Diarrhea is also called dysentery, the runs, or the trots. Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day.

Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea may be a feature of a chronic disease.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and older people, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

People of all ages can get diarrhea and the average adult has a bout of acute diarrhea about four times a year. In the United States, each child will have had seven to 15 episodes of diarrhea by age 5.

Diarrhea and Dehydration

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body has lost too much fluid and too many electrolytes and can’t function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and in older adults and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

Signs of Dehydration Include:

• Thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Dark colored urine

Signs of Dehydration in Children Include:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
• High fever
• Listlessness or irritability
• Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization.

Preventing Dehydration

The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly because the body cannot function without them. Electrolytes are the salts and minerals that affect the amount of water in your body, muscle activity, and other important functions.

Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potassium, help restore electrolyte levels. Over-the-counter rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, and Infalyte are also good electrolyte sources and are especially recommended for use in children.

When You Should Consult a Doctor

Diarrhea is not usually harmful, but it can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should see the doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Diarrhea for more than 3 days
• Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
• A fever of 102 degrees or higher
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• Signs of dehydration

Diagnosis of the Cause of Diarrhea

Diagnostic tests
These tests can rule out structural abnormalities as the cause of diarrhea. Diagnostic tests to find the cause of diarrhea may include the following:

• Medical History and Physical Examination
  The doctor will ask you about your eating habits and medication use and will examine you for signs of illness.
• Stool Culture
  A sample of stool is analyzed in a laboratory to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease and infection.
• Blood Tests
  Blood tests can be helpful in ruling out certain diseases.
• Fasting Tests
  To find out if a food intolerance or allergy is causing the diarrhea, the doctor may ask you to avoid lactose, carbohydrates, wheat, or other foods to see whether the diarrhea responds to a change in diet.
• Sigmoidoscopy
  For a sigmoidoscopy test, the doctor uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon.
• Colonoscopy
  A colonoscopy test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it allows the doctor to view the entire colon.
• Imaging Tests

Treatment of Diarrhea

In most cases of diarrhea, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary.

Medicines that stop diarrhea may be helpful, but they are not recommended for people whose diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite. If you stop the diarrhea before having purged the bacteria or parasite, you will trap the organism in the intestines and prolong the problem. Rather, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics as a first-line treatment. Viral infections are either treated with medication or left to run their course, depending on the severity and type of virus.

Tips About Food

Until diarrhea subsides, try to avoid these foods that tend to aggravate diarrhea:

• caffeine
• milk products
• foods that are greasy
• foods high in fiber
• Foods that are very sweet

As you improve, you can add soft, bland foods to your diet, including bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat. For children, the pediatrician may also recommend a bland diet. Once the diarrhea has stopped, the pediatrician will likely encourage children to return to a normal and healthy diet if it can be tolerated.

For More Information About Diarrhea
American Gastroenterological Association
National Office
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-2055
Fax: 301-654-5920
Email: member@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: 1-800-891-5389
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – March 2007