What causes diarrhea? Why does diarrhea not go away for a week in an adult? Drugs to reduce intestinal motility

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Loose stools, or diarrhea(from the Greek word "diarrheo", which means "to bleed"), refers to defecation more than twice a day, in which the stool acquires a liquid consistency. Diarrhea in itself is not a disease, it is a common symptom any problems in the body, which are most often localized in digestive system.

To successfully cope with this pathology, it is necessary to clearly determine its cause.

Bacterial infections
Shigellous dysentery
Bacillary dysentery is most often a sign of infection of the intestinal tract by bacteria of the genus Shigella. Incubation period V in this case lasts from one day to a week. The typical form of dysentery begins acutely, and is manifested by fever, loss of appetite, headaches, decreased blood pressure, and signs of gastrointestinal damage. Abdominal pain is initially dull, spread throughout the abdomen, and constant. Then they become more acute, cramping, and are localized in the lower abdomen, often above the pubis or on the left.

Tenesmus appears - a painful false urge to empty the bowel, which is not accompanied by defecation. In addition, there is a characteristic nagging pain radiating to the sacrum in the rectal area, which occurs during defecation and continues for 10-15 minutes after it. Bowel movements become more frequent up to 10 times a day or more. Blood and mucus appear in the stool. In more severe cases, the amount of bloody mucus increases.

Salmonellosis
A separate danger is a bacterial infection of the intestines caused by salmonella. Clinical manifestations of salmonellosis are varied - from severe forms, turning into blood poisoning, up to asymptomatic carriage infectious agents.

Highlight the following types salmonellosis:
1. Gastrointestinal form
Salmonellosis in the gastrointestinal form most often begins acutely, accompanied by diarrhea (smelly, watery, greenish stool) and profuse vomiting.
The following symptoms are also characteristic:

pain, rumbling and bloating;
weakness;
headache;
temperature rise to 38-40°C;
pain in joints and muscles;
muscle spasms of the limbs.

2. Typhoid-like form
This form of salmonellosis begins in the same way as the gastrointestinal one, but it is characterized by fever for 10-14 days, enlargement of the spleen and liver. In addition, the symptoms of general poisoning of the body are more intense: lethargy, headache etc. A rash also sometimes appears on the skin.

3. Septic form
The septic form of salmonellosis is considered one of the most dangerous, since with it, after a short and acute initial period, a picture of general blood infection quickly develops.

Viral infection
Viral intestinal infections are the main cause of loose stools in children under two years of age. Among the adult population, this cause of diarrhea is registered less frequently due to higher activity immune system body.

Rotavirus infection
The general course of the disease when infected with rotavirus is cyclical:
1. The incubation period is from 1 to 5 days.
2. Acute period - from 3 to 7 days (in severe cases - more than a week).
3. The recovery period lasts approximately 4-5 days.

In its acute form, this pathology is manifested by sudden pain (most often in the middle of the abdomen), vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In severe cases there may be severe symptoms general poisoning of the body, cardiovascular disorders and even signs of dehydration.

With chronic enteritis, patients complain of nausea, weakness, mild pain in the umbilical region, rumbling in the intestines and periodic diarrhea.

It must be taken into account that in many cases these two diseases occur together, combining all the above-described symptoms. In such a situation, they talk about the development of gastroenteritis.

Stomach ulcer
The main symptom of a stomach ulcer is pain in the upper center of the abdomen. As a rule, such pain occurs during eating or immediately after eating. This symptom allows you to distinguish this pathology from ulcers duodenum, which is characterized by so-called “hunger pains” that occur on an empty stomach and go away after eating.

Other signs of peptic ulcer disease may include the following symptoms:

heartburn and/or sour belching;
weight loss;
nausea and vomiting after eating;
loose stools caused by digestive disorders.

Duodenal ulcer
Duodenal ulcer is characterized by pain in the upper abdomen and in the epigastric region. The intensity of pain can vary: from slight severity to sharp, painful sensations. Pain usually appears or intensifies when physical activity, long breaks in meals, consumption of spicy foods, and alcohol. In addition, digestive disorders manifested by diarrhea are observed. Exacerbations of this disease are often associated with the season, occurring mainly in the autumn-spring period.

Pancreatitis
The inflammatory process affecting the pancreas is called pancreatitis.

In the acute form of this pathology, the constant and leading symptom is abdominal pain. Most often, it is permanent (defined as cutting or dull), and increases as the disease progresses, sometimes even leading to shock. The pain is most often localized in the left or right hypochondrium - high in the stomach. When the entire gland is affected, the pain is girdling in nature.
Symptoms such as:

dry mouth;
belching;
nausea;
frequent vomiting mixed with bile, which does not bring relief.

In addition, patients are concerned about loose or pasty stools, in which undigested food particles are detected. Often the stool has an unpleasant odor and a foamy consistency.

In chronic forms of pancreatitis, patients (even during remission) sometimes feel dull pain, nausea, complain of constipation or, conversely, loose, copious stools of a pasty, “fatty” nature. Such feces are difficult to wash off with water, which is directly related to poor digestion of fats. The occurrence of such diarrhea usually indicates a very serious violation digestive function of the pancreas.

Such patients quickly lose weight, they develop signs of hypovitaminosis and metabolic disorders of varying severity.

Extraintestinal signs of Crohn's disease:

fever;
anemia;
inflammation of the oral cavity;
eye damage (uveitis, iridocyclitis, episcleritis).

Colitis

Colitis is a limited inflammatory lesion large intestine.
Symptoms of colitis:

frequent urge to defecate;
bloating and rumbling stomach;
loose stools, sometimes containing mucus and blood;
stomach ache.

The disease can be acute and last only a few days. But in the chronic form of colitis, the listed symptoms may bother the patient for several weeks and sometimes months.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is called chronic inflammation with the appearance of ulcerations on the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

The leading manifestation of ulcerative colitis is frequent loose stools mixed with blood, pus or mucus, as well as spontaneous bleeding from the anus. In severe cases, the frequency of bowel movements can reach 20 or more times a day, including during the night's rest.

In addition, with nonspecific ulcerative colitis patients complain of the following symptoms:

severe cramping pain in the abdomen, which intensifies after eating;
false urge to defecate;
feeling incomplete emptying intestines;
fever with a temperature from 37°C to 39°C, depending on the severity of the disease;
decreased appetite or complete absence of it;
weight loss with severe and prolonged course;
symptoms of partial dehydration;
general weakness;
joint pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Signs of this pathology are pain or discomfort in the abdomen, as well as sudden changes chair. Defecation can occur very rarely (less than three times a week) or, conversely, often (more than three times a day). The consistency of stool also becomes unstable: “sheep”, hard or unformed watery feces with mucus. In addition, there is an urgency and straining during bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement and bloating.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome most often have dysfunction of the esophagus and stomach, chronic fatigue, pain in skeletal muscles, headaches and back pain. Psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety or depression are also common.

Malabsorption syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome is a malabsorption syndrome. nutrients in the intestines. This pathology is characterized by the presence of loose stools, which at the onset of the disease can be irregular, and then become almost constant. Mild forms of the disease are also often encountered, in which frequent, loose stools with severe flatulence and the release of foul-smelling gases occur only temporarily.

Associated signs of malabsorption syndrome include symptoms such as:

drowsiness;
apathy;
thirst;
fast fatiguability;
weight loss;
muscle weakness;
dry skin;
phenomena of stomatitis in the oral cavity;
development of glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) with a bright red color of the tongue and smoothness of its papillae.

Rectal cancer

One of the most frequent and persistent symptoms Rectal cancer causes bleeding. This symptom occurs both in the early and later stages of the disease, and is observed in the vast majority of patients. The intensity of intestinal bleeding in rectal cancer is usually insignificant - most often blood occurs as an admixture in the stool, or in the form of separate dark clots. In addition, its appearance is inconsistent. Unlike bleeding from hemorrhoids, bleeding from cancer either precedes stool or occurs simultaneously with defecation, mixing with feces.

The second most common symptom of colorectal cancer is various disorders of intestinal function:

changes in bowel movements;
changes in the shape of feces;
diarrhea;
constipation;
incontinence of feces and gases.

The most unpleasant and difficult for patients to tolerate are frequent false urges to defecate (tenesmus). They are often also accompanied by the discharge of small amounts of blood, pus and mucus. After defecation, such patients do not experience a feeling of relief; they are left with a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the rectum. Such false urges can occur from 3 to 15 times a day. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is the liquefaction of stool to a watery state. In this case, bowel movements can be a one-time or repeated occurrence. Diarrhea is not an independent diagnosis. Loose stools in an adult are associated with a variety of reasons and are a symptom of various pathologies.

Causes

Normally, the intestines empty their bowels once a day. For some people, the frequency of bowel movements is 2-3 days. If this regimen does not cause discomfort, experts attribute the delay in emptying to the individual characteristics of the body.

Diarrhea may be associated with intestinal diseases. Violation of peristalsis is manifested by frequent emptying, but the stool does not liquefy. The daily volume of feces does not exceed 100–300 g. Impaired absorption of food by the intestinal walls manifests itself with particles of undigested food.

Main causes of diarrhea:

consumption of expired products, violation of storage and transportation conditions;
binge eating;
insufficient production of enzymes to digest certain components - lactose, egg white, gluten, etc.;
allergic reaction;
taking medications - laxatives, antacids, ;
stress;
alcohol intoxication;
change of climate and usual diet.

In these cases, the stool is restored within 2–3 days. Usually a person can easily find the cause of diarrhea. Eating low-quality food most often occurs in the summer and is associated with slower digestion in the heat and rapid spoilage of food.

Causes of diarrhea in adults and children associated with pathogenic viruses and bacteria:

salmonellosis;
dysentery;
intestinal flu.

When microorganisms enter the intestines, they release large amounts of toxins. As a result, peristalsis increases, the body is freed from harmful compounds. Severe diarrhea caused by infection is accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 38–39 degrees.

In an adult, the cause of diarrhea may be a chronic pathology:

pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
gastritis;
malfunction of the gallbladder;
autoimmune diseases - food absorption slows down with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, enteritis;
neuropsychic disorders;
hepatitis;
ischemic colitis;
diabetes;
endocrine system disorders;
cirrhosis of the liver;
dysbacteriosis;
cancer tumor.

In these cases, diarrhea is prolonged.

The cause of diarrhea in women may be pregnancy. Stool disorder is considered as one of the symptoms of early toxicosis. The consistency of stool may change a few days after conception. Stool liquefaction is accompanied by morning nausea, weakness, and a slight increase in body temperature. This type of diarrhea is associated with hormonal changes in the body.

However, diarrhea early pregnancy can be caused by an intestinal infection, consumption of low-quality products.

Types and clinical signs of diarrhea

According to the nature of the course, stool liquefaction can be acute and chronic. Types of diarrhea:

nutritional;
motor;
medicinal;
neurogenic;
exudative.

Each type has characteristic features.

Diagnosis chronic diarrhea» is given if stool disorder persists for more than 3 weeks.

Infectious diarrhea

The intensity of bowel movements depends on the causative agent of the intestinal disorder. Uncontrollable urges are accompanied by copious watery stools interspersed with green slime. The infection is easily transmitted through contact with a sick person. Before the urge to defecate is felt general weakness and sudden illness. The tongue is covered with a white or yellow coating.

Nutritional diarrhea

This type of bowel disorder is associated with food poisoning. Easy degree intoxication appears yellow pasty stool. In this case, some of the necessary elements are absorbed into the bloodstream. The frequency of stools usually does not exceed 5 times a day.

Severe poisoning is accompanied by severe intoxication: significant loss of fluid, weakness, elevated body temperature, pain in the stomach and intestines. Without a stool test, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of diarrhea, since nutritional diarrhea has similar symptoms to the disorder caused by infection.

Motor diarrhea

Characterized by impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Stool disorder occurs due to the regulatory influence of hormones produced by the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine. Motor diarrhea may be associated with decreased tone of the intestinal wall. This type of disorder occurs when protein metabolism is disrupted and small blood vessels are damaged.

Drug-induced diarrhea

A change in osmolarity (the concentration of dissolved substances) in the intestines occurs when taking saline laxatives. Some medications contain large amounts of disaccharides, peptones and other components that the small intestine does not have enough enzymes to break down. As a result, the stool becomes watery and bulky.

Diarrhea can be a side effect of some medications. After discontinuation of the drugs, the stool is restored.

After taking antibiotics, the balance of microflora in the intestines is disrupted. Active components They kill not only pathogenic microbes, but also beneficial bacteria. Diarrhea is common after treatment antibacterial drugs. The stool is restored within 5–7 days. During this period, the balance of intestinal microflora returns to normal.

Neurogenic diarrhea

A disorder of nervous regulation caused by strong emotions and experiences leads to impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Frequent urges to defecate occur, as a rule, against a background of stress and anxiety. This disorder is called irritable bowel syndrome. Feces have a semi-formed consistency and come out in small portions.

Exudative form

Exudative diarrhea is characterized by the release of blood, pus, mucus particles, and protein fluid into the lumen. The stool is liquid, the volume of feces does not exceed the daily norm.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive system with the formation of granulomas (nodules) on the mucous membranes. Most often, the pathology affects the tissues of the colon. Diarrhea in Crohn's disease is often accompanied by bloating and severe pain simulating acute pain.

Acute bowel disorder

General signs of diarrhea characteristic of acute course:

pain – localized in the lower abdomen, on the left side;
heat;
nausea, vomiting;
weakness;
decline blood pressure;
painful urge to defecate;
fecal incontinence caused by increased gastrointestinal motility;
flatulence - increased formation of gases occurs due to fermentation, lack of digestive enzymes.

Bloody diarrhea

In liquid stool in an adult, indicates a severe infection accompanied by active bleeding. The feces have a dark cherry color and a mushy consistency. Active bleeding is also observed during the disintegration of a cancerous tumor.

Scarlet blood in the stool is a sign of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and diverticulitis. It is present in the form of clots. Since the bleeding site is located close to the anus, the blood does not have time to clot and its color does not change.

Symptoms of diarrhea caused by stomach bleeding: unformed, tarry, black stool. These signs indicate an exacerbation of ulcerative-erosive gastritis.

Diagnostics

Specialist help with diarrhea is necessary in the following cases:

increase in body temperature to 37.50 and above;
mucus, blood, or pus in the stool;
cutting pain in the abdomen;
dry mucous membranes;
lack of urination;
The intensity of diarrhea did not decrease after 2 days.

Diagnostics include lab tests feces, blood. If necessary, prescribe instrumental examination colon, FDGS.

The most informative diagnostic method is stool culture for aggressive microorganisms. Treatment of diarrhea is carried out after the underlying disease has been established.

First aid

Diarrhea and vomiting are the body’s protective reactions from external and internal irritants. The body, with the help of the evacuation function, is freed from toxins and pathogens. Taking anti-diarrhea medications at the first signs of intoxication can lead to a worsening of the condition.

First aid for diarrhea includes taking enough fluid and saline solution. You need to drink water often, in small portions. The liquid is alternated with saline solutions– Regidron, Oralit. If these remedies are not at hand, they are replaced with salted water, chamomile decoction, saline solution, mineral water without gas.

Food intake is limited for 4–6 hours. After the break, they adhere to a special diet.

Improve condition and withdraw harmful substances Sorbents will help remove them from the body. Treatment of diarrhea begins with the following medications: Activated carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel. They help get rid of diarrhea without harm to health.

Continuous diarrhea and vomiting more than 10 times a day is a reason to consult a doctor. Especially if the symptoms of diarrhea are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, cramps and high fever.

Drug treatment

Depending on the type of diarrhea, a specialist may prescribe drugs from the following groups.

Adsorbents

Medicines will help stop diarrhea and remove waste products of microbes during viral infections and food poisoning: Polyphepan, Diosmectite, Coapectate. They bind harmful substances and remove them from the body naturally. Diarrhea can be treated with adsorbents as independent therapy or in combination with antiviral drugs– Arbidol, Remantadine.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

If the cause of the intestinal disorder is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Sulfasalosin will help stop diarrhea in an adult. These drugs reduce the production of intestinal mucus. They are prescribed from the first day of acute infectious diarrhea. Drugs to relieve inflammation are also used for diarrhea caused by chronic colitis.

Enzymes

The products in this group help improve digestion. The group of enzymes includes Creon, Mezim, Festal. These tablets are given for diarrhea associated with exacerbation of pancreatitis, gastritis with low acidity, and intestinal malabsorption.

Herbal decoctions

Intestinal motility is reduced natural remedies with a fixing effect. An infusion of cinquefoil root will help get rid of diarrhea, oak bark, alder cones, chamomile. Brewed herbs and plants are drunk until symptoms stop.

Drugs to reduce intestinal motility

You can get rid of diarrhea with the help of drugs based on bismuth subsalicylate, diphenoxylate, and loperamide. These medications are not recommended for use for viral infections, since some of the microbes will remain in the intestines and recovery will be delayed.

The most popular drugs in the fight against diarrhea as a symptom are those based on loperamide: Imodium, Lopedium, Loperacap. These medications reduce the frequency of bowel movements and increase the tone of the anus. They help quickly restore intestinal motility and get rid of diarrhea due to irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

Loperamide should not be used if there is blood in the stool.

Antibiotics

The drugs are used for the complex treatment of diarrhea due to bacterial infection.

Intestinal antiseptics

Severe diarrhea caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is stopped with the help of antimicrobial drugs. The group of antiseptics includes Enterofuril, Intetrix. These medications fight staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli, shigella, and fungi.

Probiotics

The treatment regimen for any type of diarrhea includes combination drugs with a wide spectrum of action. Probiotics help stop diarrhea because they suppress the activity of the infectious agent. Severe diarrhea disrupts the balance of intestinal microflora. Drugs help normalize the growth of beneficial bacteria: Hilak Forte, Linex, Acipol. These drugs are prescribed to stop diarrhea after taking antibiotics. Bifikol, Enterol, Laminolact are also used to treat dysbiosis.

Immunomodulators

Chronic diarrhea in adults and children causes a lack of vitamins and minerals. Immunomodulating drugs (Galavit, Tamerit) are prescribed to improve general condition, relieving signs of intoxication during infectious diarrhea.

Antispasmodics

For severe pain accompanying frequent bowel movements, take No-Shpu, Drotaverin, Trimedat.

Antidepressants

If chronic diarrhea is associated with a malfunction of nerve receptors, sedatives are used. These include tricyclic antidepressants: Amitriptyline, Cloripramine, Trazodone. These medications are prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Diet

Help for diarrhea is aimed at treating symptoms and eliminating the cause of intestinal distress. A gentle diet plays a big role in improving the condition. Special regime It is recommended to stick to the diet for 3 to 5 days. List of products that help restore stool and eliminate toxins:

blueberry jelly;
strong black tea;
crackers;
serum.

After detecting loose stools, it is advisable to observe bed rest. Eating begins with the mucous membrane rice porridge. Next, soups with cereal and vegetable broth are introduced into the diet. For drinks, drink a decoction of rose hips and chamomile. Gradually they introduce into the menu vegetable puree, steam cutlets. The therapeutic diet involves avoiding fatty, salty, smoked, fried, and spicy foods. Vegetables and fruits are eaten boiled or baked.

Complications

Dangerous consequences of diarrhea:

dehydration;
violation water-salt balance;
anemia;
renal failure;
haemorrhoids.

A timely diagnosis, compliance with the drinking regime, and taking saline rehydrant solutions significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Information on our website is provided qualified doctors and is for informational purposes only. Don't self-medicate! Be sure to consult a specialist!

Gastroenterologist, professor, doctor medical sciences. Prescribes diagnostics and carries out treatment. Study Group Expert inflammatory diseases. Author of more than 300 scientific papers.

Liquid severe diarrhea with water in an adult is the result of accelerated intestinal functionality and when the norm of excreted formed feces exceeds 300 g per day, diarrhea begins.

A condition that does not stop for more than 2 days is fraught with dehydration, the causes of which are the consumption of low-quality food and raw tap water.

Fermentation processes begin in the intestines as a result of the spread of pathogenic microorganisms or the development of other serious internal pathologies.

Intestinal invasions, penetrating into the walls small intestine, begin to multiply quickly, creating entire colonies and literally sucking all the beneficial vitamins and minerals from the body.

How to provide first aid to avoid dehydration, how to treat diarrhea and how to avoid it by following a diet, we will consider in more detail in this article.

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).

can be detected independently by paying attention to the color of the excreted feces, for example:

White is 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 digestive tract or taking a number of medications (Bismuth) or food products.
Yellow diarrhea - occurs, indigestion, acceleration of 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 carry out laboratory research, a method of scatology that can reveal the true cause of the ailment. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will select the correct and adequate treatment.

Why is water diarrhea dangerous?

The condition becomes severe and dangerous when large quantities of fluid are washed out of tissues and organs, and with it electrolytes and vital microelements for the body.

Dangerous when observed:

lack of urine for long hours;
confusion;
state of shock;
increased pulsation;
paleness of the skin;
coldness of hands and feet;
decreased blood pressure;
the appearance of irritability, anxiety, strong feeling thirst.

If severe water diarrhea in an adult does not stop, what should you do?

Urgent rehydration is required to replenish the body with fluid. In addition, when colic appears in the abdomen along with the passage of frequent loose stools with water in adults, serious problems with the pancreas or liver are possible.

When black, liquid diarrhea appears, it may occur intestinal bleeding. The passage of white feces indicates the development malignant neoplasms or severe obstruction and stone blockage in the gallbladder.

Treatment is required, and in emergency cases call ambulance needed urgently.

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;
belching during exacerbation chronic diseases Gastrointestinal tract;
severe diarrhea, up to 41 g.

Associated symptoms are extremely important for doctors to identify the true cause of the disease in order to prescribe adequate treatment.

What to do?

If liquid diarrhea in adults does not go away after 2-3 days, then you urgently need to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

Especially if there is a suspicion of poisoning by poisons or mushrooms, when:

increased temperature;
the urge to go to the toilet has become more frequent up to 7-8 times a day;
cuts and hurts in the lower abdomen.

This primarily concerns older people, when a more gentle approach is required and emergency help attending physician.

First aid

If you experience persistent diarrhea, you need to pay attention to additional symptoms:

elevated temperature;
colic in the abdomen;
duration of diarrhea;
presence of color in diarrhea.

To provide first aid, you must first help improve intestinal motility.

If severe diarrhea does not stop for more than 2 days, what is the treatment?

To alleviate the condition, you can drink:

Smecta;
Enterol;
Activated carbon.

The main thing is to quickly normalize the water-salt balance; a deficiency inevitably ultimately leads to a malfunction of many systems and organs.

Recommended dosage every 2 hours:

non-carbonated mineral water, Oralit or Regidron in powder by diluting with water;
clean water with lemon;
rosehip decoction (fruit);
low-fat broth.

If the condition does not improve within 2 days, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Conservative treatment

For diarrhea in adults, a doctor will listen to complaints and prescribe treatment primarily with medications:

sulfonamides (Phtalazol);
antibiotics in tablets (Tetracycline, Levomycetin);
nitrofurans (Furazolidone);
antimicrobial agents (Sulgin, Enterofuril, Intetrix);
enterosorbents for intestinal absorption and to remove toxins (Smecta, activated carbon);
antiviral drugs to restore water-salt balance (Regidron);
probiotics to improve intestinal motility (Linex, Imodium);
lactobacilli, bifidobacteria to activate work in all parts of the intestine;
antispasmodics for bloating and abdominal pain (No-shpa, Papaverine);
sulfonamides in case of infection (Fthalazol).

Many people with diarrhea immediately resort to treatment with antibiotics, but we must not forget about their harmful effects not only on pathogenic, but also healthy microflora in the intestines. It is better to first consult a doctor and, when taking strong antibiotics, take additional drugs to restore intestinal microflora (Linex).

For liquid diarrhea with water in adults, antibiotics are prescribed:

only in emergency cases;
when the cause is infection of the intestines with salmonella, cholera, and helminthic infestations.

Treatment is complex and only in correct selection combinations of medications from different groups.

Necessary:

remove toxins from the intestines;
eliminate gas formation and bloating in the abdomen;
reduce intestinal motility and peristalsis rate.

Treatment with folk remedies

Traditional recipes for diarrhea in adults were used by our grandmothers. It's effective additional treatment to medications to speed up the healing process.

Restore water-salt balance and eliminate attacks watery diarrhea Can herbal infusions and teas with tannins binders included and here are some recipes:

oak bark (15g) brew with boiling water (1 glass), take 20 ml 3 times a day before meals until diarrhea stops;
Brew pomegranate peels with boiling water, take 10 ml 4 times a day;
St. John's wort brew with boiling water, leave, take 0.5 tbsp decoction. morning and evening;
make a collection: immortelle (2 tbsp), St. John's wort (1 tbsp), sage (1 tbsp), elecampane (1 tbsp) brew with boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, take 3 times a day, 40 ml until completely gone signs of diarrhea.

For pain and colic in the abdomen against the background of diarrhea, to eliminate spasms and normalize the gastrointestinal tract, you can add thyme, St. John's wort, nettle, immortelle, dill, cumin as a spice to dishes.

It helps well with diarrhea as an astringent absorbent to thicken the contents in the intestines and improve functionality. The decoction is suitable for children with intestinal disorders, diarrhea and vomiting.

Prepare like this:

1 tbsp. pour rice with water;
Boil for 40 minutes until a viscous mass is obtained;
drink 1/3 glass 3 times a day.

Useful for prolonged diarrhea:

Drink green tea, potato starch, decoction of bird cherry berries, viburnum, rose hips, blueberries.
You can brew dried berries or prepare jelly and compotes.

However, self-medication is dangerous if watery diarrhea does not stop and passes with blood particles. You still need to see your doctor.

Diet

Diet is very important when passing liquid diarrhea with water in adults, since the treatment of diarrhea will not be complete and effective.

Diet rules for diarrhea:

On the first day, it is advisable, in general, to refuse to eat and drink only liquid to replenish the body and remove toxins.
Next, little by little (sip) start drinking compotes, still mineral water, herbal decoctions and just clean water.
If vomiting occurs, you should take Regidron to avoid dehydration.
Food should enter the stomach only warm.
You can drink a glass of sour milk and add a pinch of salt to retain water in the body.

However, you should not overload your digestive system with food, because... intoxication, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain can only intensify.

The diet is gentle. If it does not bring results within 2 days, and the symptoms become obvious (fever, incessant vomiting, black feces), then you need to contact a doctor immediately and not rely on your own intuition.

The introduction of products into the diet to reduce intoxication should be gradual:

lean meat;
dairy products;
berry and fruit jelly;
dried bread;
slimy rice water;

You need to completely give up smoking and alcohol, and also monitor your own well-being when introducing certain foods into your diet.

Healthy foods

When passing liquid diarrhea with water, it is recommended to take such healthy foods, How:

cottage cheese;
spoiled milk;
vegetable broths;
cream soup;
fish cutlets;
meat soufflé;
beans;
pumpkin;
baked potato;
soft-boiled eggs;
rice porridge;
whey;
strong black or herbal tea;
parsley, ;
eggplant;
carrot.

If you have severe diarrhea, you should avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits. They definitely need to be baked or steamed.

Preventing dehydration

Replenishing the body with excreted fluid means carrying out a rehydration procedure in order to avoid the development of serious, irreversible processes.

For prevention, take Hydrovit, Gastrolit, Regidron, as well as:

subject food products to thorough heat treatment;
get vaccinated against rotavirus on time;
avoid drinking water from questionable rivers and reservoirs;
It is good to wash fruits and vegetables before eating or scald them with boiling water.

Dehydration can cause serious harm to the body and lead to serious complications and consequences in a matter of days. If symptoms of diarrhea appear, you should seek help from a doctor, especially if they become intrusive and persistent.

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 mellitus, heart, kidney or liver diseases.

Consequences

The consequences of dehydration with a duration of incessant diarrhea for more than 3 days are fraught with the development of:

hepatitis C;
cancerous tumor;
inflammatory processes in the walls of the large or small intestine in case of infection with intestinal invasions, rotavirus.

The main thing is to prevent the development of serious consequences. In case of diarrhea, quickly take measures to restore the water-salt balance and replenish the body essential vitamins and minerals.

How to make a diet correctly?

When you have diarrhea, the main thing is to drink more fluids:

compotes;
jelly;
mineral water.

Exclude:

alcohol;
sweets;
spices;
raw fruits and vegetables.

You can add salt to food to retain water in the body. Take exclusively warm, with milk or kefir.

It is important not to overload the stomach, so food should be easily digestible. It is also worth reviewing your daily routine, walking more, breathing fresh air, engage in active games.

Sample menu for diarrhea with water in adults

Sample menu for the day:

Breakfast - egg omelet, weak tea.
Lunch - apple juice, cookies, crackers, vegetable soup or light meat broth, steamed chicken meatballs.
Dinner - baked apples, biscuits, buckwheat porridge, boiled breast, rosehip decoction.

Diet is extremely important for diarrhea. It is better to develop the right menu with your doctor, so that it does not lead to side effects, but contributes to the rapid passage of unpleasant liquid diarrhea.

Almost everyone has experienced such an unpleasant problem as diarrhea or diarrhea at least once in their life. Diarrhea is a disorder of the stomach, in which there is frequent bowel movement of liquid feces. Usually this condition goes away quickly. However, if diarrhea continues for more than three days, this can lead to serious problems, including complete dehydration. Therefore, it is important to know what diarrhea is and how it manifests itself.

What is diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition of the intestines that is accompanied by impaired absorption of water, mineral salts, and beneficial elements from its lumen area into the blood. Under the influence of the main provoking factor, increased peristalsis occurs, as a result water and beneficial components simply do not have time to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Together with this condition, the development of the inflammatory process of the large and small intestines occurs.

Certain infectious lesions or increased levels of salts in the intestinal lumen cause the formation of backflow of water from the blood and tissues into the intestinal area. For this reason, the main factor in the occurrence of diarrhea is loose stools.

Causes and symptoms of diarrhea

Loose stools may appear unexpectedly and last for a short time. At most, this condition lasts about 14 days. With such a duration period it is set acute form. If diarrhea does not go away for more than two weeks, then in these cases it is established chronic form diarrhea.

The provoking causes of this disease are a number of reasons:

improper diet. Diarrhea may occur due to increased consumption rough products nutrition;
drinking frozen or untreated water;
allergies to certain foods or medications;
presence of intestinal infection;
the presence of a viral or bacterial infection in the digestive system;
rotavirus type infection;
chronic pathologies of the stomach or intestines;
dysbacteriosis;
metabolic problems;
a lack of useful components in organism;
emotional disorders;
the appearance of formations with a malignant nature;
presence of irritable bowel syndrome;
poor environmental conditions, change of scenery.

Symptoms

Diarrhea may occur various symptoms. Signs may vary, and some may indicate the presence of a serious infection in the body.

Main symptoms of diarrhea:

There may be constant or one-time bowel movement with loose stools. Sometimes the patient may experience frequent urge to go to the toilet.
Pain in the abdomen. The pain can be intense and spastic in nature. Pain can cause false urges to defecation or, conversely, pain is the main sign of excessive bowel movements. Painful sensations indicate the presence food poisoning , which is what caused the diarrhea. If the discomfort does not go away for more than two hours, then you should consult a doctor.
The occurrence of an increase in temperature. An elevated body temperature during diarrhea often indicates that there are pathogenic microbes in the intestines. It is recommended to call a doctor immediately, otherwise serious complications may occur.
The appearance of nausea and vomiting. During diarrhea, there is a disorder in the movement of contents in the intestines. As a result, toxic substances are released, which cause nausea and vomiting.
Changes in the color structure of stool. Normal diarrhea is manifested by light brown stools, there may be mucus or foamy texture. If the stool has a white, green, black color, and also if there are blood clots in it, then this will be the main symptom of the presence of pathology. In these cases, you should consult a doctor for appropriate medical help.

Features of diarrhea in children

The manifestation of diarrhea in children can occur due to factors that are much different from the causes of diarrhea in adult patients.

Diarrhea in children manifests itself for the following provoking reasons:

manifestation allergic reactions for certain food products;
infectious lesions of intestinal nature;
Diarrhea can occur when children travel with their parents. A child can catch an infection on trains, public toilets, or on public transport.;
functional diarrhea. With this disease, children do not experience any pathological changes, there is no pain or other symptoms other than diarrhea, but intestinal motility may be impaired;
application medicines. Children often experience side effects while taking antibiotics;
binge eating. Often, with increased food consumption in children, digestive disorders occur, which causes diarrhea;

In children, diarrhea is often considered to be leftover undigested food. Gastrointestinal inability child's body to digest or assimilate one or another type of food manifests itself in the form of diarrhea after eating this food. In these cases, it is recommended to avoid eating this type of food.

What causes diarrhea in infants?

In infants, diarrhea occurs for other reasons. Typically, provoking factors are associated with dietary habits.

The main provoking factors include:

Incorrect introduction of complementary foods.
Artificial feeding.
Diarrhea may occur if the wrong foods are used for complementary feeding..
Failure to comply with the recommended time interval between the introduction of a new product.
Infection with intestinal infections.
If large portions are used for complementary feeding.
Allergy to injected products.
If a mother, while breastfeeding, consumes foods that cause diarrhea in the child.
Lactase deficiency. Usually, with this condition in newborns, diarrhea occurs from the first days of life..
Cystic fibrosis. In this condition, there is profuse diarrhea, which is accompanied by unpleasant smell. Also, bowel movements have an oily texture.
ORZ. With this condition, infants often experience diarrhea.

Kinds

Depending on the provoking factors and the development of the disease, diarrhea can have several types. Each species has a specific development mechanism:

Secretory diarrhea is diarrhea that occurs during the development of inflammation in the small intestine. This disease arises from a bacterial infection - salmonella, enterovirus. During this form, the transmembrane transport of sodium and chloride ions in the area of epithelial cells is disrupted. The accumulation of these elements occurs in the intestinal lumen, which ultimately causes the attraction of water from tissues and blood.
Invasive diarrhea. This type of disease is a consequence of inflammation in the lower part of the intestine - the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. This pathological process accompanied by problems with fluid absorption. This type of diarrhea is caused by Shigella and dysenteric amoeba.
Osmotic diarrhea. This type of diarrhea is the result of a disorder in the digestion of carbohydrates with the appearance of an increased level of disaccharides, which attract water, while interfering with its absorption into the blood. This type of diarrhea occurs during enzymatic deficiency, dysbacteriosis, as well as for some other types of viral and infectious lesions in adults.

What symptoms of diarrhea indicate its cause?

In order to determine the type and cause of this pathology, you should pay attention to certain symptoms. They can sometimes help determine the provoking factor on their own, but it is better to immediately consult a doctor for adequate examination and treatment.

What symptoms may indicate the type and cause of diarrhea:

The occurrence of frequent, profuse, watery stools. This symptom indicates the presence of secretory type diarrhea.
The presence of blood and mucous impurities with a green tint in the stool occurs frequently (from 5 times a day) and in small quantities. These symptoms appear during an invasive form of diarrhea, which is provoked by shigellosis or amebiasis.
The occurrence of prolonged diarrhea with a mushy structure, which is not accompanied by blood and mucus impurities. These symptoms are observed during osmotic diarrhea, which is caused by dysbacteriosis or functional disorder intestines.

The main complication of diarrhea is dehydration, in which there is an increased loss of salts and fluids. This may cause further disruption nervous system, problems with the heart, blood vessels.

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

Diarrhea, especially in young children, can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out diagnosis and further treatment as early as possible.

During the examination, the doctor must ask the patient about all the symptoms - the presence of pain, type of bowel movement, color, as well as the presence of fever, vomiting. Based on these symptoms, a preliminary diagnosis is established.

In addition, a number of tests are prescribed that will help establish an accurate diagnosis:

Blood test.
Fecal analysis.
Done general analysis urine.
A scraping is taken.
To fully clarify the diagnosis, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed.

If diarrhea occurs and its further development you need to know what to do to prevent its severity and state of dehydration. In medicine, several types of therapy are used to eliminate this pathology:

Etiotropic therapy. This type of treatment therapy is aimed at eliminating the pathogen in the intestines. This therapy uses antibacterial drugs that are absorbed into the blood. They are used within 5 days.
Pathogenetic therapy. With this treatment, toxic substances are bound and removed using sorbents. These medications are taken approximately 40 minutes before meals and other medications.. Additionally, special dietary nutrition should be observed, in which there should be a decrease in the load on the stomach and restoration of salts and fluids in the body. To replenish fluids and salts, special preparations are used in the form of solutions, and a lot of water is also consumed.
Application symptomatic therapy. This is required to reduce discomfort, namely pain in the abdominal area.

Drug treatment

Especially often during diarrhea, the use of special medications is prescribed that can stop the manifestations of this disease.

Popular medications prescribed to treat diarrhea include:

Smecta. This drug belongs to the group of enterosorbents. Due to the influence of this drug, pathogenic microorganisms are eliminated from the body. When the first signs appear, it is recommended to immediately take smecta. This will eliminate further unpleasant consequences. The product is well tolerated and practically does not cause unpleasant symptoms and it can be used even by women during pregnancy.
Enterosgel. This drug is similar in its effects to smecta. The only difference is that it is produced in gel form.
Hilak Forte. This medication is produced in the form of drops, which contain a prebiotic. During its use, the intestinal microflora is restored, and in the future the patient quickly recovers.
Linux. This remedy eliminates diarrhea and normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines. During its use, all harmful bacteria are eliminated.
Imodium. Almost instantly eliminates diarrhea, but it should be drunk with extreme caution because it does not provide a therapeutic effect. The drug slows down intestinal motility, which ultimately leads to the absence of stool for several days.
Polyphepan. This product belongs to the group of enterosorbents. When used, pathogenic microorganisms are eliminated. This drug also has antioxidant and detoxifying effects.

Diet for diarrhea

Many people, when diarrhea occurs, immediately begin to look in their medicine cabinet for medications that can quickly stop it. However, medications alone will not be enough for this disease. In the future, it is imperative that you follow proper nutrition, which will prevent another disorder of the digestive organs.

When dieting, you must follow important recommendations:

It is advisable to consume fried, smoked and fatty foods. It is recommended to cook immediately after diarrhea stops. light soup based on fish or vegetables. You can also eat low-fat varieties steamed fish.
Worth giving up alcoholic drinks, caffeine, soda. If thirst occurs, then you should drink compotes with dried fruits and tea with chamomile.
It is not advisable to use raw vegetables and fruits, because they enhance intestinal motility. You can eat bananas, you can eat baked apples.
It’s better to give up flour, you can eat White bread in the form of crackers.
You need to eat often up to 5-6 times a day. Portions should be small.

If all recommendations are followed during the treatment of diarrhea, all symptoms will go away quickly. If diarrhea appears due to indigestion, it usually goes away within a day. The main thing is to identify the cause of this disease in time and provide timely assistance.