Diarrhea is a common medical disorder that afflicts almost everyone at some point during their lives. Its causes are many and varied, and often result from a viral or bacterial infection, medications, certain foods or alcoholic beverages, a parasitic infestation, or from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that include colitis, chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Most cases of diarrhea go away on their own, with or without medical intervention.
Diarrhea can rapidly deplete the body of fluids and electrolytes (salt and potassium). Electrolytes are important in keeping the body's fluid levels, cardiac rhythms, muscle contractions, and brain function all running smoothly.
Diarrhea that is persistent and severe — and accompanied with a fever — should always be brought to the attention of a physician because of risks associated with dehydration, malnutrition and infection. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Virginia Mason gastroenterologist, call (206) 223-2319.
Symptoms of diarrhea are well known and include:
If your diarrhea has not gone away in one or two days, you should see your physician to determine its cause. He or she will take a medical history and perform a physical exam, and may have you undergo the following tests and procedures:
Treatment for diarrhea will depend on the severity of symptoms and its cause. If you have had a severe case of diarrhea, your gastroenterologist will want to ensure that you are properly hydrated and that your electrolyte (salt and potassium) levels are normal. You may then be prescribed an anti-diarrheal medication. If diarrhea is determined to be caused from a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help clear up the infection. If diarrhea is caused from inflammatory bowel disease, your gastroenterologist will talk with you about appropriate medications to take with IBD.
In all cases, you will want to drink plenty of fluids to replace water and electrolytes that have been lost. Drinking water, soft drinks without caffeine (caffeine stimulates the bowel and may make diarrhea worse), tea, or a sports drink with salt and potassium added helps the body replenish these lost nutrients.
You will also want to take special care in avoiding greasy fried foods, raw fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals until the diarrhea has run its course. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you should consume low-fiber foods such as noodles, rice, white bread, bananas, apple sauce and cottage cheese.