Ailments and Situations - Diarrhea |
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Description Most people think of diarrhea as having frequent, loose, and watery stools (though this is a symptom of diarrhea). However, diarrhea is characterized by a significant increase in the total weight of stool passed in a single day. It is a problem that affects almost every person during their lifetime. Although diarrhea itself is not a major concern, there are often underlying causes that need to be dealt with. In the developing world, diarrhea is prevalent due to poor health conditions and a lack of health care and often leads to severe dehydration, even death. Infants and the elderly are more prone to dehydration from diarrhea. Acute diarrhea attacks suddenly and is not persistent, lasting for less than two weeks. Symptoms of acute diarrhea tend to alleviate without treatment. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than three weeks. Typically, chronic diarrhea requires careful attention, especially in determining the underlying cause and treating complications such as dehydration. There are four major types of diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is caused by an excess of water-soluble molecules in the stool, resulting in increased fluids in the bowel. Secretory diarrhea is caused by excess secretion of ions into the bowel, also leading to increased fluid excretion. Exudative diarrhea, usually caused by digestive disorders and infections, results in intestinal permeability and loss of blood, mucous, pus, and serum proteins of the intestine. This type of diarrhea is often characterized by small, painful, evacuations. Inadequate-contact diarrhea is caused by inadequate contact of the intestinal walls and intestinal contents, leading to poor absorption. This is often the result of surgical removal of sections of the intestine.
Symptoms and Signs:Vomiting, cramping, thirst, and abdominal pain often accompany diarrhea, as do other signs of dehydration, such as dizziness and nausea. Other common symptoms of diarrhea include weight loss, loss of appetite, increased frequency of defecation, loose, liquidy stools, urgency to defecate, incontinence (leakage of stool), bloating, gas, and fever. The presence of blood or flecks of mucous in the stool is also a sign of diarrhea.
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