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Diarrhea is defined as the passage of multiple watery, loose, or unformed stools. Diarrhea is not a disease , but rather, a medical condition that could be indicative of disease, illness, allergy, or infection. Diarrhea is only a symptom and therefore, treatment depends entirely on its cause. Most cases of diarrhea are self-limiting, though chronic diarrhea may be a sign of other health problems and should be brought to the attention of your doctor. Adults experience an average of 4 bouts of diarrhea each year.
SYMPTOMS
Cramps in the lower abdomen
Severe pain or spasms in abdomen
Loose stools
Unformed stools
Watery discharge with bowel movement that may or may not contain mucous
Fever (Not always present)
Lack of bowel control in young and elderly
Nausea
Weakness
Malaise
CAUSES
Diarrhea has many causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Diarrhea often accompanies the flu and similar viral conditions. The most common causes of diarrhea include:
Stress
Food poisoning
Food allergy
Malabsorption Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Excessive alcohol usage
Ingestion of tainted or contaminated water
Lactose Intolerance
Sorbitol Intolerance
Disease of the pancreas
Foods (beans, prunes, orange juice)
Menstrual cycle
Menopause
Unsanitary conditions
Infection
Reaction to prescription or non-prescription medication (especially antacids containing Magnesium)
Dry mouth (Serious!)
Loss of skin elasticity (Serious!)
Lethargy
Viruses, such as rotavirus, echovirus, and HIV
Parasitic infections
Fungal infections
WHEN TO BEGIN TREATMENT
Diarrhea treatment should never begin immediately upon the onset of symptoms. Diarrhea is a natural way for your body to rid itself of toxins. Suppressing toxins, especially those caused by food poisoning, can lead to serious complications.
The very young and old are at high risk for developing dehydration. Treatment therefore, should begin within 2-4 hours for those in this age bracket.
If diarrhea is thought to be caused by prescription or non-prescription medications, discontinue their use immediately and contact your doctor. Diarrhea caused by food allergy will subside within 4-6 hours.
A WORD ABOUT DEHYDRATION
Diarrhea occurs with fluid and electrolyte loss, and can be particularly dangerous to newborns and the elderly, who are already at higher risk for developing dehydration. Symptoms which may indicate dehydration include:
Dry mouth.
Excessive thirst.
Less frequent urination.
Dry skin.
Light headedness or fainting.
Signs of dehydration warrant a trip to the emergency room for immediate treatment! Dehydration can be prevented by drinking electrolyte solutions (sports drinks), broths, and fruit juice during periods of illness.
TRADITIONAL TREATMENT
Traditional treatment for diarrhea includes a balance of liquid, nutrients and medication.
CLEAR LIQUIDS
A diet of clear liquids should begin immediately upon the onset of symptoms. Diluted fruit juices, sports drinks, broth and teas will help to keep dehydration at bay and provide the body with much needed electrolytes.
HEAT
Apply heat to the abdomen to help relieve pain, cramps, and tenderness. Electric heating pads, moist heat wraps, and water bottles can all be used as needed.
PAIN RELIEVERS
Non-prescription pain relievers can help to ease pain.
AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS
During diarrhea outbreaks, it's best to avoid dairy products, which tend to make diarrhea worse. This includes milk, butter, creams, and eggs.
MEDICATION
There are a wide variety of anti-diarrheal medications on the market, though most doctors suggest staying away from over-the-counter medicines unless diarrhea persists for more than 3 days. If diarrhea is persistent or life altering, medications can be used to alleviate symptoms temporarily.
BISMUTH
Bismuth subsalicylates (such as those found in Pepto-Bismol) are one of the safest ways to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. Treatments containing bismuth will help control cramping, pain, loose stools, gastrointestinal toxins, and abdominal contractions. Take as directed. Bismuth is safe for both children and adults.
KAOPECTATE
Kaopectate is a suspension formula made from an absorbent clay. This medication works by absorbing and binding the irritation in the intestines.
LOPERAMIDE
Loperamide is found in many over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicines, including Imodium, Kaopectate II, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, and Pepe Diarrhea Control. Loperamide works by slowing down the movements of the intestines.
CALCIUM POLYCARBOPHIL
Calcium polycarbophil has been put to the test recently as a new method of treating diarrhea and its symptoms. Best used by those suffering acute diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, calcium polycarbophil works by equalizing the water balance of the intestines.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
BERRIES
The leaves and fruit of blueberries and bilberries will help to naturally stop diarrhea. Consuming small amounts of commercial fruit syrups and jellies is an easy way to add the benefits of berries to your diet. (Do not eat the seeds of berries, which will only make diarrhea worse.)
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile works well with adults suffering from mild to moderate diarrhea. Chamomile is a natural pain reliever which will help to rid your body of cramps and inflammation. Chamomile is available in tea, capsule, and liquid form.
ROOT BARK
Perhaps the strongest diarrhea treatment is found in the root bark of the blackberry plant. Years ago, a blackberry elixir was carried as a miracle cure for diarrhea. Blackberry root bark is available in tincture form at any major health food store. Take 1 teaspoon of mixture in water every 2-4 hours.
VINEGAR
Your grandmother used it years ago and many still swear by the vinegar cure. Take 1-tablespoon vinegar each hour or until diarrhea subsides.
PECTIN
The pectin found in apples is an age-old cure for diarrhea. Pectin can be purchased in capsule form, or found in applesauce.
GREEN BANANAS
Green bananas work to decrease intestinal porousness, making this Old Wives Tale a real winner when it comes to treating chronic diarrhea in children and adults. Eat 1 green banana every 2-4 hours or until symptoms subside.
CAROB
One-tablespoon of carob powder will help to soothe and calm irritated intestines. The taste leaves a little to be desired, so you may want to mix it with a fair amount of plain yogurt or applesauce.
CATNIP
Catnip tea is a great way to reduce spasmodic intestines. Drink 1 cup every three hours.
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