|
Diarrhea is an
increase in the frequency, fluidity,
and volume of bowel movements.
Although diarrhea is not a disease,
it may be a symptom of a serious
underlying disorder or infection. A
temporary episode of diarrhea
usually indicates a mild,
self-limiting event, usually from an
intestinal infection and may be due
to factors such as; a stomach virus or food poisoning,
traveler's diarrhea (common in areas
where there is poor water quality or
sanitation), administration of antibiotics, a
particular food allergy, or impaired digestive
function. |
 |
Diarrhea that lasts more
than 3-4 days, increases in severity,
is bloody, or is present in a child
under six years of age, usually
indicates that there is an
intestinal problem that requires
immediate medical attention.
There are four types
or classes of diarrhea:
-
Osmotic diarrhea
(due to laxatives, lactose
intolerance, magnesium salt
antacids, excess consumption of
low-calorie sweeteners such as
sorbitol, excessive vitamin C
intake)
-
Secretory
diarrhea (due to
toxin-producing bacteria, fat
malabsorption, laxative abuse,
hormone-producing tumors)
-
Exudative
diarrhea (due to parasite and
microbial infections, inflammatory
bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or
ulcerative colitis)
-
Inadequate-contact diarrhea
(due to intestinal surgery and
short bowel syndrome).
It is
essential that the type of
diarrhea be identified through a
complete diagnostic workup by a
qualified health care
professional, in order to render
appropriate treatment.
The main symptom
of diarrhea is an increase in
the frequency, fluidity, and volume
of bowel movements. Other
symptoms that may accompany diarrhea
include;
-
abdominal pain
-
bloating
-
loss of appetite
-
vomiting
-
headache
-
weakness
-
lethargy
-
severe, bloody
diarrhea
Brief episodes of
diarrhea with vomiting and loss of
appetite are often due to
gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Diarrhea accompanied with abdominal
pain and bloating may be due to
irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulosis. Diarrhea with
headache, weakness, and lethargy is
most often caused by dehydration.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [1,
2]:
-
Travelers'
diarrhea is the most common
illness affecting travelers.
-
Between 20%-50% of
international travelers,
approximately 10 million people,
develop diarrhea.
-
Diarrhea
caused by parasites is still the
single greatest worldwide cause of
illness and death.
|
Learn More About
Diarrhea |
|
