Details on the causes, symptoms and treatment of chronic diarrhea. Special research methods

Date: 01.04.2019

It is forbidden to take loperamide with invasive diarrhea (i.e. with diarrhea with blood or pus).

Despite various prohibitions and limitations, loperamide is useful in treating a number of diarrhea:

hyperkinetic diarrhea: irritable bowel syndrome, "bear disease" (nervous diarrhea caused by stress - for example, at a wedding, etc.), but the doses should be minimal,
secretory diarrhea
crohn's disease,
in the complex treatment of diarrhea with chemotherapy for malignant tumors, etc.

In other cases, loperamide is best avoided or at least consult a specialist.

Loperamide is available in 2 mg capsules. The instructions recommend taking 2 capsules first, and then 1 capsule after each loose stool. However, practice shows that in mild cases, more than 1 capsule is not required to be taken, otherwise constipation will occur for 1-3 days. The maximum permitted dose is 8 capsules per day.

Galavit for the treatment of intestinal infections

In the late 1990s, a safe and effective universal anti-inflammatory immunomodulator was created in Russia. Galavit. Among the many indications for use - treatment of any infectious diarrheaaccompanied by fever and intoxication symptoms ( weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations) Galavit normalizes the activity of hyperactive macrophages, reduces the excessive inflammatory response and accelerates recovery.

Galavit well compatible with other medications (including the traditional treatment of intestinal infections), is well tolerated and has a minimum of side effects (allergies are occasionally possible). It is safe and approved for healthy people, with the exception of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Galavit is not recommended for children under 6 years old, because they have not been tested.

Clinical studies of Galavite with diarrhea were conducted in adults and children over 12 years of age with the introduction of intramuscularly according to the scheme: 200 mg once, then 100 mg 2 times a day before stopping (disappearance) of symptoms of intoxication. However, taking in the form of tablets is a more convenient and safe method of treatment.

Galavit

Dosage forms for the treatment of Galavit:

adults and children over 12 years of age: 25 mg tablets, 100 mg ampoules, 100 mg rectal suppositories;
children 6-12 years old: ampoules of 50 mg, rectal suppositories of 50 mg, no tablets with a "children's" dose;
children under 6 years old: not shown.

In acute intestinal infections, the initial dose of Galavit for adults and children over 12 years old is 2 tab. 25 mg once, then 1 tablet. 3-4 times a day until symptoms disappear intoxication within 3-5 days (but usually one day of intake is enough). Please note that Galavit tablets must be placed under the tongue (!) And kept there until completely dissolved (10-15 minutes). In children 6-12 years old, intramuscular injections or rectal suppositories in a dose of 50 mg are used.

So, with acute diarrhea no temperature and symptoms of intoxication (weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, etc.) RECOMMENDED (dosage for adults):

1 sachet per 0.5 cup of water 3 times a day in breaks (!) between food and other medicines for 2-4 days,
enterol 1-2 capsules in the morning and evening 1 hour before a meal with a small amount of liquid for 7-10 days.

With diarrhea with fever and symptoms of intoxication to the above treatment need add:

necessarily - galavit under the tongue, 2 tablets. once, then 1 table. 3-4 times a day until the symptoms of intoxication disappear for 3-5 days,
optional - 200 mg orally every 6 hours for 3 days.

With large fluid losses, it is a must rehydration:

or dissolve in clean water according to the instructions and drink often, but little by little. However, if the patient has repeated vomiting that does not allow him to take the liquid inside, you should call an ambulance and go to the hospital.

If you are clearly something poisoned, you feel sick, preferably rinse the stomach (drink 1 liter of warm water, then bend over and press your fingers on the root of the tongue; then the whole procedure can be repeated). If food poisoning is the cause of nausea, you will immediately feel relief after washing your stomach. After that, you can take the enterosorbent inside ( smecta, polyphepan, enterosgel, atoxyl, polysorb).

If a after 3 days If your treatment for diarrhea persists, you should consult a doctor to determine its cause. Remember that diarrhea can be a sign of quite serious and even fatal diseases (even with some forms of cancer). If a chronic diarrhea (lasts over 3 weeks), you need to immediately go to the doctor, be examined and find out the cause. It is very desirable to remember after which it arose, this will help to choose the right treatment. For example, if after taking antibiotics, then it should be treated as dysbiosis.

AVOID the following medications without special need:

activated carbon - It is an ineffective and outdated drug;
- relieves symptoms of diarrhea, but does not cure. In case of intestinal infection, loperamide enhances the body's self-poisoning. It is forbidden to young children and is dangerous for infectious diarrhea. Reception of loperamide is possible only with chronic diarrhea after consulting a doctor (for example, after removal of the gallbladder, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.). For acute diarrhea, take it. only in hopeless situations or if you are well aware of what you are doing;
antibiotics and antibacterial drugs - they should be taken as prescribed by the doctor, as they themselves can cause diarrhea due to dysbiosis. Allowed Exception - .

Diarrhea is usually treated at home. You need to see a doctor in the following cases:

lack of effect from treatment for more than 3 days,
diarrhea developed in a child up to one year old or in an old (weakened) person,
diarrhea is accompanied by temperatures above 38 ° C (the aforementioned Galavit is highly effective in these cases)
occurrence unclear adverse reactions for treatment (allergic skin rash, irritability, sleep disturbances, yellowness of the skin and sclera, dark urine, etc.),
worried about constant stomach ache,
(!) black chair (tar type) may indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract,
(!) vomiting dark brown masses or with impurities of fresh blood is possible with bleeding from the stomach or esophagus,
(!) observed impaired consciousness or significant dehydration (dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, cold skin, little urine and it is dark with a strong odor, wrinkled skin and sunken eyes).

In the last three cases (!) You need to not only see a doctor, but call an ambulance immediately and be prepared to send the patient to the hospital.

Prevention of acute intestinal infections

Wash everything: vegetables and fruits, hands after the toilet and before eating. Use clean water and fresh foods.

Use a refrigerator and freezer - bacteria in the cold multiply more slowly. True, there is one exception - salmonella Feel great on chicken eggs in the fridge.

In the home medicine cabinet, in the country and on long trips have (per 1 person):

smectu (5 sachets),
enterol (vial of 30 capsules or more),
galavit (plate for 10 tablets),
rehydron or touring,
loperamide (2 capsules for emergency cases).

For the prevention of diarrhea while traveling or during antibiotic therapy it is recommended to take Enterol 1-2 capsules daily in the morning throughout the trip or taking antibiotics.

Causes of Prolonged Diarrhea

There are several reasons for prolonged diarrhea:

The digestion process is affected by the composition and proportion of bacteria in the intestines. Taking antibacterial drugs leads to a disruption of normal microflora.

Antibiotics destroy lactobacilli, Escherichia coli and bifidobacteria, which are directly involved in the digestion process. The reason for dysbiosis may be a lack of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet.

The disease leads to impaired absorption of fluids and nutrients. Lack of timely treatment can lead to enterocolitis.

REASONS: One of the main causes of malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract is malnutrition. In addition to the quality of the consumed products themselves, the regime is also important. To improve bowel function, you need to drink a simple remedy every day ...

Prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of pancreatic pathologies. With greatly reduced production of enzymes involved in the digestion process.

The risk group includes people who are chronic alcoholics. The inflammatory process may begin after the use of ethanol.

Pancreatitis is detected in people who consume too much fat. Constant overeating greatly complicates the work of the pancreas. Not fully digested food enters the intestines of a sick person. As a result, the patient begins fermentation immediately after eating.

In this case, the active reproduction of bacteria occurs. In the liquid stool of the patient, pieces of poorly digested food can be seen. This phenomenon is called creatorrhea. Steatorrhea indicates the presence of undigested neutral fat in the feces. Fat, covering the intestinal wall, makes it slippery, and this provokes diarrhea.

Diarrhea with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon tissue. The patient not only inflames the mucous membranes, but also ulcers form. Most patients are young people aged 20 to 35 years. Patients complain of the following symptoms:

blood clots and mucus appear in the feces;
the lower abdomen begins to hurt;
a person feels rumbling in the abdomen and diarrhea does not go away after taking antidiarrheal drugs;
the patient feels discomfort and bloating;
a person is forced to go to the toilet more than 2 times a day;
weight loss occurs.

Crohn's disease

The disease leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive system. In this case, the tissues of the small intestine are affected.

There are 3 degrees of severity of Crohn's disease:

The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by a small increase in stool. Blood in the patient’s stool is very rare.
A sign of moderate severity is an increase in stool frequency up to 6 times a day. Traces of blood appear in the feces of the patient.
The latter degree leads to more severe complications. In many patients, bleeding and fistula can be detected.

The disease affects people under the age of 35. The patient has characteristic symptoms:

aching pains in the abdomen;
a person complains of weakness;
bloody diarrhea begins, with a frequency of up to 10 times a day.

When the worm multiplies in the body, the patient feels:

Cramping pains appear in the abdomen.
The patient (most often a child) suffers from diarrhea and flatulence;
Constantly rumbling in the stomach and diarrhea does not stop for more than a week.
The disease leads to increased gas formation.

A distinctive feature of such diarrhea is the lack of blood and mucus in the feces.

When infected with salmonella, feces become characteristic. Salmonellosis is a dangerous intestinal infection that can lead to dehydration, toxic shock, and even death. Gray fluid diarrhea can be seen in patients with pancreatic pathologies.

Colonoscopy

Examination of the patient includes the following procedures:

Colonoscopy allows you to evaluate the surface of the patient’s large intestine. Based on the data obtained, experts draw conclusions about various diseases - ulcers, diverticula, polyps, bleeding, and tumors.
Bakseeding (bacteriological research) is used to identify pure bacteria cultures.
During a proctological examination, you can find out about fissures and fistulas in the colon.
No less valuable information can be obtained by sigmoidoscopy. With the help of an endoscope, specialists examine the mucous membranes of various parts of the intestine. .
If additional questions arise, I can direct the patient to undergo irrigoscopy. The procedure consists in examining the large intestine using a radiopaque substance. The method allows you to determine the condition of the mucous membranes, the presence of tumors and injuries.
Thanks to ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, it is possible to quickly determine the inflammation of various parts of the digestive tract. Doctors evaluate the work of the pancreas, stomach and intestines.

Long diarrhea

Watery stools are not a disease. This is a syndrome, and it just indicates an upset digestive system that can occur for a variety of reasons.

Antibiotics are used to treat diarrhea associated with bacteria infection.

Blackberry broth

You can get rid of diarrhea with the help of blackberry twigs. Before preparing the broth, they must be cut into small pieces. Pour Art. spoonful of raw materials with a glass of water and cook for 15 minutes. Ready broth can replace tea. Within 3 days after starting to use the blackberry broth, you will notice an improvement in your condition.

To cope with chronic diarrhea, you can use the root of the cinquefoil. Pour 100 grams of raw material into a liter of water and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. The solution helps with bloody diarrhea that does not go away for a long time.

Svetlana asks:

Please clarify whether you checked lactase tolerance, as intolerance to this enzyme, i.e. the inability to break it down by the body can lead to the appearance of loose stools after taking dairy products. One of the causes of diarrhea can be ulcerative colitis, malabsorption of nutrients (malabsorption), taking certain drugs, as well as hormonal disorders, i.e. thyroid dysfunction. It is mandatory for you to have a sigmoidoscopy, if this procedure causes loss of consciousness, discuss with the doctor this problem and the possibility of an examination after premedication. It is also necessary to examine the function of the thyroid gland, to pass a biochemical blood test for enzymes. Read more about the causes of diarrhea by clicking on the link: Diarrhea (diarrhea).

Svetlana comments:

Thank. Blood for lactose intolerance - SS genotype (low activity of the lactase enzyme) For three years I have not consumed milk or even fermented milk products. I'm on a diet with enzymes. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, ferritin are normal. Harmones TTG, T4 sv, Antibodies to thyroperoxidase, Cortisol, DHEA-S are normal. T3 sv - 7.07 norm 6.45 Insulin-less than 2 norm from 6.0 C-peptide 359 norm from 369. First, the endocrinologist wanted to put “diabetes” and after retake the c-peptide became normal, and insulin remained less than 2. She said no diabetes. Uzi of the thyroid gland - small cysts. The doctor said this diarrhea cannot be. For three years I have been testing almost every month and nothing has changed. Oncomarkers and harmonics once a year.

Svetlana asks:

Good afternoon * I still have such a question .. Diarrhea sometimes starts right after a meal, sometimes after two hours, sometimes even on an empty stomach, sometimes after a sip of water, a half-fainting state, tachycardia and sometimes like I’ll die now - can this also apply to nerves? Basically, it starts in the morning and subsides with the help of smect in the afternoon and again begins to seethe, hiss and torment again *

Svetlana comments:

I started injecting Cortexin 10 mg + Mexidol 2 mg + Valocordin at night, and from diarrhea bifiform and smecta, can I still drink CIP along with all this treatment?

In the event that you are not allergic to the components of this drug, you can start treatment. These drugs have not only antidiarrheal properties, but also have an antiseptic, immunomodulating effect, and also restore the intestinal microflora, which in your case is simply necessary. Read more about the treatment of diarrhea by clicking on the link: Diarrhea (Diarrhea).

Svetlana asks:

Good morning * Thank you) Tell me, what tests still need to be passed to exclude maladsorptive syndrome? The gastroenterologist says that for all the analyzes that I have, I do not have malabsorption. You don’t have the strength to live like that anymore, your stomach reacts instantly - you drink a smecta and go to the toilet * I have had all these chronic diseases since childhood and nothing like that, only from a malignant diet violation and everything went from coal. I suffered from HFRS in 2008, but after it everything was fine, but exactly one year later it started) Sometimes there is chills at night, as if the temperature were there, but it wasn’t.

Svetlana asks:

Sorry for the obsession, but I just really want to be cured. According to my analysis, what can be the diagnosis? The gastroenterologist puts me IBS and hr. pancreatitis, and no tests are said to be needed anymore.

In the previous answer, we presented a complete examination plan, which you must go through to clarify the diagnosis in the situation you are describing. Unfortunately, without a personal examination, even based on available data, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis. In the event that the qualification of your attending physician is in doubt, you can seek personal advice from another specialist gastroenterologist. You can read more about the various diseases associated with the intestines in the section of the same name: Intestine.

Svetlana comments:

Good day. I was treated for IBS plus VVD so that the doctor prescribed me. Cortexin 5 days, Mexidol 10 days and instrumentation. Did not help. I can’t eat. Even from a piece of cracker with tea, the stomach begins to hurt after 5 minutes. Maybe there is another cure for this? The doctor told me to drink everything in succession, alternating. In other clinics they do not want to accept, referring to the absence of a colonoscopy (which is impossible to do) Tell me, how can I do without colonoscopy with something else?

No, unfortunately, colonoscopy is the only diagnostic method that can accurately establish the condition of the large intestine mucosa for the diagnosis of IBS, since it eliminates chronic colitis and other diseases accompanied by similar symptoms. This diagnostic method is included in the list of required. You can read more about colonoscopy, indications and contraindications for its implementation in our medical information section with the same name: Colonoscopy.

Svetlana asks:

Good day. Waking up in the morning today, getting out of bed, I began to have an unpleasant sensation in the lower abdomen, reached the kitchen already with terrible, strong, dull pain over my pubis and on the right and left, half-fainting state again joined me as if I were going to die. She drank valocordin and lay on her back on her sides very painfully. It seems like it passed later but the state of weakness remained. What could it be?

Severe pain in the lower abdomen can be a sign of many conditions, especially those associated with diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems. Such pain can be with adnexitis, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, endometritis, stones in the bladder. I recommend that you do not postpone and urgently consult a doctor to conduct a number of studies: pelvic ultrasound, blood and urine tests. After examining the gynecologist and examining, it will be possible to find out the cause of the pain and determine further treatment tactics. You can learn more about abdominal pain from the section of our website: Abdominal pain

Svetlana asks:

Thanks for the answer * It seems no longer bothers. During the examination of diarrhea, I found a 10cm cyst “serous”, was removed, but after a month I found a 4 cm cyst in the same place again on the ultrasound. The surgeon said that let her sit now. I have a question about the intestines. I’m taking Enterol now, it seems that it helped me a little, there is no severe diarrhea, but still I often go to the toilet a little bit. The ultrasound passed ... everything is the same as it was ... the doctor said that I have all the organs jerking and some kind of pneumosis of the intestine. Another feeling of quick satiation appeared. Are these symptoms of irritable bowel?

Both increased pneumatization of the intestine (an increase in the number of intestinal gases) and a decrease in appetite can occur due to irritation of the intestinal wall and the inflammatory process on it (for example, with enterocolitis). To clarify the situation, it is advisable to personally consult with a gastroenterologist. You can read more about the manifestations of colitis and enterocolitis in our thematic sections dedicated to these diseases: Colitis and Enterocolitis.

Svetlana asks:

Good day. I went to the gastroenterologist. Again he says to drink everything to me in a row. Only I don’t know what to drink already. In the morning, the stomach wakes up with its seething. Please tell me some good drug that helps with colitis. I’ll ask the gastroenterologist to attribute it to me.

The effectiveness of the treatment of colitis is determined by the type of disease and its stage. Please specify which one you are injecting and we will advise you in more detail. You can learn more about colitis from the thematic section of our website: Colitis

Svetlana asks:

I already wrote that they put me SRK. The gastroenterologist tells me that I drank everything in a row, but nothing helps me. Therefore, I asked you to write me the name of a good drug.

Please specify what drugs you have taken so far and what you are currently taking. Please also inform us that your current prevailing condition is constipation or diarrheal syndrome. With diarrheal syndrome, the drug Imodium or Erikan is recommended, with constipation - Cisap, Motitium. In addition, a set of non-drug measures can be used: psychotherapy or, in some cases, the appointment of short courses of antidepressants effectively helps. These funds may be prescribed by your doctor. You can get more information about your disease from our section: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Svetlana comments:

Given that you have been carefully examined and have taken drugs from the main groups, I think it makes sense to consult a psychologist. Often, additional measures aimed at the psychological component give positive results. In addition, some experts describe the effectiveness of the appointment of antidepressants. A fundamentally new approach in your case may consist in switching to homeopathic medicines. Please consult with a homeopath who can choose the right course of treatment for you. You can learn more about this group of drugs from the section of our website: Homeopathy

Svetlana asks:

Have a nice day. Donated blood at your recommendation. Help decrypt
Total protein in serum
Concentration 72.3 g / l 66.0 - 83.0
Serum Albumin
Concentration 43.50 g / l 35.00 - 52.00
Total cholesterol
Concentration 3.91 mmol / L 0.00 - 5.20
Interpretation: optimal level
C-reactive protein, quantitatively (highly sensitive method)
Concentration 0.53 mg / L 0.00 - 1.00
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Concentration 8.70 U / L 0.00 - 35.00
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Concentration 16.20 U / L 0.00 - 45.00
Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT)
Concentration 14.20 U / L 0.00 - 38.00
Total alkaline phosphatase
Concentration 56.00 U / L 30.00 - 120.00
Common bilirubin
Concentration 8.16 μmol / L 5.00 - 21.00
Amylase total in serum
Concentration 47.10 U / L 28.00 - 100.00
Lipase
Concentration ↓ 5.40 IU / L 21.00 - 67.00
Serum Iron
Concentration ↓ 4.90 μmol / L 10.70 - 32.20
Serum Urea
Concentration ↓ 2.30 mmol / L 2.80 - 7.20
Serum Creatinine
Concentration 77.70 μmol / L 58.00 - 96.00
Serum Potassium
Concentration ↓ 3.30 mmol / L 3.50 - 5.10
Serum Sodium
Concentration 137.38 mmol / l Name / indicator
Concentration 101.28 mmol / L 98.00 - 106.00
Serum Calcium
Concentration 2.42 mmol / L 2.20 - 2.65
Serum Magnesium
Concentration 0.84 mmol / L 0.77 - 1.03
Cancer Embryonic Antigen (CEA)
Concentration Non-smokers: 0 - 2.5; Smoking:
0.0 - 5.0
0.6 ng / ml
CA 19-9
Concentration 10.00 IU / ml 0.00 - 30.90
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Concentration ↓ 145.00 pg / ml 179.00 - 1162.00
Serum Chlorine Concentration 101.28 mmol / L 98.00 - 106.00
Gastrin
Concentration 16.7 pg / ml 13.0 - 115.0
Plasma glucose
Concentration 4.78 mmol / L 4.10 - 5.90
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Concentration 6.53 nmol / L 6.00 - 39.00
Coagulogram No. 1 (prothrombin (according to Quick), INR)
Prothrombin (Quick) 88% 70 - 120
INR for oral therapy
anticoagulants: 2 - 3; at
healthy individuals not receiving
anticoagulant therapy: 0.80
- 1.20
1.08
Prothrombin time 13.8 sec 11.5 - 14.5
General blood analysis
White blood cells (WBC) 7.32 * 10 ^ 9 / L 3.98 - 10.40
Red blood cells (RBC) 4.18 * 10 ^ 12 / L 3.50 - 5.20
Hemoglobin (HGB) ↓ 115 g / l 120 - 156
Hematocrit (HTC) ↓ 34.9% 35.0 - 45.0
Average red blood cell (MCV) 83.5 fL 81.0 - 100.0
Avg soda hemoglobin in er-te (MCH) 27.5 pg 27.0 - 34.0
Avg conc. hemoglobin in er-te (MCHC) 330 g / l 320 - 360
Platelets (PLT) 233 * 10 ^ 9 / L 180 - 320
Distrib. erythritis. V - standard deviation (RDW-SD) 50.1 fL 37.0 - 54.0
Distrib. erythritis. by V - coefficient. variats (RDW-CV) 16.7% 11.3 - 19.5
Distrib. Platelet Volume (PDW) 15.8 fL 10.0 - 20.0
Medium Platelet Volume (MPV) 11.70 fL 9.40 - 12.40
Large platelet ratio (P-LCR) 38.0% 13.0 - 43.0
Neutrophils (NE) 4.14 * 10 ^ 9 / L 1.56 - 6.13
Lymphocytes (LY) 2.27 * 10 ^ 9 / L 1.18 - 3.74
Monocytes (MO) 0.65 * 10 ^ 9 / L 0.24 - 0.56
Eosinophils (EO) 0.22 * 10 ^ 9 / L 0.04 - 0.36
Basophils (BA) 0.04 * 10 ^ 9 / L 0.00 - 0.08
Neutrophils,% (NE%) 56.6% 34.0 - 71.1
Lymphocytes,% (LY%) 31.0% 19.0 - 37.0
Monocytes,% (MO%) 8.9% 4.7 - 12.5
Eosinophils,% (EO%) 3.0% 0.7 - 5.8
Basophils,% (BA%) 0.5% 0.0 - 1.2
Soe 2

Svetlana asks:

Have a nice day. I consulted a therapist with the effect of zero. As there was diarrhea, it remained. She attributed glycine 4 times a day and adaptol. Gastroenterologist Enterol and Acepol. Nothing helps. One day is better, and on the second day, against the background of a strict diet of oatmeal porridge on the water, diarrhea begins in the morning and no aggregates help. The gastroenterologist said that she would no longer catch on anything. I did an analysis for dysbiosis and there is nothing. The occult blood test is negative. X-ray of the stomach - duodeno-bulbar and bulbo-gastric refluxes. CA-19-9, CEA, gastrin, pepsinogen 1,2, Ca-242, all biochemistry and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases, antibodies to goblet cells of the intestine and pancreatic ducts - everything is normal. Please tell me what it is? Maybe something with the intestines is something and not with the head?

If for 5 days or more diarrhea is permanent and does not want to go away, it is called chronic. If chronic diarrhea, the treatment of which was prescribed by a doctor, does not go away, then everyone can turn to folk remedies.

But they alone cannot cure the causes of chronic diarrhea. Medicines must be present in this process. Otherwise, the effectiveness of therapy is called into question.

It is important to take into account the fact that constant diarrhea leads to dehydration, and here it should be given to the patient

emergency help.

First steps for diarrhea

If diarrhea persists within a few days, care must be taken to protect against dehydration. The following methods are best suited for this:

heavy drinking, replenishment of salt and mineral balance. For these purposes, use the drug Regidron, or prepare a saline solution of 1 tsp. salt per 1 liter of water;
always adhere strictly to diet - frequent, but small meals and the use of healthy decoctions.

Diet should be given special attention. The diet should have white crackers, boiled cereals in water and mashed boiled vegetables, as well as pore fish, rice. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as acidic foods, are banned.

The expansion of the list of allowed foods for chronic diarrhea is gradual.

In parallel, antibacterial drugs, sorbents, and some other complexes for the treatment of diarrhea are taken.

Diarrhea medicines

In the treatment of chronic loose stool, slightly different drugs are used than in eliminating the causes and symptoms of short-term diarrhea:

Before using any medicine, a doctor’s visit is strongly recommended.

Diarrhea can occur in any person, regardless of gender or age. Each of us at least once in our life has experienced unpleasant symptoms of indigestion - diarrhea. Watery loose stools, abdominal cramps and a frequent need for bowel release are the main symptoms of diarrhea.

People of all ages can experience this condition, which is considered especially dangerous for children and the elderly, as it can lead to dehydration.

In a healthy adult population, short-term diarrhea most often occurs, which lasts for several days and disappears by itself, without any special treatment, but only if the diarrhea is followed.

When diarrhea lasts more than a week and is accompanied by dehydration, excessive thirst, dry skin and mouth, severe weakness and dizziness, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Medical assistance is also needed when abdominal pain or rectal pain, stool with an admixture of blood, and also when the body temperature is elevated (more than 38.5 ° C).

The following symptoms may indicate the presence of diarrhea:

frequent stools of liquid consistency;
bloating;
nausea;
cramping and pain in the abdomen;
vomiting
fever;
stool with mucus or blood.

Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea often affects tourists visiting hot remote countries. The reason for its occurrence in this case may be exotic products or water from an unknown well or reservoir, as well as non-compliance with sanitary standards.

With malabsorption syndrome, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea can also occur.

With carbohydrate malabsorption, the digestive system is not able to digest and absorb sugar. If this condition is accompanied by lactose intolerance, then in the case of the use of dairy products with sugar content, diarrhea develops.

Fat malabsorption may occur due to a decrease in pancreatic secretion necessary for normal digestion, or due to changes in the small intestine mucosa, which interferes with the digestion and absorption of fats. Undigested fats enter the small and large intestines, where, with the help of bacteria, they are converted into chemicals that stimulate the formation of water in the colon. In this case, the passage of the chair is much faster.

Frequent intake of laxatives (for example, to lose weight) is also the cause of chronic diarrhea.

Some other medicines (antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics) can also cause loose stools.

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a condition where symptoms appear for a long time or reappear after some period of time. Its presence indicates a serious illness.

Chronic diarrhea can be caused by some infectious diseases (dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever, etc.). AIDS patients often suffer from a chronic intestinal infection that causes diarrhea.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis contribute to the development of the inflammatory process in the small or large intestine, manifested by chronic diarrhea.

Diet for diarrhea is an important element in the fight against an unpleasant symptom. Foods high in fat increase intestinal motility, therefore, it is recommended to exclude heavy, fatty and fried foods. It is also advisable to avoid eating foods that irritate the stomach and intestines.

It is recommended that you eat small meals throughout the day so that the digestive system works at a slower pace. This contributes to better digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as a decrease in appetite. The diet for diarrhea should consist of oatmeal, boiled or baked vegetables, rice, lean meat, crackers and bananas.

As long as the intestinal condition is not normalized, it is necessary to exclude milk, fruit juices, fresh fruits and vegetables themselves, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

With cramping in the stomach, loss of appetite and a feeling of indigestion, it is advisable to give up food for a while.

Diarrhea treatment

Treatment of diarrhea is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the disease state in order to normalize stool and avoid possible complications.

Diarrhea can go away within 1-2 days without any treatment. If the problem cannot be eliminated with a liquid diet for diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe medications that slow down bowel activity. Treatment is prescribed after some tests to determine the cause of diarrhea. These funds are contraindicated in children.

With fever, nausea or vomiting, persistent cramping or pain in the abdomen, as well as with obvious symptoms of dehydration, the detection of mucus or bloody impurities in the stool, it is imperative to see a specialist. Hospitalization is necessary for prolonged diarrhea (more than 2-3 days), especially in young children or elderly people.

To alleviate the condition, you can use medicines for diarrhea, which are dispensed in a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription (hilak forte, rehydron, smecta, etc.). However, with prolonged diarrhea (more than 5 days) with weight loss, you need to urgently seek specialized help.

With infection, antibiotic therapy is necessary. In some cases, the treatment may be simple and consist of eliminating one drug or food. For people with lactose, carbohydrate or fat intolerance, the treatment of acute or chronic diarrhea consists of excluding from the diet foods or drinks containing lactose, as well as sugar (sorbitol) or fat substitutes.