Diarrhea means watery stools (like water) more than 3 times a day. Most adults experience diarrhea about 4 times each year. Virtually every person will experience diarrhea at some point in their life.
Diarrhea means watery stools (like water) more than 3 times a day. Most adults experience diarrhea about 4 times each year. Virtually every person will experience diarrhea at some point in their life.
The most serious threat posed by diarrhea is dehydration. During an episode of diarrhea, water and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate) are lost through liquid stools, vomit, sweat, urine and breath. Dehydration occurs when these losses are not replaced. The degree of dehydration is graded on a scale of three.
Causes of diarrhea include:
Diarrhea is treated with medication, antibiotics and drugs that improve diarrhea as a symptom. Do not take loperamide (Imodium) medicines on your own which may aggravate abdominal pain, cause arrhythmia, dizziness, fainting, especially in the presence of pre-existing dehydration or other conditions. Loperamide interacts with other medications that the patient may be taking, so the treating physician should definitely be informed to avoid side effects. Good hydration is essential. If the diarrhea is due to medication, stopping or changing the dose of the medication that causes the diarrhea may be necessary. There are foods that should be avoided as long as the diarrhea lasts. Your gastroenterologist will give you relevant detailed information. Emphasize the rules of hygiene that include cleaning utensils when preparing food, and washing hands after using the toilet.
