Diarrhea

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of BMs (bowel movements, stools)
• Mild diarrhea is the passage of a few loose or mushy BMs
• Severe diarrhea is the passage of many watery BMs

General Information

• The majority of adults with diarrhea of less than two weeks duration have an infectious cause for their diarrhea, and in most cases the infection is a virus. Other common causes of acute diarrhea are food poisoning and medications.
• Maintaining good hydration is the cornerstone of treatment of adults with acute diarrhea.
• In general, an adult who is alert, feels well, and who is not thirsty or dizzy - is not dehydrated. A couple loose or runny stools do not cause dehydration. Frequent, watery stools can cause dehydration.
• Antibiotic therapy is only rarely required in the treatment of acute diarrhea. One type of acute diarrhea that requires antibiotic therapy is Traveler's Diarrhea.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• VOMITING is worse than the diarrhea

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD DIARRHEA

1. Reassurance: In healthy adults, new onset diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestines, which you can treat at home. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of the infection. Here are some tips on how to keep ahead of the fluid losses.
2. Fluids:
   • Drink more fluids, at least 8-10 glasses (8 oz) daily.
   • For example: sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, soft drinks.
   • Supplement this with saltine crackers or soups to make certain that you are getting sufficient fluid and salt to meet your body's needs.
   • Avoid caffeinated beverages (Reason: caffeine is mildly dehydrating).
3. Nutrition:
   • Maintaining some food intake during episodes of diarrhea is important.
   • Ideal initial foods include boiled starches/cereals (e.g., potatoes, rice, noodles, wheat, oats) with a small amount of salt to taste.
   • Other acceptable foods include: bananas, yogurt, crackers, soup.
   • As your stools return to normal consistency, resume a normal diet.
4. Diarrhea Medication - Bismuth Subsalicylate (e.g., Kaopectate, PeptoBismol):
   • Helps reduce diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
   • Adult dosage: two tablets or two tablespoons by mouth every hour (if diarrhea continues) to a maximum of 8 doses in a 24-hour period.
   • Do not use for more than 2 days
5. Diarrhea Medication - Imodium AD:
   • Helps reduce diarrhea.
   • Adult dosage: 2 caplets or 4 teaspoonfuls (40 ml) initially by mouth. May take an additional caplet or 2 teaspoonfuls (10 ml) with each subsequent loose BM. Maximum of 4 caplets or 8 teaspoonfuls each day.
   • Do not use if there is a fever greater than 100° F (37.8° C) or if there is blood or mucus in the stools.
   • Do not use for more than 2 days.
   • Read and follow the package instructions carefully.
6. Expected Course: Viral diarrhea lasts 4-7 days. Always worse on days 1 and 2.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Signs of dehydration occur (e.g., no urine for more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
   • Diarrhea persists over 7 days
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Photo Example

First Aid - Shock

• Lie down with the feet elevated (Reason: counteract shock).

Note: In this illustration the individual in shock is laying down and his feet have been placed up on a stack of blankets.

Source: LMS Inc.

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