Why diarrhea? Diarrhea in an adult: possible causes and treatment. Possible complications of diarrhea

Constant diarrhea is an intestinal disorder that does not stop for a long time: three weeks or more, in severe cases - more than a month. The reasons for this phenomenon can be very different.

But you should always understand that diarrhea is a protective reaction of the body: in this way it tries to cleanse itself and throw out accumulated toxins.

Therefore, if an adult experiences prolonged diarrhea that does not stop for a day, two or three days, but for a whole month or more, this indicates that there are serious problems in his body.

In any case, diarrhea is accompanied by quite unpleasant symptoms: this is flatulence, bloating, colic, loss of appetite, and if diarrhea bothers you for several days and does not go away for more than 10 days, then this is also dehydration of the body. Not to mention the fact that you need to go to the toilet every hour, it’s simply impossible to study labor activity and lead a full life. Therefore, this condition must be treated by finding its cause and selecting appropriate methods.

Before wondering why diarrhea does not go away for several days in a row, you must first decide what is considered diarrhea in medicine. So, diarrhea in an adult is frequent loose stools repeated three or more times a day. Prolonged acute diarrhea is diarrhea that does not go away for more than 10 days or recurs at intervals of several days every month.

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Inflammatory bowel diseases - colitis, enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis.
2. Infections caused by viruses or bacteria - adenoviruses, salmonellosis, cholera, dysentery.
3. Any poisoning - food, medication or chemical.
4. Malignant formations in the small or large intestine.
5. Exacerbation of gastric or intestinal ulcers.
6. Abuse of diets using laxatives.
7. Congenital functional deficiency of the digestive tract.
8. Changes in hormonal levels.
9. Taking certain medications.
10. Stress - diarrhea in an adult can occur due to nervous tension and chronic fatigue.

Sometimes diarrhea that does not go away for more than a month is a side effect of surgery, and is often one of the signs of helminthic infestation. It is sometimes difficult to establish the cause, since quite a long time has passed since the moment when diarrhea first began, clinical picture managed to change.

Therefore, self-medication in this case is unacceptable. Only a doctor can solve the problem.

Clinical picture of prolonged diarrhea

Long-term diarrhea has the same symptoms as regular diarrhea:

• bloating, rumbling and colic;
• flatulence;
• cramping pain in the stomach and intestines;
• frequent urge to defecate - sometimes every hour throughout the day.

If severe diarrhea in an adult lasts for several days in a row, the clinical picture changes. The patient may feel feverish and chill all the time; there is often an increase in body temperature and weight loss - the reason is severe dehydration of the body, which invariably occurs if diarrhea does not go away for more than 10 days and worries every hour.

Symptoms such as blood or pus in the stool should cause concern - in this case, you cannot hesitate, every hour is expensive, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. It is not surprising if pieces of undigested food- this indicates that the digestive system does not produce the enzymes necessary for the absorption of food in the required quantities; the irritated intestines simply do not accept it.

But it often happens that an adult has a bowel movement every hour or two, but at the same time he does not feel any ailments, in addition to the completely natural discomfort associated with constant trips to the toilet.

Only the reasons can be determined lab tests and examination of the patient.

What diagnostic methods are used

To find out why an adult has severe diarrhea that does not stop for more than 10 days, the following tests are done:

• General blood and urine tests.
• Stool analysis.

• Bac sowing.
• Testing for helminthic infestations.
• Coprogram for hidden blood.
• Steatorrhea detection test.
• Test for identifying infectious agents of diarrhea.

Instrumental diagnostics are also used, especially if there is blood in the stool and other signs possible development cancerous tumors. These are biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, irrigography. Plays an important role differential diagnosis. Sometimes the reason long stool established only by excluding all possible pathologies.

How to treat long-term diarrhea

If severe diarrhea has been bothering you for more than 10 days, then it can only be cured with an integrated approach.

Taking activated carbon and other sorbents at this stage no longer makes sense.

Toxins from the intestines have already moved into the blood, and charcoal still will not help remove them. But he can absorb liquid, which is already in short supply, and thereby only worsen the patient’s condition.

Typically, several different groups of drugs are prescribed:

1. Enzymes that will support the pancreas and help absorb food - Mezim Forte, Pancreatin, Creon.
2. Drugs that reduce increased irritable bowel motility are Imodium and Loperamide. But their use is contraindicated if it is determined that severe diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection.
3. Antibiotics only if bacterial culture shows that the causative agents of the infection were staphylococci, streptococci, dysentery bacillus and other bacteria.

If it is determined that diarrhea, which lasts three or four days, is caused by poisoning of any kind, gastric lavage is performed. To do this, you need to prepare at least two liters of a weak solution of potassium permanganate and drink it in one gulp. It is also necessary to do a cleansing enema. An hour after this, you can take medications.

If the cause of diarrhea, which does not stop for a long time, is dysbiosis, medications containing probiotics and prebiotics will help. This is Linux and its analogues. You need to take drugs from this group every day for at least three weeks. To restore the water-salt balance, you can take Regidron or Electrolyte - these are powdered products that need to be diluted in warm water and drink a little every hour. If cramps and abdominal pain are very severe, No-shpa or Papaverine are prescribed.

Folk remedies and diet for prolonged diarrhea

If you do not follow a diet during prolonged diarrhea, no medications will be effective.

First of all, the diet involves drinking large amounts of fluid to restore its loss.

But in no case should it be coffee, store-bought juices or soda.

List of foods that can be included in the diet if diarrhea bothers you for several days in a row:

• stale or dried wheat bread without butter;
• viscous rice porridge in water without oil;
• hard-boiled eggs;
• lean beef or turkey;
• steam fish low-fat varieties(eg cod);
• mashed potatoes with water;
• pureed soups with carrots and potatoes, you can add a little rice cereal;
• various jelly;
• baked apples and bananas.

If diarrhea is caused by dysbacteriosis and has been bothering you for more than the first or second day, fermented milk products with bifidobacteria - low-fat kefir, natural yogurt, cottage cheese - will be useful.

The nutritional rules are:

1. All dishes must be steamed or boiled, or, as a last resort, baked without oil or spices.
2. Drink at least one glass of compotes, tea or just water every hour. In total, you should drink at least three liters of liquid per day.
3. It is advisable to puree or chop meat and vegetables.
4. You need to eat often, every 3-4 hours up to 6 times a day, but in small portions.

Even when the functioning of the stomach and intestines is completely restored, you should not suddenly return to your usual diet, as this can provoke a relapse.

Introduce one new product per day. If everything is in order, then after 1-2 days you can enter next product. But you will have to follow a gentle diet for some time.

Among the folk remedies, bird cherry helps very well. You can simply pass it through a meat grinder, sprinkle with sugar and put it in a glass jar. You should take this tasty medicine every hour when severe diarrhea, then you can take a teaspoon three or four times a day before meals.

Pomegranate peels have a fixing effect. Take 2 tablespoons of dry and crushed peels, add boiling water and cook over low heat for at least 10 minutes. Then cool for half an hour, strain and take 1/3 cup an hour before meals.

Prolonged diarrhea usually occurs if the patient did not properly treat ordinary diarrhea, neglected the doctor’s recommendations and did not follow a diet. Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious pathology - advanced hemorrhoids, peptic ulcer duodenum or malignant neoplasms. This condition is very dangerous due to dehydration. Therefore, under no circumstances should you tolerate it; you need to see a doctor, look for the cause and get treatment.

Diarrhea(indigestion, diarrhea) is a symptom that characterizes a certain type of digestive disorder. The term “diarrhea” refers to a patient’s condition in which bowel movement, accompanied by the release of liquid stool, occurs more than twice a day. Depending on the clinical development varies acute form diarrhea, the duration of which is no more than two weeks, and chronic form, which lasts more than two weeks.

Diarrhea is the second most common complaint among children, who consulted a doctor (high temperature comes first).

As a rule, the occurrence of diarrhea is associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, but diarrhea can also be accompanied by some other diseases that are not associated with damage to the digestive organs.

In normal condition, food that enters digestive organs, is digested. The process of food digestion occurs due to the action of various enzymes that break down food components into monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, i.e. to simple substances. During the process of digestion, food moves through the intestines from the duodenum to anus. Different stages of digestion occur in different parts of the intestine. Thus, in the small intestine, food and water are broken down and absorbed; in the large intestine, feces are formed and certain groups of vitamins synthesized by the intestinal flora are absorbed.

There are several main points of the digestive processes.
1. The digestive process is significantly affected quantity and quality of food. Thus, a lot of difficult-to-digest foods (foods rich in plant fiber and fats) are not fully digested, which leads to accelerated intestinal motility and increases the growth of bacteria.

2. Quality of digestive processes determines the condition of the digestive tract. On the one hand, the digestive process is affected by the amount of enzymes secreted by the pancreas, stomach and liver. On the other hand, the condition of the intestinal mucosa determines how food digested by the stomach is absorbed.

If there are not enough enzymes, food absorption does not occur completely. If the intestinal mucosa is damaged, the digested substances are not able to be absorbed. When undigested substances accumulate in the intestinal cavity, secretion of electrolytes and water occurs, that is, the release of water from the blood into the intestinal cavity. Intestinal peristalsis is of great importance during the digestive process, through which food masses move along the intestines, which ultimately leads to their removal from the body. When peristalsis decreases, constipation occurs, and when it increases, diarrhea occurs.

3. The digestive process in the large intestine is influenced by quantitative and qualitative composition of microflora. The large (and partly small) intestine of a healthy person is inhabited by special types of “beneficial” bacteria. Their main function is to process leftover food that has not been digested and release some substances beneficial to the body.

There are cases when changes occur in the quantitative and qualitative composition of normal intestinal microflora. The consequence of this is that microbes that can cause disease (pathogenic) settle in such a “changed” intestine. Diarrhea may be one of the manifestations of such a microflora disorder.

Mechanisms of development of diarrhea

As a rule, several of the listed mechanisms are involved in the appearance of diarrhea, since if any one condition of proper digestion is violated, this also affects the functioning of others. The most common reasons diarrhea: intestinal dysbiosis, acute intestinal infections - acute intestinal infections, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diarrhea in acute intestinal infections

Diarrhea, which is caused by pathogenic microbes, can last for a long time and in some cases poses a threat to human life. Sometimes diarrhea can be caused by normal intestinal microflora if a large amount of undigested food enters the colon. In this case, diarrhea will end simultaneously with bowel movement.

There are two main types of diarrhea with acute intestinal infections:
1. Diarrhea with watery stools. This type of diarrhea is characteristic of acute intestinal infections, the appearance of which was caused by bacteria or viruses that secrete toxins (for example, Vibrio cholerae). At the same time, the composition of feces includes salts and water secreted by the intestinal mucosa, which has been exposed to viruses and toxins.
2. Diarrhea with bloody cases. This type of diarrhea occurs with dysentery and salmonellosis. It is caused by bacteria that penetrate the intestinal mucosa and destroy it.

In acute intestinal infections, as a rule, there is acute diarrhea. In a number of diseases, which include dysentery in particular, the acute form of diarrhea can develop into chronic.

Diarrhea due to intestinal dysbiosis

Diarrhea in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Diarrhea can be a constant symptom of diseases such as inflammation of the small intestine (chronic enteritis), inflammation of the large intestine ( chronic colitis), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, which are accompanied by damage to the intestinal mucosa. With these diseases, diarrhea appears due to the fact that the processes of absorption of nutrients from intestinal cavity. Sometimes diarrhea can be caused by diseases of the liver and pancreas.

A symptom such as diarrhea can also occur in a number of diseases that are not directly related to dysfunction of the digestive tract. For example, diarrhea can appear due to hepatitis, overexertion or emotional stress, poisoning or overheating in the sun. In these diseases, the appearance of diarrhea is mainly due to the fact that intestinal motility accelerates.

In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by a lack of vitamins (niacin, vitamin B2, vitamin F). As a side effect of taking medications, diarrhea may occur when taking antiarrhythmic drugs (Quinidine sulfate), antibiotics, medications intended to lower blood pressure, antacids, as well as in case of overdose of laxatives or after ingestion of magnesium preparations.

Warning symptoms of diarrhea

If at least one of the symptoms listed above is present, this is a serious reason to immediately seek medical help.

Diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea

The modern stage of diarrhea treatment involves solving these three problems simultaneously.

First you need to determine the reason why the diarrhea appeared. This event is extremely important because it helps to prescribe treatment that eliminates the cause of the disease (so-called etiotropic therapy). It is often quite difficult to determine the cause of diarrhea. Determining the nature of diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) can greatly facilitate the diagnostic procedure and the prescription of competent treatment.

If this is possible, the diagnosis can be clarified using a method such as stool microscopy (it allows you to clarify whether there are certain types of pathogenic bacteria in the stool). Less commonly, and mainly for epidemiological purposes, a method such as inoculation on nutrient media is used. Next, we will look at the main types of diarrhea and the methods used to treat them.

Watery diarrhea

If the patient has mild or moderate watery diarrhea, treatment should be organized in the following main areas: preventing dehydration and replenishing the water-salt balance. To achieve these goals, it is effective to use solutions such as Oralit And Regidron.

After thirst has been eliminated (for a short time must be consumed 3-5 glasses of solution), the solution should be taken half a glass after each bowel movement or 3-4 glasses per 12 hours, until the diarrhea stops.

During diarrhea, you should avoid foods that are difficult to digest or contain fiber (such as raw vegetables and fruits), it is necessary to give up fruit juices (mainly apple and grape), dairy products, sweet and salty foods, since these foods can only aggravate diarrhea. At the same time, it is allowed to eat baked fruits and vegetables, strong tea, and crackers. Tea made from St. John's wort will be especially useful.

Adults with acute diarrhea you can take medications such as No-shpa or Loperamide. Children during diarrhea should take Loperamide Not recommended.

Bloody diarrhea

Rehydration therapy is carried out according to the scheme we have already described. For bloody diarrhea, this direction of treatment is also very important, but, compared to antimicrobial treatment, it comes in second place. Based on the fact that recently many microbes have become immune to “classical type” antibiotics, the use of drugs from the fluoroquinolone group will be effective (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin). In some cases it can be used Cotrimoxazole And Metronizadol. In any case, before taking this or that drug, you must study the instructions for use and consult with your doctor.

In what cases is it necessary to immediately consult a doctor? Even taking into account that treatment of complicated diarrhea of ​​moderate or mild severity is carried out, as a rule, at home, it is necessary to take into account that in some cases diarrhea can be a sign of a serious illness, the treatment of which requires urgent hospitalization of the patient and provision of high-quality medical care. Diarrhea can be extremely dangerous for life in the elderly and children.

You should consult a doctor if:
Against the background of diarrhea, there is an increase in body temperature above 38 degrees;
Acute diarrhea occurred in an elderly person or a child under one year of age;
If during acute diarrhea abdominal pain or severe vomiting is also present;
Black stool resembling tar, or dark brown vomit containing fresh blood (this may indicate bleeding from the duodenum or a stomach ulcer);
Diarrhea continues for more than three days, despite treatment;
If, during acute diarrhea, severe dehydration develops or the patient experiences impaired consciousness;
While taking medications for diarrhea, adverse reactions occur (nausea, allergic skin rashes, irritability, sleep disturbance, abdominal pain, dark urine);
If diarrhea sometimes appears without obvious reasons.

During an appointment with a doctor, you need to tell him about all current or previous diseases, operations (even visits to the dentist), as well as how the treatment was organized.

Treatment with folk remedies

Help effectively for diarrhea: rice porridge or rice water. They need to be boiled in water, hard-boiled, without adding salt.

For gastrointestinal disorders You can use the following remedy: dried chamomile flowers (one tablespoon) per glass of boiling water. Infuse for four hours in a thermos, then strain. Drink two tablespoons four times a day after meals.

During bloody diarrhea recommended: preparations - decoction of burnet rhizome, cinquefoil erecta (according to 25 grams), 50 grams of shepherd's purse grass; infusion - according 50 grams of burnet, rhizomes of snakeweed; decoction - 10 grams of comfrey per 200 milliliters of milk, leave for an hour, take two tablespoons four to five times a day.

Diarrhea + bloating when eating certain foods– may indicate an allergy to these products or an enzyme deficiency ( lactase deficiency, celiac disease).

Diarrhea + bloating not related to the nature of food taken– more often observed in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In which neuropsychic factors ( overwork, stress) lead to disruption of the entire nervous system.

Diarrhea + vomiting + abdominal tenderness– often found in food poisoning, salmonellosis, and enterovirus infections. In this case, only a personal consultation with an infectious disease specialist can help make a diagnosis.

Diarrhea + dehydration– this symptom may indicate a dangerous infectious disease. In such cases, consultation with a surgeon and infectious disease specialist is necessary. Treatment of such patients at home is impossible; hospitalization is required.

Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea

Clinical examination of a patient with diarrhea
Includes a conversation to identify possible causative factors:

• When did the diarrhea start?
• Does any other family member have diarrhea?
• What food was consumed the day before?
• Do people who consumed the same food have diarrhea?
• Is there pain? Nature of pain?

Laboratory examinations
Coprogram– studying the appearance of stool, studying the structure and composition of stool under a microscope helps to identify diseases such as: pancreatic enzyme or liver failure,
Bacteriological analysis of stool is the method of choice in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis or infectious diseases which lead to diarrhea.

Temperature
An elevated temperature accompanies diarrhea if it is caused by an inflammatory process. If diarrhea develops due to viral and bacterial infections, the temperature can rise to very high limits ( up to 38 – 39 degrees). Also, a high rise in temperature is observed with food poisoning.

Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a painful urge to defecate. They are most characteristic of intestinal infections, for example, dysentery or colitis.

Vomit
Vomiting also often accompanies diarrhea. Typically, this symptom occurs with diarrhea caused by food poisoning or infection.

Weakness
Weakness and malaise are caused by dehydration due to diarrhea. So, with diarrhea, water also leaves the body along with feces. Water provides the most important functions of the body and accounts for 60 to 70 percent. If the percentage of water in the body decreases, then it begins to suffer. In this case, all organ systems suffer without exception. Therefore, even a small loss of water is difficult for a person to bear, and he experiences weakness.
Subsequently, if emergency measures are not taken, the body’s salts leave along with the water. Lack of salts further increases weakness, malaise and lethargy.

Chronic, periodic diarrhea is a manifestation of pathologies such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. With chronic diarrhea, extraintestinal symptoms are also present. Intestinal symptoms in chronic diarrhea are the same as in acute diarrhea.

Extraintestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea are:

• nausea;

Nausea
With colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases that are accompanied by chronic diarrhea, nausea is an integral companion.

Loss of appetite
Many intestinal pathologies, which are characterized by chronic diarrhea, lead to loss of appetite. First of all, this is due constant nausea and periodic vomiting. At later stages, when anemia sets in, appetite decreases due to impaired metabolism.

It should be borne in mind that loose stools are not a separate disease, but are a symptom of a pathological process developing in the body.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in adults?

Tuberculosis of the alimentary tract
With this pathology, the parts most often affected are the small intestine and the cecum. Diarrhea due to tuberculosis is not permanent and occurs periodically. As the disease progresses, stool disorder is accompanied by pain, localized to the navel.

Food poisoning
Loose stools are often caused by foodborne diseases (infection not by bacteria, but by their metabolic products, which are most often formed in spoiled food products). Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause intoxication of the body. Alcohol contains substances that stimulate the intestines, causing them to contract faster. Sources of nutritional intoxication most often are food products that have expired or those that were prepared without taking into account the necessary sanitary standards.

Products that most often cause poisoning are:

• dairy and fermented milk products;
• confectionery with cream;
• cooked sausage products;
• meat pates;
• salads with mayonnaise or sour cream;
• tomato juice.

Irritable bowel syndrome
With this disease, digestive disorders are not caused by damage to the intestine itself. People with unstable psyche, with an increased level of emotionality. The syndrome is characterized by loose stools, which bother patients after eating, most often in the first half of the day. Exacerbation of the disease and the development of acute diarrhea in half of the patients is associated with severe stress, excitement, anxiety.

Dysbacteriosis
An imbalance in the ratio of beneficial and harmful microflora in the intestines can be caused by taking a number of antibacterial drugs, dietary habits, or other factors. A decrease in the number of bacteria that are responsible for the process of digestion and absorption of food leads to a disorder of intestinal functions, which is manifested by diarrhea.

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
In the practice of a gastroenterologist ( a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the digestive system) diarrhea is one of the most common complaints of patients. Chronic inflammatory processes affecting digestive system, have a negative effect on the intestines and cause disruption of its functionality.

Chronic diseases in which diarrhea develops are:

• gastritis ( inflammation of the gastric mucosa);
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• duodenitis ( inflammatory lesion duodenal mucosa);
• enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestine);
• biliary dyskinesia ( gallbladder motility disorder);
• cholecystitis ( gallbladder inflammation);
• pancreatitis ( inflammatory process in the pancreas);
• Crohn's disease ( formation of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract);
• ulcerative colitis ( intestinal inflammation).

Liver diseases
One of the liver diseases in which stool disorders develop is hepatitis ( inflammation of liver tissue). Diarrhea is a symptom of all forms of this disease, but most often and most acutely manifests itself in viral hepatitis A. With other types of hepatitis, loose stools occur periodically, most often as a result of intolerance to fatty foods. Another disease in which patients may suffer from diarrhea is cirrhosis of the liver ( pathological changes in liver tissue).

Emotional disorders
The activity of the gastrointestinal tract, like other organ systems, is controlled by the nervous system. In stressful situations, the nervous system is stressed, which affects the activity of the intestines. Therefore, anxiety often causes diarrhea. The symptom disappears after the person stops experiencing stress and anxiety.

Unbalanced diet
Poor nutrition with a large amount of rough food of plant origin can cause diarrhea. Abuse can also contribute to the appearance of loose stools. spicy seasonings, spices, carbonated drinks. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract can be disrupted by non-compliance with a certain regimen when eating food. Often the cause of diarrhea is an insufficient amount of vitamins that provide correct work stomach and intestines. The development of the disorder is caused by a deficiency of substances such as phylloquinone ( vitamin K), riboflavin ( vitamin B2), niacin ( vitamin PP).

Change of usual cuisine, water
The body's reaction to new food and water in the form of loose stool is called traveler's diarrhea. Stool disorder may appear 3 to 7 days after changing your usual environment. In most cases, this symptom goes away on its own when you return home or refuse food ( food and water) locally produced.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in children?

The main ways infectious agents enter the child’s digestive tract are:

• dirty hands;
• contaminated food;
• contaminated household items and household items;
• contact with sick children ( in case of intestinal viruses).

Main genetic diseases digestive tract are:

• lactase deficiency;
• maltase deficiency;
• sucrase deficiency;
• atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.

The most common problem in children is lactase deficiency ( lack of intestinal enzyme lactase), which causes diarrhea when milk and some dairy products are consumed. Less common are maltase enzyme deficiency ( substance involved in the digestion of grains), sucrase ( substance that breaks down sugar).

The absorption process in the intestines can also be disrupted by congenital atrophy mucous layer of the child's intestines. In this case, the absorption of all substances is difficult.

Acute food poisoning
Often in children, diarrhea develops as a result of acute food poisoning, due to the action of toxic substances that enter the gastrointestinal tract.

The main sources of acute food poisoning in children are:

• expired products;
• spoiled fruits and vegetables;
• stale meat and fish;
• spoiled dairy products;
• toxic substances ( arsenic, insecticides, organophosphates);
• alcoholic drinks;
• medications ( antibiotics, magnesium and potassium preparations, barbiturates);
• poisonous plants and fruits.

Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition of a child leads to disruption of the digestive system. Constant digestive disorders cause the development of diarrhea.

The most common eating disorders in children are:

• binge eating;
• eating too many fruits and vegetables;
• abuse of herbs, spices, garlic and hot pepper;
• abuse of salty and sour foods;
• too fatty food ( fatty meats and fish, oils).

Feeding a child too fatty foods leads to disruption of the liver and gallbladder. A large amount of bile and free fatty acids accumulate in the lumen of the digestive tract. They stimulate the accumulation of water in the intestinal cavity, causing diarrhea.

Why does a baby develop diarrhea?

The causes of diarrhea in infants are:

• introduction of complementary foods;
• artificial feeding;
• intestinal infections;
• other factors.

The causes of diarrhea when introducing complementary foods are:

• untimely introduction of complementary foods;
• non-compliance with dosage recommendations;
• too short pauses between new products;
• intolerance to certain products.

Signs that a baby is ready for complementary feeding are:

• the child’s weight increases by 2 times from the moment of birth;
• the child does not push out the spoon with his tongue;
• the baby can sit independently, tilt his body, turn his head;
• the child holds an object in his hand and puts it in his mouth;
• The baby shows interest in adult food and tries to taste it.

Too short pauses between new products
Each new product should be offered to the child a week after the introduction of the previous product. Violating this rule can cause diarrhea in the baby. When transferring a baby to fundamentally the new kind complementary feeding must be paused for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Types of complementary foods are vegetable, grain, dairy, meat, fish.

Intolerance to certain products
Allergies to certain foods can cause diarrhea in infants. The most common cause of allergic reactions during complementary feeding is intolerance ( partial or complete) gluten. This pathology is called celiac disease. With this disease, loose stools are provoked by porridge ( wheat, barley, rye), bread, cookies. With celiac disease, diarrhea in an infant becomes chronic and is accompanied by symptoms such as poor weight gain and skin rashes.

Artificial feeding
In children who are bottle-fed, digestive disorders in the form of diarrhea are observed more often than in infants fed breast milk. This is explained by the fact that a neutral or slightly acidic environment predominates in the children's intestines, which disrupts the digestion of proteins and fats. The composition of fats in breast milk is simpler and in addition it contains enzymes that facilitate the digestion process ( lipases). Therefore, with artificial feeding, especially with overfeeding, infants develop diarrhea.

Intestinal infections
Diarrhea in infants is often caused by intestinal infections. When bacteria or viruses enter a child's body, an acute digestive disorder develops, which is accompanied by intense loose stools, which may contain blood, mucus, and foam. Often the infection occurs with vomiting, fever, crying, and refusal to eat.

The causative agents of intestinal infections are:

• rotavirus– the infection begins with vomiting, followed by diarrhea and fever;
• enterovirus– the disease is characterized by a wave-like increase in temperature and foamy, loose, green stools;
• salmonella– the infection is manifested by a sharp increase in temperature, bloating and diarrhea, which may contain mucus and blood;
• shigella(provoke dysentery) – initially loose stools with the progression of the disease become similar to lumps of gray mucus with inclusions of blood;
• coli– infection is accompanied by intense diarrhea and sharp pain in a stomach;
• staphylococcus– the infection is manifested by foamy liquid stools and a fever above 38 degrees.

Other factors
In addition to infections and feeding errors, various external and internal factors can cause diarrhea in an infant.

Causes of diarrhea include:

• dysbacteriosis– often loose stools are a consequence of taking antibacterial drugs that disrupt the normal composition of the intestinal microflora;
• maternal consumption of certain foods(while breastfeeding) – diarrhea in infants often occurs after eating cucumbers, beets, or pears;
• teething– stool disorder in such cases is called physiological diarrhea;
• lactase deficiency ( lactose intolerance) – manifests itself as diarrhea in newborns from the first days of life;
• cystic fibrosis(a disease that affects organs that secrete mucus, including the intestines) – this pathology is characterized by copious loose stools with a greasy sheen and a strong unpleasant odor;
• helminthic infestations– accompanied by loose stools, which may alternate with constipation;
• acute respiratory diseases– in children under the age of one year, diarrhea often develops against the background of colds.

Why is diarrhea dangerous during pregnancy?

Impact of diarrhea on early stages pregnancy
Weak and short-lived diarrhea at the beginning of pregnancy, which is accompanied by toxicosis, is a common occurrence. The bacteria and viruses that provoke it do not leave the intestines, so they do not carry big threat for the fetus. In some cases, when diarrhea is caused by severe poisoning, intoxication is possible female body and penetration of toxins to the fetus. Thus, mushroom poisoning while pregnant is extremely dangerous. Poisons, penetrating the placental barrier, can cause various disorders in the development of the embryo.
The greatest danger in the first trimester of pregnancy is diarrhea, in which a woman visits the toilet more than 5 times a day. The danger of this condition increases when a bowel disorder is combined with vomiting.

The consequences of severe diarrhea are:

• formation congenital anomalies development in the fetus;
• spontaneous abortion;
• decreased blood pressure in women;
• renal failure in the expectant mother.

Another factor that causes this disorder is the pressure that the fetus puts on the digestive organs of a pregnant woman.

Regardless of the circumstances that caused diarrhea, main danger consists in the rapid development of dehydration. At this stage, the woman begins to move less, and the fetus needs a large amount of fluid. These factors, combined with diarrhea, provoke severe dehydration and the risk of various complications. The body of a pregnant woman stops supplying the fetus with necessary nutrients, resulting in starvation.
Doctors react most calmly to diarrhea that develops from 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, the syndrome occurs against the background of a woman’s normal condition and indicates a natural cleansing of the body and impending childbirth.

How does chronic diarrhea occur?

• pathological changes in feces;
• discomfort in the abdominal area;
• nausea, vomiting;
• nervous system disorders;
• deterioration of the condition of nails, skin, hair;
• weight loss;
• exhaustion of the body.

Pathological changes in feces
The color and consistency of stool, as well as the number of urges to defecate, may vary with chronic diarrhea. In diseases of the small intestine, the patient is bothered by copious watery or fatty stools. With pathologies of the large intestine, the mass of feces is not so abundant, and they may contain mucous, blood or purulent inclusions. If the cause of chronic diarrhea is diseases of the rectum, patients experience a frequent urge to defecate, while the mass of bowel movements is insignificant.

Other stool changes include:

• Watery stool– can cause viral infections of bacterial or viral origin. The appearance of the stool may resemble rice water.
• Liquid black stool– the cause may be bleeding in the stomach, esophagus or intestines caused by an ulcer or tumor formation. Blood reacts with digestive enzymes, causing the stool to turn black.
• Yellow chair– can develop while taking a number of medications. It is also very often observed in young children due to infections or diseases of the digestive system, as a result of which food is poorly digested.
• White feces– white feces can be a manifestation of chronic diarrhea, which develops against the background of gallbladder pathologies and jaundice. The reason for the coloring of the stool is White color Some medications may become
• Green chair– feces of this color are most often the result of increased fermentation processes in the intestines due to dysbiosis, dysentery or other intestinal infections.

Nausea and vomiting
Often chronic diarrhea, caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient. When infection penetrates, diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, and the body temperature rises to 38 degrees.

Nervous system disorders
Often this disorder causes sleep problems and other nervous system disorders.

Manifestations of chronic diarrhea are:

• insomnia at night;
• daytime sleepiness;
• irritability;
• frequent mood changes;
• increased fatigue;
• unreasonable anxiety;
• lethargy, apathy.

Weight loss
In some cases, chronic diarrhea is accompanied by weight loss. This manifestation is typical for patients in whom the syndrome develops against the background of chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease or certain pathologies of the pancreas.

Exhaustion of the body
Chronic diarrhea is manifested not only by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, but also by disturbances in the functioning of other body systems. Patients complain of general physical discomfort, which is most severe in the morning. The lack of appetite characteristic of this syndrome causes a decrease in the overall tone of the body. With diarrhea, the time it takes for food to pass through the intestines is reduced, causing vitamins and useful material do not have time to assimilate. This, combined with poor nutrition, fluid loss and other disorders, can cause severe exhaustion of the body.

Is diarrhea accompanied by fever?

Causes of diarrhea	Body temperature	Temperature characteristic
Functional disorders of the central nervous system: psycho-emotional stress; nervous breakdowns; stressful situations; sudden climate change; long trips.	36.6 – 37 degrees.	Most often, the temperature remains within normal limits. Diarrhea can rarely be accompanied by a short-term increase in total body temperature to 37.5 degrees.
Acute food poisoning	From 37 to 38.5 degrees.	A body temperature of 37.1 – 37.5 degrees appears within 6 – 12 hours after eating “bad” foods. In accordance with the severity of the intoxication syndrome, the temperature can increase to 38.5 degrees. A continued increase in body temperature from 38.6 degrees is rarely observed.
Acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT): pancreatitis; hepatitis; appendicitis; enterocolitis.	Can vary from 37.1 to 38.5 degrees.	For pancreatitis ( inflammatory process in the pancreas) diarrhea may be accompanied by a temperature that does not rise above 38.1 degrees. For chronic hepatitis ( inflammation of the liver tissue) diarrhea is accompanied by a moderate increase in temperature, maximum – 37.5 degrees. Acute hepatitis can occur with severe diarrhea and high fever. With appendicitis ( inflammation of the appendix) diarrhea is accompanied by low-grade fever ( 38 – 38.5 degrees). Complicated appendicitis with peritonitis can cause diarrhea with fever above 39 degrees. With enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestines) body temperature can vary from 37.5 to 39.5 degrees or more. Highest temperature ( 39.5 – 40.5 degrees) is observed with massive lesions of the intestinal mucosa with severe intoxication syndrome.
Viral infections of the digestive system: rotavirus; adenovirus; enterovirus.	37 – 38 degrees.	Body temperature during viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract usually does not exceed 38 degrees, but the patient feels it as a fever with aches and pain in the muscles, increased sweating and a feeling of cold. This temperature may accompany diarrhea for 2 to 3 days.
Bacterial infections of the digestive system: salmonellosis; shigellosis ( dysentery); cholera.	Above 38.5 - 39 degrees.	Bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by diarrhea with a very high body temperature. With pronounced intoxication syndrome fever can reach 40.5 - 41 degrees.
The basic rules of nutrition for diarrhea are: drink as much fluid as possible; eat only light foods and bland foods; eat small portions; increase the frequency of meals; exclude from the diet foods that irritate the digestive system. Drinking liquids Diarrhea causes a large amount of fluid to be lost from the body, which can lead to dehydration ( dehydration) and worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish lost fluid by drinking plenty of fluids. In case of severe diarrhea, food is completely replaced with liquid for the first 1–2 days. It is necessary to drink liquid after each episode of diarrhea in small sips. Its volume should be at least 250 - 300 milliliters ( 1 glass). The patient generally drinks up to 2–3 liters of liquid per day. Drinks you can and cannot drink if you have diarrhea Use food products For diarrhea, you can only eat light foods that do not have any irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract and the intestines in particular. Food should be balanced with a reduced amount of fats and carbohydrates. In the first two days of diarrhea, you need to eat crackers of white bread, rice porridge with water and bananas. One serving of rice should be about 100 milliliters ( half a glass). Bananas can be eaten 1 - 2 bananas 4 - 5 times a day. In the following days, gentle foods are introduced into the diet. Healthy foods to eat if you have diarrhea Food Note Dairy products: milk; fresh cottage cheese; kefir; curdled milk; fermented baked milk; yogurt. Milk for diarrhea can only be used for making porridge and puree in a ratio of one to three with water. Consumption of fermented milk products is beneficial because it has a number of positive effects on digestion. The main positive effects of fermented milk products for diarrhea are: normalization of intestinal microflora; preventing the effects of fermentation and rotting; are a source of proteins and calcium necessary for the normal functioning of the body as a whole. Porridge: rice; buckwheat; oatmeal; barley; millet; wheat For diarrhea, you need to eat viscous pureed porridge cooked in water. It is acceptable to add a small amount of milk or butter. You can and even should add salt to your porridge to taste. Meat products: chicken; turkey; beef; veal; rabbit. If you have diarrhea, meat can only be eaten boiled or steamed. Before cooking, the meat is carefully separated from all tendons, fascia and skin. Chicken eggs For diarrhea, you can eat one or two chicken eggs a day, boiled or scrambled. Flour products: White bread; white bread crackers; cracker; pasta. White bread should not be fresh and warm. It is better to eat two-day-old white bread or dried crackers from it. For pasta, you can eat regular noodles in small portions. Fish: pollock; cod; carp; zander. Fish should be steamed or boiled. The most acceptable dishes are meatballs and steam cutlets. Vegetables: potato; zucchini; carrot; pumpkin; green peas; tomatoes; asparagus. If you have diarrhea, you can eat dishes made from boiled or baked vegetables. It is best to prepare vegetable purees and soups, but without spices. Soups are prepared using meat and fish broths diluted with water. Fruits and berries Fruits and berries can and even should be consumed in the form of jelly or mousse. You can also eat at small quantity baked and boiled. Food should be eaten in small portions in order to reduce pressure on the walls of the stomach and intestines. So that the body receives the necessary daily dose nutrients and did not “starve”, the frequency of meals increases to 4 – 5 times a day. Don't forget to add salt to your dishes. It is salt that retains fluid in the body and prevents dehydration. If you have diarrhea, you should definitely exclude from your diet all foods that irritate the digestive system. You should mainly avoid fatty foods, fried foods, fresh vegetables and fruits. You should also forget about spices, garlic, spicy sauces and sweets. What to do if diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting? If a patient has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, then it is necessary to provide first “first aid” in order to alleviate the general condition. The main points that must be performed first in case of diarrhea accompanied by vomiting are: cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole; replenishment of lost fluid and essential minerals; eliminating any irritants to the digestive system. Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole Most often, diarrhea, which is accompanied by vomiting, is a sign of acute food poisoning or intestinal infection. In such cases, it is important to clear the gastrointestinal tract of its contents so that less infection and toxins cross the protective barrier and enter the general bloodstream. In the first one to two days, you should not try to stop diarrhea and vomiting. medications (antidiarrheals and antiemetics). Immediately after the first attacks appear, the stomach must be rinsed thoroughly. To do this, the patient must drink about one and a half liters of water in a short period of time and induce vomiting. Along with the water, the remaining “bad” food that has not yet had time to be digested will come out of the stomach. The water should be boiled and slightly warm so as not to cause further irritation of the stomach walls. Another good way to wash the stomach is potassium permanganate dissolved in water. A couple of granules of potassium permanganate are enough for a liter of boiled water. Every 30 to 60 minutes, drink half a glass of this solution. Certain medications will help cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of toxins that have not yet been absorbed into the blood. The main medications that can be used to reduce intoxication are: Activated carbon; enterosgel; polyphepane; polysorb. All these drugs are called sorbents because they adsorb ( absorb) contains the remains of toxins and waste. Every person should have activated charcoal in their first aid kit. If diarrhea with vomiting occurs, you should take 5 to 10 tablets once - one for each kilogram of body weight. If this is difficult, the tablets can be dissolved in a glass of warm water and drunk. Other sorbents are taken in accordance with the instructions. Replenishing lost fluids and essential minerals The second important point for diarrhea accompanied by vomiting is to replenish lost fluid and minerals. Profuse vomiting and frequent diarrhea remove large amounts of water and minerals from the body. This may lead to dehydration ( dehydration) with serious disruptions to the functioning of organs and systems. The main liquids that can be consumed for diarrhea with vomiting are: boiled water; mineral water without gases; weak black tea; dried fruits compote; special solutions. The liquid should be drunk every hour and after each attack of diarrhea and vomiting. Its volume should be 250 - 300 milliliters per dose. In addition to water, tea or dried fruit compote, you need to drink at least a liter of a special solution that replenishes all the mineral losses of the body. Special medications that are used for vomiting and diarrhea include: rehydron; Oralin; trisol; glucosolan. These preparations contain essential minerals ( potassium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine and calcium), which must be replenished in the body first. Solutions are prepared according to instructions and used throughout the day. You can prepare a similar solution yourself. For this you will need salt, sugar and water. Dissolve one teaspoon of table salt and one teaspoon of sugar in warm water. After the salt and sugar are completely dissolved, you can drink the water. Eliminate any irritants to the digestive system Any irritants to the digestive system can provoke new attacks of diarrhea and vomiting, increasing peristalsis ( muscle wave-like contractions) digestive tract. Food and drinks act as irritants. Foods that should absolutely not be eaten if you have diarrhea and vomiting are: fat meat ( pork, lamb); fatty fish ( salmon, tuna, sardine); all spices, especially spicy ones; fresh vegetables; fresh fruits; sweets; fresh baked goods; legumes; milk; carbonated waters and drinks; coffee and coffee drinks; alcohol. A patient with severe diarrhea accompanied by vomiting should limit food intake in the first two days, even to the point of fasting. When attacks of diarrhea and vomiting become rare, food is introduced, but with a strict diet. The patient can eat porridge with water. Rice porridge is especially useful. It does not irritate the stomach and normalizes peristalsis of the digestive tract. You can add a little salt to porridge, but exclude butter and milk. Also, for diarrhea and vomiting, you can eat white bread crackers and bananas. Food portions should be small but frequent. Another important gastrointestinal irritant ( gastrointestinal tract) is tobacco smoke. Therefore, if diarrhea and vomiting occur, you should stop smoking. What to do if you have diarrhea with fever? If you have diarrhea with fever, you should not take medications to relieve these symptoms. The tactics of first aid depend on the cause that led to the development of this disorder. This is explained by the fact that loose stools and fever are not independent diseases, but signs of pathological processes developing in the body. Pathologies in which diarrhea with fever is noted are: food poisoning; pancreatitis ( inflammatory lesion of the pancreas); gastroenteritis ( inflammatory process in the stomach and small intestine); viral infection; bacterial infection. The patient can take a number of measures to alleviate his condition. But the patient’s main actions should be aimed at monitoring his condition. If a number of factors are identified, you should immediately consult a doctor. Food poisoning Symptoms in the form of diarrhea due to food poisoning develop in an adult in the period from 1 to 12 hours after a pathogenic microorganism enters the body with food. The main sign of intoxication is profuse, watery diarrhea with a strong foul odor. There may be undigested pieces of food in the stool. The temperature rises to 38 - 39 degrees. Patients are also concerned about nausea and intense vomiting. The first thing to do if there is a possibility of food poisoning is to rinse the stomach. For washing, a weak solution of potassium permanganate, a solution of baking soda ( 2 teaspoons of soda per 2 liters of water) or table salt solution ( 2 tablespoons per 4 liters of water). The total volume of solution required for washing is 8 - 10 liters. Liquid temperature is from 35 to 37 degrees. First, you should drink 3 to 6 glasses of the solution, and then induce vomiting yourself. To do this, use your middle and index fingers to tickle the root of your tongue. Next, you need to drink water again and induce vomiting. Repeat the procedure until the flowing water becomes clear. After washing, the patient must be kept at rest and refrain from eating for the next 24 hours. To remove toxins, you need to take activated carbon or another type of sorbent. Fluid deficiency should be restored using special saline solutions ( rehydrona, oralit). This remedy is taken at the rate of 10 milliliters per kilogram of body weight after each act of defecation. Subsequently, for a week you must follow a gentle low-calorie diet and drink at least 3 liters of water per day. If diarrhea and fever do not decrease within 6 hours after gastric lavage, you should immediately consult a doctor. Other reasons for seeking medical help are: a small child has been poisoned or old man; the cause of intoxication may be mushrooms or home-canned products; diarrhea combined with severe vomiting does not go away within 2 days. Pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas is accompanied by diarrhea, which is distinguished by a gray tint, a strong unpleasant odor and a greasy, mushy consistency. If pancreatitis is suspected, the patient should consult a doctor. Before the doctor’s visit, you should refrain from eating and remain calm, avoiding sudden movements. A position in which the patient sits with the torso tilted forward will help reduce the intensity of pain. Gastroenteritis In this disorder, loose stools are accompanied by a moderate increase in body temperature ( 37 – 38 degrees). The patient's stool is foamy, watery, without inclusions of blood or mucus. The intensity of diarrhea depends on the degree of the disease, varying from 5 ( for mild forms) up to 20 ( at severe forms ) trips to the toilet per day. Often patients mention headache, weakness in the body, discomfort in the upper abdomen. First aid measures are: refusal to eat for 1 – 2 days; drinking 2.5 to 3 liters of fluid per day; following a diet after an acute period of illness; refusal of alcohol and tobacco products; compliance with bed rest. If all symptoms persist for more than a day, it is necessary to seek professional medical help. Lack of adequate treatment for some bacterial and viral infections can lead to serious complications, sometimes to death. Therefore, if you suspect a bacterial infection, you should consult a doctor. What medications are there for diarrhea? There is a varied range of medications that are used to treat diarrhea. The choice of a particular medication depends on the cause that caused the disorder. The following types of medicines for diarrhea are available: adsorbents- Activated carbon; astringents – bismuth nitrate, enveloping agents - starch; drugs that normalize intestinal microflora– enterol; synthetic antidiarrheal drugs – loperamide; intestinal antiseptics– enterofuril; drugs that slow down intestinal motility– atropine. As a rule, there are specific medications for each type of diarrhea. For example, intestinal antiseptics are used for bacterial diarrhea; for irritable bowel syndrome - drugs that slow down intestinal motility. But several medications can also be used at the same time. For example, adsorbents, astringents, and probiotics. Medicines used for various types diarrhea Tricyclic antidepressants, which slow down intestinal motility, and herbal antidiarrheals are also used.	Synthetic antidiarrheals: loperamide; imodium plus ( includes loperamide and simethicone). Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline. Herbal antidiarrheals: bird cherry fruits; blueberry fruit thick blueberry fruit extract.
Diarrhea after using antibiotics	Drugs that normalize intestinal microflora, as well as probiotics, are prescribed. Drugs from the first group have both an antidiarrheal effect and a moderate antimicrobial effect. Therefore, they are prescribed for other types of diarrhea. For example, with recurrent colitis, with long-term feeding through a tube. Probiotics contain beneficial microflora that are destroyed by antibiotics. As a rule, they are prescribed simultaneously with antibiotic therapy. In this case, severe dysbiosis does not develop. If this measure was not taken, then probiotics are prescribed later and in larger dosages.	Agents that normalize intestinal microflora: enterol; Linux; bifidumbacterin; good luck; lactulose; acylact; bifinorm; colibacterin.

What foods can you eat if you have diarrhea?

Foods that can be eaten are:

• unsweetened fruits and berries;
• vegetables with a small amount of fiber;
• cereals;
• eggs;
• lean fish and meat;
• flour products.

Fruits and berries

• Banana– a product that can be eaten for any form of diarrhea. The potassium contained in the fruit helps rapid recovery, and a sufficient amount of moisture serves to prevent dehydration. In the absence of individual intolerance, it is recommended to consume bananas 1 - 2 pieces every 3 - 4 hours.
• Apples– contain pectin and a large amount of organic acids. These substances promote the removal of toxins and have an astringent and antimicrobial effect. Raw apples contain coarse fiber, which can irritate the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these fruits should be consumed baked. You can also make compote from apples.
• Quince– has astringent and fixing properties, therefore it is recommended for disorders of the digestive tract. Quince decoction has the greatest effect. To prepare it, 200 grams ( medium sized fruit) ripe quince should be cut into small slices and pour 4 glasses ( liter) boiling water. Leave for a couple of 15 - 20 minutes, then cool and drink the infusion every hour, 100 - 200 milliliters.

• persimmon;
• dogwood;
• black currant;
• bird cherry;
• blueberry;
• thorn

Vegetables
In case of acute diarrhea, vegetables should be excluded from the diet. After 2–3 days, you should begin to gradually introduce vegetable dishes into the menu to prevent vitamin deficiency. The main rule is to choose crops with minimal fiber content. You should not eat raw or half-raw vegetables. The best heat treatment option is boiling or steaming.

Vegetables that are easy to tolerate for diarrhea are:

• carrot;
• potato;
• pumpkin;
• zucchini;
• cauliflower;
• asparagus;
• green beans.

Cereals
The most recommended cereals for diarrhea are buckwheat, oatmeal and rice. Dishes prepared from them are a source of carbohydrates, which the body needs to fight diarrhea. In the first days of the disorder, you should prepare porridge from cereals with plenty of water. Subsequently, rice and buckwheat can be used as an additional ingredient for first courses. An effective remedy for diarrhea, a decoction made from rice is used, which has a complex effect on the body.

The effects of rice water are:

• enveloping and protecting the intestinal walls from irritation;
• normalization of peristalsis;
• thickening of stool due to fluid absorption;
• reduction of flatulence and reduction of bloating;
• replenishment of nutritional deficiencies.

Eggs
Eggs ( chicken and quail) help normalize the consistency of stool. For diarrhea, it is recommended to eat no more than 2 eggs per day that have undergone special heat treatment. Raw, fried or hard-boiled eggs can worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, steam omelettes or soft-boiled eggs should be included in the menu of a patient with diarrhea. You can also use egg white when preparing first courses.

Meat and fish
Meat and fish contain large amounts of protein, which the body needs for diarrhea. These products should be introduced into the diet 3–4 days after the first symptoms of the disorder appear. To reduce the load on the organs of the digestive system, meat should be cleaned of fat, films, and tendons before consumption. The fish must be cleaned of skin and bones.

• chicken breast;
• turkey fillet;
• veal tenderloin;
• pollock fillet;
• cod fillet;
• pike perch fillet.

Steam cutlets, meatballs, and souffles are prepared from meat or fish. Pre-grinding makes the product easier to digest, and steaming allows you to preserve all the valuable properties of the dish.

Flour products
At the initial stage of the disorder ( first 2 – 3 days) You should eat bread made from wheat flour, dried in the oven. When relief occurs, the diet can be diversified with pasta made from durum wheat.

What diseases cause bloody diarrhea?

Causes of loose stools with blood can be:

• haemorrhoids ( dilatation and inflammation of the veins of the lower segment of the rectum);
• anal fissures;
• intestinal polyps ( benign formations );
• inflammation of diverticula ( pouch-like protrusions of the walls of the rectum or colon);
• chronic inflammatory diseases;
• infectious intestinal diseases;
• bleeding of the upper digestive system;
• dysbacteriosis;
• malignant tumors of the colon.

Anal fissures
Loose stools with blood from cracks in the lower part of the rectum are accompanied by severe pain in the anus. A small amount of red blood is released at the time of bowel movement or immediately after it. In this case, the blood does not form streaks or clots and does not mix with feces. Also, with this pathology, a small amount of mucus or its complete absence is found in the stool.

Intestinal polyps
The presence of blood in liquid feces can cause polyps in the intestines. Bleeding occurs when tumors are damaged or an inflammatory process occurs. In this disease, the blood is mixed with feces, which also contain mucus impurities.

Inflammation of diverticula
Diverticulitis ( inflammation of diverticula) and the accompanying diarrhea with blood most often develops in patients whose age ranges from 50 to 60 years. If diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, inclusions of blood have a bright red tint. With lesions of diverticula located in the right segments of the large intestine, the blood may be dark, sometimes black.

Chronic inflammatory diseases
A symptom of such a chronic disease as Crohn's disease ( inflammatory processes in various parts of the digestive tract) bloody diarrhea often occurs. Often this symptom indicates another chronic disease - ulcerative colitis (purulent inflammation colon). Distinctive feature These diseases are chronic diarrhea, which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and an increase in body temperature. The act of defecation is accompanied by profuse bleeding of scarlet color.

Bleeding in the upper digestive system
Diarrhea and blood in its composition may indicate damage to the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. The blood is black in color and smells bad. Stool mixed with black, foul-smelling blood is called melena. Blood acquires color and smell for a reason long stay in the digestive system, during which it is exposed to bacteria.

Diseases that cause diarrhea with black blood are:

• cancerous tumors in stomach or duodenum;
• mucosal defects ( ulcers) stomach or duodenum;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;
• pathological changes in the structure of liver tissue ( cirrhosis).

Other causes of bloody diarrhea may include:

• proctitis ( inflammatory lesion of the rectal mucosa) – blood is detected in the form of clots throughout the stool;
• cryptite ( inflammation of the recesses in the anal canal) – characterized by brightly colored blood inclusions;
• ischemic colitis ( disruption of the blood supply to the intestinal wall) - blood is released in small quantities and can be either dark or light in color.

How to treat diarrhea after antibiotics?

Treatments for diarrhea after antibiotics include:

• compliance with dietary nutrition;
• taking medications that correct the composition of the intestinal microflora;
• prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body.

The types of drugs are:

• probiotics– include cultures of living microorganisms;
• prebiotics– contain substances that stimulate the activity of beneficial microflora;
• synbiotics– combination preparations consisting of probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics
Once in the intestines, the microorganisms that make up this group of drugs multiply, which helps restore all functions of the microflora. Based on their composition and mechanism of action, there are 4 categories of probiotics.

The groups of probiotics are:

• First generation drugs ( monobiotics) – contain one type beneficial bacteria, which are part of the normal microflora. The most common living components for the production of these drugs are colibacteria, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli.
• Second generation drugs ( antagonists) – are made on the basis of bacilli and yeast fungi, which inhibit the activity of harmful microorganisms. Not being part of the microflora, the components of such drugs do not take root in the intestines and are eliminated naturally.
• Third generation probiotics ( multicomponent) – include several types of beneficial bacteria that begin to grow and multiply in the intestines.
• Fourth generation drugs ( sorbed) – consist of representatives of normal microflora, which are fixed on a special carrier ( sorbent). The use of a sorbent significantly increases the effectiveness of the drug.

Synbiotics
This category of drugs contains both live microorganisms ( probiotics), as well as ingredients for their favorable reproduction ( prebiotics). Today, synbiotics are considered the most effective for treating diarrhea after antibiotics.

Dietary adherence
The goal of a diet for diarrhea is to reduce the load on the digestive system and provide the body with the necessary substances for a speedy recovery. For severe diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that do not irritate the intestinal mucosa and have a strengthening effect.

• hard-boiled eggs;
• steam omelettes;
• slimy porridges from semolina, buckwheat, rice;
• rice water;
• berry and fruit jelly;
• baked apples;
• white bread crackers.

Fermented milk products enriched with live bacteria will help restore the composition of the intestinal microflora after diarrhea. Microorganisms are contained in special kefir, yoghurts, and starter cultures. The manufacturer indicates the presence of bacteria on the product packaging. Preference should be given to brands that have a short shelf life. You can eat such products after complete normalization of stool.

Prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body
To prevent poisoning and dehydration, a patient with diarrhea needs to drink enough fluids. You can drink weakly brewed green and black tea, herbal infusions, and juices diluted with water. Adding a small amount of lemon juice to the drink will improve the patient's condition due to its antiseptic effect. Compotes made from quince, pear, blueberry, and bird cherry are useful for diarrhea.

What folk remedies exist for diarrhea?

The main three groups of folk remedies that help with diarrhea are:

• specially prepared food products;
• medicinal drinks;
• infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.

The main products that are used as folk remedies for diarrhea are:

• goat fat;
• fresh apples;
• bananas;
• millet cereal;
• chicken stomachs.

Methods for preparing and using products as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Products that can be used to prepare anti-diarrhea drinks are:

• oatmeal and rye bread;
• blueberries;
• black tea and onion;
• burnet grass;
• blackberry branches.

Methods for preparing and using drinks as a folk remedy for diarrhea

The most commonly used herbs for diarrhea are:

• Oak bark;
• bird cherry fruits;
• pomegranate peels;
• sheet walnut;
• walnut partitions.

Infusions and decoctions as a folk remedy for diarrhea