Diarrhea in an adult: the causes and treatment

Stool disorder in the form of diarrhea is a common disorder of the digestive tract. It can take a different length of time depending on the causes. Suffer this disease, not only children, but adults. Therefore, after finding out the cause of diarrhea, it is worthwhile to start timely treatment so as not to dehydrate the body.

Diarrhea in an adult - which can be the cause of

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of diarrhea or diarrhea is a quickened liquid or cough-like stool. As a rule, a frequent stool, caused by a disorder of the intestine, runs without temperature. Diarrhea can last from one day to several weeks, depending on the causes and severity of the course. If the disorder of the stool is observed for more than 21 days, then chronic diarrhea is diagnosed.

Reasons that can lead to diarrhea:

• viral and bacterial infections;
• gastrointestinal diseases associated with a violation of enzyme production;
• non-infectious inflammatory processes in the intestine;
• hormonal disorders;
• reaction to taking medications - after taking antibiotics, the balance of the intestinal microflora is often disturbed;
• is a neurogenic factor;
• allergy;
• recovery period after surgery on the digestive tract;
• a sharp change in climate and diet;Overeating and indigestion.

This is not a complete list, diarrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Symptoms and varieties in color

Possible symptoms that accompany an adult with diarrhea:

• general deterioration of well-being;
• nausea, attacks of vomiting;
• increased body temperature.

In some cases, discoloration of the stool is observed. It depends on the causes of diarrhea. Green diarrhea often accompanies dysentery. Its coloring in a similar color is associated with a violation of the balance of the intestinal microflora caused by the transmitted infectious diseases and against this background by the use of strong antibiotics. Diarrhea of ​​green color can be accompanied by a characteristic fetid specific odor.

White diarrhea is more common in children, mainly up to a year. It can be caused by excessive feeding of the child with an artificial mixture or starting during the period of complementary feeding. In older children, it appears as a result of indigestion of complex carbohydrates.

Causes of white diarrhea:

• hepatitis;
• dysfunction of the gallbladder;
• taking medications - antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, oral contraceptives;
• dysbacteriosis and dehydration of the body.

Depending on the cause, vomiting and diarrhea may occur-symptoms of food poisoning or intestinal infection.

In some cases, there may be a frequent stool, but not diarrhea, which can be caused by increased intake of foods rich in fiber and stimulating peristalsis, sour-milk products.

1. Yellow diarrhea is caused by the passage of fecal matter through the intestines at an accelerated pace, and they do not have time to form properly. However, partial absorption of the active substances and their enzymatic treatment takes place.
2. Black diarrhea can be caused by two causes: a stomach bleeding and eating a large amount of beet, the reception of activated charcoal.
3. Diarrhea with mucus may occur for a variety of reasons, the symptoms should be considered in combination, since only one diagnosis is difficult.
4. The cause of diarrhea with water is dysentery, which leads to frequent, profuse emptying of the intestines, which causes severe dehydration of the body. Urgent medical care is required.
5. Diarrhea with foam is a symptom of infectious infection, in addition there are symptoms: general malaise, weakness, temperature.

Important! Deterioration of overall health, changes in color and volume of feces, diarrhea with blood, mucus in stools indicates the need to consult a doctor to determine the cause of diarrhea.

How to stop diarrhea fast

In most cases, with no other diarrhea complicated by other symptoms, you can cope with it yourself. The main task of the patient is to prevent dehydration of the body. To this end, it is necessary not only to consume more liquid, but also to maintain water-salt metabolism.

1. To this end, rehydrating drug - Regidron. In his absence, you can prepare saline by adding a little salt to the water, such a remedy will be useful throughout the period of the disease.
2. Chamomile tea is also useful. The fluid must be drunk frequently, throughout the period when diarrhea is observed.
3. One of the most accessible means as an absorbent is activated charcoal. It must be taken at the first symptoms of diarrhea in an amount of 5-10 tablets.

It is necessary to limit the power supply. The intake of food should be small frequent portions, exclude heavy food.

With prolonged copious diarrhea, deterioration of well-being, vomiting, pains and spasms in the abdomen and other symptoms aggravating the patient's condition, medical care is needed.

Treatment at home

When treating diarrhea at home, the patient must comply with:

• rest - especially in cases where diarrhea is caused by stress, possibly taking sedatives;
• reception of a sufficient amount of fluid - diarrhea is fraught with dehydration;
• diet - at the first signs of diarrhea food should be adjusted;
• taking appropriate medications.

Effective home remedy for diarrhea - phytotherapy, which includes the reception of herbal decoctions.

Restrict to treatment at home is possible only in those cases when there is no temperature over 390, there is no vomiting, the color of the stool is not changed.

Important! Prolonged diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms requires qualified medical care and appropriate treatment.

Drug treatment

The administration of medications depends on the causes of diarrhea.

• antibiotics;
• reception of sorbents - activated carbon, smectite, kaolin;
• means to reduce intestinal secretion - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, diclofenac;
• enzymes - mezim, creon, pancreatin;
• probiotics - bifidobacterin, lactobacterin;
• tablets that have an effect on intestinal motility - loperamide, imodium.

Important! Drugs should be taken on time and according to the instructions, as the joint intake of certain types of medicines can reduce their effectiveness. This applies in particular to the intake of absorbents.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies is possible in the absence of other symptoms other than a loose stool. Used broths of astringent herbs, aimed at reducing the secretion of the intestine.

Herbs

For this purpose, use a decoction from the bark of oak, cones of alder, cherry fruit, chamomile. For its use 1 tbsp.l.any herb or a mixture of them pour a glass of water at room temperature, put in a water bath and bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, strain and take 3-4 times a day for half a glass.

Walnuts

As an anti-diarrhea remedy, infusion from walnut partitions is effective. It must be prepared in advance.300 g of septum nuts pour 1 glass of vodka or alcohol, insist 3-5 days. Take 5-10 drops to 4 times a day. The course of treatment continues until symptoms are eliminated.

Mint

For gastrointestinal disorders, infusion of mint leaves is useful.1 tbsp.l.peppermint pour 1 cup boiling water, cool, strain and take half the glass on an empty stomach until the state is normal.

Bird cherry

Helps reduce the symptoms of diarrhea from bird cherry. They have astringent, antiseptic action. They can be used in the form of infusion, jelly, tea. The infusion is prepared from 4 tbsp.l.fruits, they must be poured with 1 glass of cold water, infused for 8 hours. Drink during the day in small sips. For making tea 1 tbsp.l. Fruit pour a glass of boiling water.

Potato starch

Potato starch is used in disorders of the digestive tract and diarrhea.1 tsp.dissolve in half a glass of cold water, drink in one gulp.

Diarrhea diet

During the period of a bowel disturbance, a strict diet is required to prevent new diarrhea attacks and to facilitate the work of the digestive tract.

What to give at first? The first day should be limited to the preferential use of liquid, say black tea with milk and without, a decoction of bird cherries or chamomile, blueberry jelly, breadcrumbs of white wheat bread.

What can I eat with diarrhea? Porridges on the water, lean meat and fish in boiled fried form, crackers, biscuits, baked apples. Food should be heated to a comfortable temperature, thoroughly chewed and eat in small portions. If necessary, take prescribed medications while eating.

Nutrition with diarrhea strictly excludes:

• fatty meat and fish;
• fried food;
• carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol;
• spices;
• spicy food;
• conservation;
• smoked meat;
• sweets.

Vegetables and fruits should also be limited to the time of treatment and restoration of normal bowel function. An exception can be a potato. Its use in boiled form on the action is similar to absorbent drugs.

It is necessary to stick to the diet for at least a week, then the food ration expands and returns to the usual diet.

Prevention

Both adults and children are affected by bowel disorders. There are many reasons for its occurrence. As preventive measures for the appearance of diarrhea:

• adhere to the rules of personal hygiene - wash your hands with soap in hot water after the street, visiting the toilet, contact with animals;
• fruits and vegetables before washing to wash - the best option is to beat them with boiling water;
• only eat fresh food - adhere to the shelf life and storage conditions of products;
• avoid stressful situations or take sedatives;
• store products in the refrigerator in a clean container, it is also unacceptable to store the finished and raw products together;
• avoid eating in public places where foods stay for a long time outside the refrigerator or are not freshly prepared;
• to consume pure water: filtered or bottled.

When visiting countries with exotic climate and food, you should carefully experiment with the kitchen, as an unusual diet can cause a strong bowel disorder. Also, do not consume local raw water to avoid the risk of catching an infection. Before the trip, you should prepare a first aid kit in case of unforeseen circumstances, as well as consult a doctor if there is a tendency to intestinal disorders.

Given the variety of causes of diarrhea and the factors contributing to its appearance, care should be taken with regard to personal hygiene and promptly consult a doctor.