Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition where the body has more than three bowel movements per day, with abnormal stool characteristics, such as increased or sometimes mucus or blood in the stool. Therefore, the most concerning symptom when experiencing diarrhea is the body's tendency to become dehydrated and deficient in minerals.

There are three types of causes:

• Diarrhea caused by ingesting toxins from pathogens.

• Diarrhea caused by infection.

• Diarrhea unrelated to infection or toxins from pathogens, such as certain antibiotics or food allergies.

Symptoms of diarrhea:

All three types of diarrhea have different characteristics, treatment methods, and recommended behaviors. It is important for everyone to be aware of this because incorrect behavior can be life-threatening. If diarrhea is caused by toxin ingestion from pathogens, it may result from consuming contaminated food containing toxic substances from the pathogens. Patients experience nausea, vomiting, and watery stools within approximately 2-4 hours after eating. This means that symptoms can occur shortly after ingestion.

Types of watery stools:

Diarrhea caused by the body's insufficient digestion of certain types of sugars, such as in many Asians who lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose in cow's milk. They experience diarrhea every time they consume cow's milk, even though they could tolerate it before.

Occasionally, diarrhea can occur due to inflamed intestines caused by toxin exposure, such as from botulinum toxin.

Another group of diarrhea cases does not stem from infections, such as food poisoning. These cases exhibit sudden and intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, usually occurring 1-2 hours after consuming food.

The most significant danger of diarrhea is the loss of fluids and minerals from the body, which can vary in severity. Severe cases of fluid and mineral loss can be extremely dangerous if not promptly addressed.

Treatment:

Based on symptoms, within the first 4-6 hours, it may be advisable to purchase ready-made mineral powder from a pharmacy and try consuming it. Alternatively, you can prepare a solution at home using 2 tablespoons of table sugar, half a teaspoon of mineral salt, and 750 ml of clean water. The most important and necessary treatment is to replenish fluids and minerals. During episodes of diarrhea, it is recommended to consume soft or liquid foods such as boiled rice, porridge, and avoid withholding food as it can weaken the body and leave it lacking energy. If the condition is not severe and the patient improves after consuming the mineral solution, but symptoms persist without improvement even after drinking the solution, accompanied by high fever, dizziness, and fatigue, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as the patient may be at risk of shock or even death. A simple way to assess the condition is to observe the volume and color of urine. If the urine is very dark, it indicates inadequate water intake. If the urine is pale or almost colorless and the patient has passed urine every 3-5 hours, it indicates sufficient water intake after loose bowel movements for 2-3 days. Some individuals may experience mild abdominal discomfort during this period.

The Use of Medications:

Medications that aid in stopping diarrhea, commonly known as anti-diarrheal drugs, such as Dphenoxylate and Loperamide, can only be used by individuals experiencing regular diarrhea. They should not be used by patients suspected of having diarrhea caused by an infection or toxin exposure. This is because medications that stop diarrhea reduce the contractions of the intestines, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Patients may mistakenly believe that their condition is improving, but in reality, the infection or toxins may remain in the body for a longer duration, delaying recovery from diarrhea. If there is suspicion of infectious or toxin-induced diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a physician or pharmacist to receive appropriate medications to kill the bacteria or absorb the toxins.

Prevention Measures:

Ensure clean handwashing before food preparation and after using the restroom. Consume clean drinking water and eat fresh and properly cooked food. When experiencing diarrhea, drink warm water, consume easily digestible food, and get sufficient rest. Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk. Maintain a clean environment around the house to prevent breeding of flies and other insects.