mild stage occurs when up to 3% of body weight is lost with water. For example, a person weighing 60 kg loses 1.8 liters of water. The patient feels weakness, thirst, dry mouth.
- Moderate severity is diagnosed in those who have lost up to 6% of weight (3.6 liters for 60 kg). Convulsive muscle contractions, severe thirst, blue lips, rapid heartbeat, and loose skin begin.
- Severe dehydration is characterized by a loss of up to 9% fluid (5.4 liters for 60 kg). The patient feels an indomitable desire to drink, a dry tongue, weakness and muscle cramps. Blood pressure decreases, heart rate increases, and shortness of breath appears. Blue discoloration of the mucous membranes is noted. Little or no urine is produced. The skin of the hands and feet becomes wrinkled.
The sooner help is provided to the patient, the more favorable the prognosis for the future. The consequences of uncontrollable diarrhea are extremely life-threatening. To avoid irreparable damage to your health, you should consult a doctor.
Treatment of diarrhea in children
Diarrhea in children is a fairly common phenomenon; only temperature can “compete” with it. And it happens that both symptoms occur together. Then the child’s body needs quick, emergency help.
The necessary medications are not always available in the house before the doctors arrive; you can use traditional medicine recipes.
Let's look at the causes of diarrhea in children:
- Taking antibiotics or other medications. The color of stool from diarrhea will have a green tint and an unpleasant odor. Foam chair. Mint tea will help. Brew and drink a small spoon all day. Mint helps restore the bacterial background of the intestines.
- Overeating is another cause of diarrhea. In this case, remove fruits, vegetables, berries, and other foods from the table so as not to attract attention, and place them out of reach of the child.
- The common cold may be accompanied by diarrhea. Rosehip decoction will help. It has an astringent effect and strengthens the baby's immunity. A regular dried fruit compote will do. Drinking is useful in this case and has no restrictions. Food should be light.
- The addition of new foods to your baby's diet can also cause diarrhea. This is due to food intolerance. To begin with, the baby’s mother must remember that new products need to be introduced gradually, not all at once. This will make it easier to monitor your body's response to changes in diet. You can use the methods mentioned above or brew chamomile tea, which is also useful for diarrhea.
- There is another reason for diarrhea in a child, one that parents are not inclined to pay attention to: stressful situations. Adults most often believe that the baby is small, does not understand anything, and this cannot harm his health. The first days of being in kindergarten can be difficult for the child, resulting in diarrhea. A friendly atmosphere, care, and attention will help the baby calm down. Tea brewed by mother from fennel seeds and mint will help the child’s body. This is a powerful folk remedy.
Infants deserve special attention, since the first month after birth, stool is always liquid.
Mom needs to distinguish between normal bowel movements and diarrhea:
- First of all, pay attention to the color of the stool. If it has a greenish tint or bright yellow, then this is an alarming signal.
- The number of bowel movements in a baby during the whole day should be up to five times. If eight or more, then this is a reason to consult a pediatrician.
- Diarrhea may be accompanied by fever , drowsiness or tearfulness, and abdominal pain. All this will tell adults about the child’s illness.
- The mother herself should control her diet , because it is directly related to the baby’s nutrition. And also observe basic hygiene rules.
What should parents do if their newborn has diarrhea?
This is perhaps the only case when you should not rely on traditional medicine, but immediately consult a doctor! Collect the baby's stool in a jar, and with a detailed analysis it will be possible to make a diagnosis.
Doctors recommend!
Monastic stomach tea - for gastritis, ulcers, heartburn and for general health promotion!
Find out more>>>
Causes of diarrhea
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of loose stools. There can be many factors that can cause it:
- disturbance of intestinal motility;
- gastrointestinal infections (salmonellosis, cholera, enterovirus);
- irritable bowel syndrome due to emotional disorders;
- enzyme deficiency;
- imbalance of intestinal microflora associated with the use of antibiotics;
- autoimmune pathologies;
- hereditary intolerance to certain substances (celiac disease, lactose intolerance);
- food poisoning and intoxication;
- allergies to certain foods.
Diarrhea with blood impurities indicates more serious disorders in the body:
- peptic ulcer;
- haemorrhoids;
- anal fissures;
- diverticulitis;
- rectal tumor;
- stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Bloody spots in the stool should alert you and require a thorough examination of the patient.
Water procedures in the fight against diarrhea
Not only traditional medicine recipes will help cope with the disease. Simple water treatments are also recommended. Take the water temperature into account based on your health, so that too cold water does not cause colds.
Let's look at how to use water procedures correctly:
- Pouring cold water for thirty seconds to three minutes. The procedure can be done in the shower, in the bathhouse, or in the yard. Everything will depend on weather conditions. The water should be at room temperature.
- In the morning, walk in cold water for no more than 15 minutes.
- At lunchtime (2 p.m.), pour cold water over your knees for 30 seconds to three minutes.
- Take a cold bath (the water should not rise above the waist) twice a day for no more than three minutes.
Diagnosis for prolonged diarrhea
If you have prolonged diarrhea, first contact your local physician. The doctor’s task is to make a differential diagnosis between an intestinal infection and other causes of diarrhea. In case of an infectious disease, the therapist will write a referral to an infectious disease specialist. Stool disorders of other etiologies are treated by a gastroenterologist.
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Diagnostic methods:
- Anamnesis collection . The doctor clarifies complaints, frequency and consistency of stool, and the presence of pathological impurities (pus, blood, mucus). An intestinal infection is indicated by the acute onset of the disease, fever, association with eating a certain dish, and the presence of other sick people in the family.
- Inspection . The doctor assesses the patient’s general condition, signs of dehydration or malnutrition, palpates the abdomen, and identifies areas of pain.
- General blood analysis . During the inflammatory process, ESR increases. Bacterial infection is accompanied by neutrophilic leukocytosis.
- Biochemical blood test - shows the functioning of the liver (AST, ALT, GGTP, alkaline phosphatase), pancreas (amylase), metabolic disorders (protein, glucose, lipid levels).
- Coprology (general stool analysis) - shows inflammation in the intestines, the degree of digestion of food, the presence of hidden blood, protozoa, helminth eggs.
- Bacteriological culture of stool is the main method for diagnosing intestinal infections. When stool is cultured on special media, the composition of the intestinal microflora is determined and pathogens are identified.
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is a method for diagnosing the condition of the liver and pancreas using ultrasound.
- Colonoscopy is a procedure for examining the intestines using an endoscope; allows you to identify a tumor, ulcerative lesion of the mucous membrane, and take a biopsy. The study is prescribed for suspected oncology and Crohn's disease.
- Small bowel endoscopy – examination of the upper intestines; carried out to confirm giardiasis and celiac disease.
- Immunological blood test - if celiac disease is suspected, specific antibodies IG A and IG G are determined in the venous blood.
In 25% of cases, even with a thorough examination, it is not possible to identify the cause of the bowel disorder. In this case, a diagnosis of “Idiopathic diarrhea” is made and symptomatic treatment is carried out.
Diet
Following a diet for diarrhea is mandatory. A balanced diet allows you to normalize intestinal function.
Rules to follow during diarrhea:
- Food servings of 100-150 grams are best. This will take the load off your stomach. Follow the time schedule and eat after three hours.
- Avoid foods that cause fermentation in the intestines.
- In the diet during the period of diarrhea, introduce a sufficient amount of proteins, and the minimum amount of carbohydrates and fats.
- Maintain hydration by drinking more water.
- I cook food in a steamer or boil it. You can puree it.
- Eliminate spices.
- Food should be warm, neither cold nor hot.
What you can eat if you have diarrhea:
- Rice water, rice soup - everything that can be prepared from this cereal;
- Rusks, preferably prepared yourself (dry pieces of white bread in the oven);
- Drinks: compote, jelly (blueberry);
- Strong tea without sugar;
- Lean meat, fish, boiled or steamed (cutlets, meatballs, meatballs);
- You can eat any porridge (with the exception of pearl barley). It is advisable to cook with water, but you can add a little milk, then butter;
- For pasta, give preference to boiled vermicelli;
- You can use any fermented milk products, as long as they are fresh;
- Eggs only soft-boiled or in the form of an omelet, no more than one per day;
- Vegetables allowed for consumption include potatoes, eggplants, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes. Vegetables can be boiled or baked, but not until golden brown. It is good to prepare vegetable puree;
- Fruits and berries can and should be baked, prepared compotes, jelly, jam, jelly, mousse. But in raw form you can use 1/2 cup of strawberries or raspberries.
It is better to abstain from these products if you want to quickly get rid of such an ailment as diarrhea:
- fatty meat, liver, kidneys, brains, lung;
- smoked products;
- canned fish, fried, fatty, smoked or pickled fish;
- full-fat broths, heavy cream, whole milk;
- fry eggs, boil hard-boiled;
- mushrooms and vegetables: cabbage, cucumbers, radishes, turnips, beets;
- baking;
- sweet drinks with gas.
The nutrition of children during diarrhea deserves special attention. It is more difficult for a child's body to tolerate this disease, so it is recommended to strictly follow the nutritional rules. It is not very different from the menu of an adult. If only in the serving size.
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Treatment
Having identified a disease that has caused the appearance of liquid or semi-liquid feces, the doctor will prescribe drug treatment with antibiotics, anthelmintic drugs, enzymes, hormones, or whatever the circumstances require. But the most important thing and the first thing the doctor will prescribe is diet. The diet for loose stools and diarrhea should be as follows:
Can | Product group | It is forbidden |
Wheat bread crackers, day-old white bread, dry biscuits | Bread and flour products | Other bakery products |
In low-fat, weak meat or fish broth with the addition of mucous decoctions of cereals, steamed quenelles and meatballs | Soups | Soups with cereals, vegetables, pasta, dairy, strong and fatty broths |
Lean meats, skinless poultry, steamed or boiled cutlets, quenelles, meatballs. Minced meat with boiled rice. Boiled meat soufflé | Meat and poultry | Fatty meats, pieces of meat, sausages, smoked meats and other meat products |
Low-fat types of fresh fish, pieced or chopped (quenelles, meatballs, cutlets), steamed or boiled in water | fish | Fatty species, salted fish, caviar, canned food |
Freshly prepared calcined or unleavened mashed cottage cheese, steam soufflé | Dairy | Whole milk and other dairy products |
Boiled and steam pureed | Vegetables | |
Puree porridge with water or low-fat broth - rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, cereal flour | Cereals | Millet, pearl barley, barley, pasta, legumes |
Up to 1-2 per day, soft-boiled, steam omelet and in dishes | Eggs | Hard-boiled, raw, fried eggs |
Jelly and jelly from blueberries, dogwoods, bird cherry, quince, pears. Mashed raw apples. Sugar – limited | Fruits, sweet dishes, sweets | Natural fruits and berries, honey, jam and other sweets |
Tea, especially green tea. Decoctions of rose hips, dried blueberries, black currants, bird cherry, quince. If tolerated, diluted fresh juices, except grapes, plums and apricots | Beverages | Coffee and cocoa with milk, carbonated and cold drinks |
In addition to diet, it is important to lead an active lifestyle and stick to a daily routine. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, loose stools will soon acquire a normal consistency and will no longer bother you.
Video: How to stop diarrhea?
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Clinical picture of prolonged diarrhea
Long-term diarrhea has the same symptoms as regular diarrhea:
- bloating, rumbling and colic;
- flatulence;
- cramping pain in the stomach and intestines;
- frequent urge to defecate - sometimes every hour throughout the day.
If severe diarrhea in an adult lasts for several days in a row, the clinical picture changes. The patient may have a fever and chills all the time; there is often an increase in body temperature and weight loss - the reason is severe dehydration, which invariably occurs if diarrhea does not go away for more than 10 days and bothers every hour.
Symptoms such as blood or pus in the stool should cause concern - in this case, you cannot hesitate, every hour is expensive, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. It is not surprising if pieces of undigested food are found in the stool - this indicates that the digestive system does not produce the enzymes necessary for the absorption of food in the required quantities; the irritated intestines simply do not accept it.
But it often happens that an adult has a bowel movement every hour or two, but at the same time he does not feel any ailments, in addition to the completely natural discomfort associated with constant trips to the toilet.
Only laboratory tests and examination of the patient will help determine the causes.
What measures should be taken if diarrhea does not go away immediately?
If diarrhea does not go away within 24 hours, you can try to eliminate it yourself, for this it is recommended:
- Drink a lot of water (boiled, drinking), weak weak tea (to avoid dehydration).
- Take a sorbent drug (activated carbon, Smecta, Filtrum-Sti).
- Drink herbal teas to restore lost minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Tea with linden and currants is useful in case of fever.
- Cleansing enema (can be given once). Using this procedure, you can quickly remove pathogenic bacteria from the intestines.
All these measures will help relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and improve the condition.
First aid
Many people wonder what to do if diarrhea does not go away for a long time, how to establish the causes and treatment for the disease. If severe diarrhea is protracted and does not stop for several days in a row, then it would be optimal to contact a specialist in order to diagnose the disease and establish the causes of its formation, but at the same time, incessant long-term diarrhea in adults can be eliminated by the patient himself:
- It is necessary to take some sorbent that can help the affected gastrointestinal tract (Smecta, Filtrum-Sti, activated carbon).
- Due to the fact that diarrhea that lasts a week is very dangerous due to dehydration, you should drink a lot of boiled water or weak, unsweetened tea.
- Drinking herbal tea helps replenish the supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals lost during illness. When diarrhea is accompanied by fever, linden or currant tea, which has an antipyretic and diaphoretic effect, has a positive effect.
- Cleansing enema. The water that comes out during diarrhea can wash away beneficial microparticles and a variety of harmful bacteria and toxic substances. Diarrhea helps the body get rid of toxins. The use of enema cleansing makes it possible to remove microorganisms that were not excreted in the feces. This prevents the possibility of reabsorption into the intestinal walls and reappearance. Flushing is done in order to achieve an additional beneficial effect - to reduce high body temperature by absorbing liquid.
Diet for illness
If diarrhea does not stop on the third day and your stomach hurts, you need to take action. Proper diet is extremely important during therapy. Past diarrhea can be repeated after penetration of substances that provoked it (poor quality food, medications, bacteria) into the body. After completing the therapy recommended by your doctor, you should be much more attentive to your own body. To restore normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract you need dietary nutrition. Doctors advise both adults and children to follow it.
Dietary nutrition is based on the use of a significant amount of liquid. After diarrhea, the patient is prescribed to comply with basic nutritional requirements:
- Use liquid food.
- Cereal porridges are prepared with mucous membranes. It is forbidden to take large grains to avoid injury to the intestinal walls.
- You need to eat products that contain a large amount of fiber.
- Eat white and bran bread.
- Lean fish and meat are allowed.
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The following must be removed from regular products:
- vegetables fruits;
- canned goods, smoked;
- dried;
- green tea, caffeinated drinks;
- spices;
- salt, sugar;
- dairy products;
- carbonated drinks;
- fatty.
Causes of severe water diarrhea in adults
Most often, diarrhea occurs due to:
- unsanitary conditions;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- drinking water from the tap;
- unwashed fruits (vegetables);
- poisoning;
- spoiled products.
Diarrhea can be caused by:
- dysbacteriosis;
- rotavirus infection;
- congestion, obstruction in the gallbladder;
- Gastrointestinal diseases (enteritis, colitis).
The causes of loose stools can be identified independently by paying attention to the color of the excreted feces, for example:
- White, loose stools are a sign of hepatitis, a lack of bile secretion.
- Green stool is a symptom of infection with pathogenic microorganisms or severe intoxication.
- Black color is a sign of bleeding in the upper parts of the digestive tract or taking a number of medications (Bismuth) or food products.
- Yellow-colored diarrhea—occurs when there is intestinal upset, indigestion, or increased motility.
Diarrhea is fraught with dehydration; the problem requires elimination and seeking help from doctors.
Possible cause of diarrhea in an adult:
- development of a serious illness or severe intoxication;
- damage by rotavirus or intestinal invasions, worms.
It is necessary to conduct laboratory tests and the method of scatology, which can reveal the true cause of the ailment. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will select the correct and adequate treatment.
What are the dangers of long-term diarrhea in an adult?
Prolonged diarrhea contributes to the development of some dangerous conditions.
Hypovitaminosis
Hypovitaminosis is a lack of vitamins. With diarrhea, food masses entering the body move too quickly through the narrow lumen of the intestine. This leads to impaired absorption of vitamins into the body. As a rule, hypovitaminosis appears against the background of a chronic disease. Treatment of the underlying (concomitant) disease, as well as taking a multivitamin complex, help cope with this complication.
Dehydration
dizziness, increasing weakness, dry tongue, decreased blood pressure, decreased amount of urine. In a severe condition, confusion and coma (complete loss of consciousness) appear. In addition to fluid, a person loses salts (electrolytes), which often leads to problems with the kidneys and heart. To prevent dehydration, it is necessary to use specially designed salt solutions.
Exhaustion of the body
Quite often, with diarrhea in the chronic stage, exhaustion of the body occurs. In this condition, the absorption of nutrients is impaired, which adversely affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Intestinal perforation
With a pronounced toxic process, intestinal perforation may occur - a through violation of the integrity of the walls, due to which its contents enter the abdominal cavity. This condition can occur during acute infection and chronic diseases (for example, ulcerative colitis). The main symptom indicating this complication is sharp pain in the abdominal area with muscle tension (the abdomen is hard at this time).
Toxic shock
If digestion is impaired during diarrhea, a certain amount of undigested substances remains in the intestinal lumen, activating the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The products of their activity are quite toxic and are poisonous to humans. This condition contributes to the development of intoxication in the body (dizziness, weakness, headache, fever, pain in muscles and joints) up to toxic shock. In the absence of timely assistance, death can occur.
Prevention of diarrhea
As preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of diarrhea, it is necessary:
Follow the rules of personal hygiene (wash your hands or treat them with an antiseptic);
Wash vegetables and fruits before eating;
Use bottled water as a liquid (can be replaced with boiled water);
You shouldn’t take risks and try “everything” on vacation;
Do not eat expired foods, etc.
If diarrhea develops, you need to adhere to a certain type of diet:
Eliminate harmful and fatty foods from the diet;
Do not overuse flour and sweet foods;
Drink at least 2 liters of clean water;
When should you see a doctor?
In order to prevent severe dehydration or in case of poisoning, for example, with poisons or mushrooms, you need to consult a doctor or call an ambulance if, in addition to loose diarrhea:
- the stool has changed in color and comes out with particles of rice grains;
- has a fever and has a very high temperature;
- pain and colic in the abdomen increase more and more;
- uncontrollable vomiting and drowsiness appeared.
This is especially true for older people when there is severe diarrhea due to diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease.
Prevention of diarrhea
It is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat its negative consequences. To avoid diarrhea, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Careful temperature treatment of products before consumption.
- Timely vaccination against rotavirus infection.
- Vegetables and fruits should be washed with running water or scalded before consumption.
- Avoid drinking water from bodies of questionable quality.
If diarrhea has already appeared, it is necessary to prevent dehydration. To do this, you need to replenish fluid reserves in the body every 30 (if diarrhea) or 15 (if vomiting occurs) minutes.
Diet and regimen
First of all, it is indicated to replenish the loss of fluid and electrolytes, and to maintain certain nutritional standards throughout the treatment.
Drinking regime:
- The patient needs to drink to prevent dehydration and remove accumulated toxins from the body. It is acceptable to drink clean water or use decoctions and teas. The volume of replenished fluid is at least 2 liters per day. You need to drink as much water as was lost.
- In case of severe distress with every minute urge, we give the patient a water-salt solution, for example, Regidron.
If nothing helps, diarrhea does not go away on the second or third day, despite following the doctor's instructions, you may not have changed your diet.
Authorized products:
- We eat light purees, soups, meat, fish (boiled, low-fat).
- Porridges are cooked in water and have a slimy consistency.
- Products with high levels of pectin (apples, baked bananas).
- Strong tea and berry jelly.
- Potassium-rich foods.
All products are served in crushed, pureed form.
Prohibited products:
- Vegetables and fruits;
- Canned food;
- Smoked meats;
- Seasonings;
- Dairy products;
- Large grains so as not to traumatize the intestines;
- Fast food;
- Fatty food.
If you do not follow a diet during prolonged diarrhea, no medications will be effective.
First of all, the diet involves drinking large amounts of fluid to restore its loss.
But in no case should it be coffee, store-bought juices or soda.
List of foods that can be included in the diet if diarrhea bothers you for several days in a row:
- stale or dried wheat bread without butter;
- viscous rice porridge in water without oil;
- hard-boiled eggs;
- lean beef or turkey;
- steamed fish of low-fat varieties (for example, cod);
- mashed potatoes with water;
- pureed soups with carrots and potatoes, you can add a little rice cereal;
- various jelly;
- baked apples and bananas.
If diarrhea is caused by dysbacteriosis and has been bothering you for more than the first or second day, fermented milk products with bifidobacteria - low-fat kefir, natural yogurt, cottage cheese - will be useful.
The nutritional rules are:
- All dishes must be steamed or boiled, or, as a last resort, baked without oil or spices.
- Drink at least one glass of compotes, tea or just water every hour. In total, you should drink at least three liters of liquid per day.
- It is advisable to puree or chop meat and vegetables.
- You need to eat often, every 3-4 hours up to 6 times a day, but in small portions.
Introduce one new product per day. If everything is in order, then after 1-2 days you can introduce the next product. But you will have to follow a gentle diet for some time.
Among the folk remedies, bird cherry helps very well. You can simply pass it through a meat grinder, sprinkle with sugar and put it in a glass jar. You should take this tasty medicine every hour if you have severe diarrhea, then you can take a teaspoon three or four times a day before meals.
Pomegranate peels have a fixing effect. Take 2 tablespoons of dry and crushed peels, add boiling water and cook over low heat for at least 10 minutes. Then cool for half an hour, strain and take 1/3 cup an hour before meals.
Prolonged diarrhea usually occurs if the patient did not properly treat ordinary diarrhea, neglected the doctor’s recommendations and did not follow a diet. Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious pathology - advanced hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcer or malignant neoplasms.
This condition is very dangerous due to dehydration. Therefore, under no circumstances should you tolerate it; you need to see a doctor, look for the cause and get treatment.
Sorbents and fastening agents
The peculiarity of sorbents when treating diarrhea with water in an adult is their ability to quickly and effectively eliminate toxins in the body. But besides them, sorbents actively remove gases, bacteria, and viruses from the body. The most effective sorbents in the treatment of diarrhea with water in adults include the following drugs:
- Activated carbon;
- Smecta;
- Attapulgite;
- De-Nol;
- Polysorb;
- Enterosgel.
Bonding drugs, the main effect of which is to stop the urge to defecate, include the drugs Furazolidone, Loperamide and Immodium.
Microflora regulators and Regidron
The use of Regidron for watery diarrhea will not only restore the acid-base balance in the body, but will also enhance the effect of sorbents and adhesives. Of course, its use must be carried out in accordance with the instructions, and use can be started as soon as diarrhea begins.
Regulators of microflora are necessary for the body affected by severe diarrhea with water, to ensure the speedy normalization of work, as well as the active elimination of remaining toxins. The main drugs among microflora regulators for watery diarrhea are:
- Bifidumbacterin;
- Acipol;
- Canadian yogurt.
The answer to the question whether it is possible to drink these drugs as soon as diarrhea begins is ambiguous. They won't do any harm. However, in this case there will be extremely little benefit from them, because if an adult has diarrhea with water, the beneficial bacteria simply will not have time to have any effect on the intestines. That is why it is better to start taking them after diarrhea has stopped.
Diet
To treat diarrhea quickly and effectively, it is very important to follow a strict diet for at least the first few days. Immediately during diarrhea with water, as well as 5–6 hours after it stops, it is better to refrain from eating. During this time, you need to drink very strong black tea with sugar, as well as a lot of good non-carbonated water.
Also, the first food to be eaten during or after diarrhea should have a fastening effect. The most suitable dishes for this are:
- rice and buckwheat porridge cooked in water;
- boiled fish;
- crackers.
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During the first week after diarrhea, dairy products should be avoided, as should raw vegetables. Also, in the first 2 days, it is better to make portions very small and eat 5-6 times a day. This is how you can smoothly improve the functioning of your gastrointestinal tract without overloading it after already heavy loads.
Lean boiled or baked meat, as well as baked vegetables, are best added to the diet for 2–3 days. It is recommended to postpone the consumption of fruits and dried fruits for 5-6 days, because they can not only lead to increased gas formation, but also have a relaxing effect on the intestines.
Drug treatment
There are a number of medications that will help cope with diarrhea in a short period of time (for example, within a day or less). But before using them, you should read the instructions or consult a doctor. And if there is blood in the stool and high body temperature, self-medication is completely prohibited (since you first need to find out the cause of diarrhea and only then begin therapy).
Thus, the most effective antidiarrheal drugs are:
- Loperamide - reduces intestinal tone and motility, due to which it has a powerful antidiarrheal effect. The recommended initial dose is 2 tablets, subsequently the dosage must be reduced by 2 times, i.e. drink 1 tablet after each bowel movement. Take until symptoms disappear. The drug is available in the form of tablets and capsules. Price: 45 rubles (20 pcs.).
- Smecta is a powder for preparing a suspension with a powerful adsorbing effect (i.e., it removes accumulated waste and toxins), which helps eliminate diarrhea. A packet of powder (3 g) must be dissolved in 100 ml of warm water and drunk after meals. Daily norm: 5-6 sachets. The course of treatment ranges from several days to 1 week. Price: 145 rubles (10 bags).
- Enterofuril - a drug indicated in the case of infectious diarrhea (does not affect the positive intestinal microflora), is available in the form of capsules and suspensions for internal use. Daily dosage: 1-2 tablets 3 times a day (or suspension solution - one sachet 2-3 times a day). Course of treatment: 1 week. Price: 350 rubles (16 capsules) and 380 rubles (suspension).
- Linex - restores intestinal microflora, gently relieves dysbiosis and diarrhea. Available in capsule form. Daily dose: 2 capsules 3 times a day. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor. Price: 590 rubles (32 pcs.).
- Hilak forte - drops for oral administration, which not only help cope with diarrhea, but also normalize the intestinal microflora and improve digestion. Directions for use: 40-60 drops 3 times a day, diluting with a small amount of water. Price: 260 rubles (30 ml).
Attention! Your doctor will help you choose the exact dosage and course of treatment (depending on the cause of the intestinal disorder and the individual characteristics of the body).
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 dehydration. Let's look at medications for diarrhea in adults that 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 amoebic dysentery;
- enterosorbents (Enterosgel, activated carbon);
- antiviral drugs.
Let's look at the most well-known remedies for diarrhea in adults. In what case is it advisable to take this or that drug?
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 Enterosgel - this is a modern enterosorbent based on bioorganic silicon, which effectively absorbs and removes only toxic substances and pathogenic microbes from the stomach and intestines. Enterosgel does not interact in any way with the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, unlike other sorbents that 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.
Why is water diarrhea dangerous?
Diarrhea with water is dangerous due to the possibility of developing acute dehydration. Abundant, frequent stools, as well as repeated vomiting, cause the loss of not only fluid, but also a large amount of essential electrolytes. The human body is 80% water; the loss of even a few percent of it disrupts the normal functioning of all systems and organs. Lack of fluid primarily affects the functioning of the brain, since this organ is very sensitive to dehydration.
Severe water diarrhea in an adult is dangerous in situations where the patient has diseases that worsen the prognosis or is in a weakened state. Diarrhea is also dangerous for older patients, as their risk of complications increases due to their slow metabolism. A decrease in water and electrolyte balance is fraught with negative consequences, the worst of which are impaired consciousness, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and tachycardia. This condition requires immediate medical attention, since further development of hypovolemic shock, cerebral edema, coma with subsequent death is possible.
Possible consequences
If you get rid of diarrhea in the very first days after the onset of its impact on the body, then it will not leave any significant consequences. With prolonged diarrhea in an adult, changes in the body are possible, the result of which will lead to weakening of the body and the emergence of new serious diseases. So, diarrhea can cause:
- Excessive loss of body fluids, which leads to dehydration. As a result, the balance of water and salt compounds in the body is disrupted. At the same time, the blood becomes very thick, which negatively affects the condition of all elements of the circulatory system. The heart begins to beat at an uneven rhythm and slows down noticeably as heavy, thick blood passes through the vessels with difficulty. Water removes most useful minerals from the body, and this means the loss of some of the necessary substances that stimulate the functioning of most organs of the body.
- Disruption of the functioning of the central nervous system. This occurs due to loss of water. The blood loses the ability to be sufficiently saturated with oxygen, and this is necessary to transfer the necessary elements to all organs. This is how oxygen starvation of the brain occurs. The first signs of this condition are memory impairment, decreased decision-making speed, and depression.
- Cramps. They are the result of the same dehydration. Muscle tissue loses its plasticity, and nerve endings lose sensitivity. Signals from the brain to the muscles can be misinterpreted, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions. Tight, overdried muscles and ligaments are convulsively compressed, weakly at first, and then more and more strongly. This causes severe pain.
- Most organs affected by dehydration lose the ability to function fully. And it's good if it's temporary. After treatment, it is not always possible to return the body to the ideal state of the entire body, which can become a big problem in the future.
When you need medical help
A person who experiences watery diarrhea should closely monitor their condition.
He should immediately contact a medical facility if the following symptoms occur:
- loose stools are observed for more than three days;
- blood, purulent and mucous inclusions are present in the stool;
- feces changed color and became black;
- the consistency of stool resembles tar;
- loose stools resemble rice water in color and consistency;
- the temperature has risen;
- febrile conditions developed;
- pain began to intensify;
- increased drowsiness;
- atypical behavior is observed, etc.
https://youtu.be/cZkrIHqvGtA
Nutrition
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diarrhea in the form of water. In cases provoked by exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases or the intake of certain foods, diet alone may be enough to stabilize the situation.
The following foods and drinks are prohibited:
- fatty food;
- fried foods;
- sweets and desserts;
- spicy, salty, smoked foods;
- marinades and pickles;
- canned food, both home-cooked and store-bought;
- all dairy foods, including porridges cooked in milk;
- raw plant foods;
- nuts and seeds;
- mushrooms;
- legumes;
- sauces, including mayonnaise;
- soda;
- coffee.
Nutrition should be light, not burden or irritate the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestines, help slow down motility, and relieve inflammation. These are any cereals, without adding oil; boiled chicken eggs; boiled or steamed meat, fish, poultry, without streaks of lard, and broths made from them. It is allowed to eat stale bread, crackers, biscuits, and dry goods.
To drink, not too strong black and green unsweetened teas, decoctions of chamomile, mint, rose hips, St. John's wort and other herbal drinks indicated for gastrointestinal pathologies are recommended. To prevent dehydration, you need to drink mineral water without gas. You are allowed to drink jelly - just not very sweet or sour.
Meals are fractional, frequent - up to 6-7 times a day, but in small portions. At the very beginning of debilitating diarrhea, it is better to partially or completely replace meals with recommended drinks.
After the diarrhea runs out, there is no need to abruptly return to your normal diet and, especially, pounce on unhealthy and heavy foods. The body in general and the intestines in particular need time to rest and recover. Therefore, during the first days you need to stick to a diet, gradually introducing familiar foods to the menu.
Persons with chronic gastrointestinal pathologies should adhere to certain dietary restrictions in the future so that cases of diarrhea do not recur. The nuances of your diet should be discussed with your doctor.
It is strictly forbidden to drink any alcoholic beverages during diarrhea, even with a minimum content of ethyl alcohol. They irritate the mucous walls, which are already inflamed, increase dehydration of the body, cause nausea and bloating.
https://youtu.be/LuMAdIWns0U
What diagnostic methods are used
To find out why an adult has severe diarrhea that does not stop for more than 10 days, the following tests are done:
- General blood and urine tests.
- Stool analysis.
- Bac sowing.
- Testing for helminthic infestations.
- Coprogram for hidden blood.
- Steatorrhea detection test.
- Test for identifying infectious agents of diarrhea.
Instrumental diagnostics are also used, especially if there is blood in the stool and other signs of the possible development of cancerous tumors. These are biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, irrigography. Differential diagnosis plays an important role. Sometimes the cause of prolonged stool is determined only by excluding all possible pathologies.
Diagnostics
Acute diarrhea is severe and a visit to a doctor in this case is inevitable. Symptoms are relieved, and the patient’s stool is examined for the presence of pathogenic microflora and helminths. Having identified a negative factor, we can talk about adequate treatment.
If diarrhea recurs frequently and is not associated with food poisoning, you should look for the problem using ultrasound of internal organs and colonoscopy. If the doctor considers it appropriate, a tissue biopsy may be prescribed.
The primary diagnosis is established after studying the anamnesis and talking with the patient.
Treatment with medications
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It is advisable to take medications only after consulting a doctor, who will tell you what to do next. If diarrhea needs to be stopped urgently without visiting a specialist, then you should pay attention to the indications, contraindications and method of use indicated in the instructions. This will avoid bad consequences from the effects of the drugs.
The basis for treating diarrhea is to take sorbents. They bind and remove fluid, bacteria, toxins from the body, and reduce bloating. They are mainly used in case of infectious diarrhea. Doctors do not recommend taking other medications before using sorbents. Since they bind and remove not only harmful substances, but also medications.
Enterosgel is suitable for first aid for diarrhea. It contains natural ingredients that quickly and safely remove toxins. Other sorbents can injure the mucous membrane and cause constipation. Enterosgel is approved for use by infants and is completely harmless. Another well-known and available remedy for diarrhea is activated charcoal. You are allowed to take up to ten tablets per day. One tablet per ten kilograms of weight. Effective preparations include kaolin, bismuth salts, and smecta.
To restore digestive functions, taking enzymes is sometimes necessary. It could be Creon and Pancreatin. Antidiarrheals are effective in slowing intestinal motility and stopping diarrhea. Imodium is one of the commonly used drugs in this group.
Imodium should not be used for diarrhea caused by infection. By retaining feces in the intestines, it will leave toxins there and interfere with recovery.
During diarrhea, it is important to restore the microflora. Enterol, Hilak-Forte, and Linex cope well with this.
Getting rid of toxins and bacteria is not enough; after losing a large amount of fluid, you need to restore the water-salt balance. Therefore, it is extremely important to drink clean filtered water, water without gases. The pharmacy also sells many drugs for this purpose. The most common is Regidron.
Symptoms
In addition to diarrhea, due to impaired intestinal motility, excessive reflux of contents back into the stomach from the intestines, and often in adults, the following is observed:
- nausea, vomiting;
- colic in the abdomen due to infection with pathogenic bacteria;
- gurgling in the stomach;
- belching during exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- severe diarrhea, vomiting and temperature up to 41 degrees.
Associated symptoms are extremely important for doctors to identify the true cause of the disease in order to prescribe adequate treatment.