Diarrhea is the body's defense response to an attack by toxic substances. You can protect yourself from its violent course and unpleasant consequences in many ways. Do not underestimate it, as it can lead to dehydration and loss of minerals, which in the case of, for example, young children is particularly dangerous.

Diarrheaoccurs when irritated intestines begin to contract faster and therefore speed up the movement of food.

The body is then unable to absorb the right amount of water from food - a large part of it remains in the food and the problem is ready.

The first symptom of digestive dysregulation is an increased number of loose or even liquid stools.Diarrheais as common in children and adults as it is, but in young children the consequences can be more serious.

Better not to underestimate diarrhea

The main causes of diarrhea areviral infections , bacterial, allergic reactions to food,food poisoning , stress, alcohol abuse, adverse drug effects , especially antibiotics.

Diarrhea can be caused by drinking water containing lamellae, amoebas or other parasites. But it can be a symptom of serious medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and cancer.

In most cases, diarrhea clears up quickly without leaving any traces in the body. However, this ailment should never be taken lightly, as in some situations it can have serious consequences.

The greatest danger is the dehydration of the body and the loss of minerals important for the maintenance of vital functions. It is especially dangerous to rinse out sodium and potassium from the body. Their deficiency can lead to acidosis.

Dehydration, on the other hand, can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, weakness, and sometimes even shock. When diarrhea in a child lasts longer than a day, and in an adult for more than 2 days, it can lead to electrolyte disturbances.

And this is already a life-threatening condition, especially in the case of children and the elderly. Consultation with a doctor is also required when diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, the appearance of bloody mucus or parasites in the stool.

Prolonged ailment, even if it is mild,requires research that will explain its cause.

Treatment of diarrhea

In diarrhea, which doctors call uncomplicated, i.e. when the disease is limited to passing loose stools frequently, it is usually sufficient to drink plenty of water regularly. It is also worth taking care of the intestinal protection to restore the damaged structure of their walls - diosmectite will help in this, which strengthens the intestinal mucosa. If we want to restore the proper microflora composition, we can take probiotics.

Most diarrhea will go away on its own within 1-2 days. Some doctors believe that it is best to give your intestines a rest during this time and recommend fasting. Others (and this view prevails) argue that despite the lack of appetite, you should eat.

The best products that quickly absorb water from the intestines, such as boiled rice and carrot soup. A diet of bananas, stewed apples and rusks or a stale bread roll also brings good results.

However, you should definitely limit sugar, eat often, 5-6 times a day, but in small portions. Herbs, such as cistus tea, are also a good treatment for diarrhea, but they can only support basic treatment, and some save themselves by taking medications that stop bowel cramps and thus stop diarrhea. But the choice of treatment or anti-diarrheal drug should depend on the cause of the symptoms.

How to prevent diarrhea?

Although this is not always possible, some types of diarrhea can be prevented without any special efforts. First of all, you should:

  • avoid foods that the body does not tolerate; In hot climates, drink only boiled or bottled water and canned drinks. Do not add ice to your drinks and make sure to peel the skin after washing
  • better give up snacks or dishes that are standing outside without adequate protection - especially when the air temperature is high
  • After each antibiotic treatment, take measures to enrich the intestinal flora and restore its balance. The so-called good bacteria help fight off toxic germs in your gut. Take this medicine with water, not fruit juice. This is important because the acids contained in some juices (mainly citrus) destroy the bacteria that the body needs.

Sharp contractions

If diarrhea is accompanied by intestinal cramps, medications may be used to reduce bowel movements. Doctors prescribe antibiotics only when, after stool examination, it turns out that the diarrhea was caused by a bacterial infection.

Important

Diarrhea in young children

May lead to life-threatening dehydration in just a few hours. To prevent this from happening:

  • if you are breastfeeding your baby, don't give up on it; if the child is fed a formula, the way it is prepared needs to be changed - ask the doctor what proportions to dilute it with water within the next 24 and then 48 hours. If there is no improvement, you can give a mixture made of soy milk;
  • Babies and toddlers are not given soda water, fruit juices or sports rehydration fluids. Ask your doctor for a prescription for rehydration fluid especially for little ones;
  • For the safety of your child, consult your pediatrician or pharmacist before giving them anti-diarrheal drugs
  • children over 2 years of age can change their diet - give more bananas, apple juice and toasts to increase the weight of the stool. Yogurt with live bacteria cultures also brings improvement;
  • if, apart from diarrhea, the child also vomits, do not give him solid food, limit himself to soups;
  • with symptoms of dehydration (thick saliva, no tears, dark yellow urine), call a doctor as soon as possible.

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