Diarrhea

Diarrhea

An increased number of loose or watery stools is known as diarrhea. The frequency may vary from one or two, to thirty or forty per day. Usually diarrhea is a symptom of irritation in the bowel and not an actual disease. The body tries to rid itself of this irritation by increasing the movements of the intestines. Because of the rapid passage of the intestinal contents, there is more fluid in the stool, and sometimes its passage is associated with abdominal pain or cramping. In severe cases, dehydration may occur, resulting in thirst and dryness of the mouth and skin. A sudden and excessive loss of fluid is especially dangerous in infants and small children.There are many causes of diarrhea. Nervousness may produce this condition. Many types of laxatives produce an increased number of loose stools. Spoiled food, over-ripe fruit, contaminated canned foods, all irritate the intestines. Diarrhea may also be a symptom of intestinal obstruction, infection of the intestine, or inflammation of the colon, called colitis. Microorganisms, such as the amoeba, typhoid bacillus, and other bacteria may cause diarrhea.


Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) can be used to prevent dehydration and in many cases is quite literally a life saver. Standard home solutions such as salted rice water, salted yogurt drinks, vegetable and chicken soups with salt can be given. Home solutions such as water in which cereal has been cooked, unsalted soup, green coconut water, weak tea (unsweetened), and unsweetened fresh fruit juices can have from half a teaspoon to full teaspoon of salt (from one-and-a-half to three grams) added per liter. Clean plain water can also be one of several fluids given.There are commercial solutions such as Pedialyte, and relief agencies such as UNICEF widely distribute packets of salts and sugar. 


A rotavirus vaccine decrease the rates of diarrhea in a population. New vaccines against rotavirus, Shigella, ETEC, and cholera are under development, as well as other causes of infectious diarrhea.


Probiotics decrease the risk of diarrhea in those taking antibiotics.In institutions and in communities, interventions that promote hand washing lead to significant reductions in the incidence of diarrhea.