Covenant Family Practice - Acute Diarrhea

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Acute Diarrhea

Written by Robert A Wilson

Sunday, 11 February 2007

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A person with 3 or more liquid, or semi-liquid, stools in 24 hours is said to have diarrhea. Diarrhea is a symptom or result of some type of digestive problem. Normally, food moves slowly through the digestive system from the stomach into the intestines. As digestion takes place, the intestines absorb nutrients and water for use in the body. Diarrhea occurs if the intestines become irritated and food passes too quickly before the water has been reabsorbed back into the body. Causes may be minor, serious, and even life-threatening. Possible causes include infections; certain foods or drinks; side effects of medicines; strong emotions, physical changes or disorders. Occasional loose bowel movements (BMs) are not of great concern if they occur only once or twice and then return to normal. Risk increases with high stress; food poisoning; food allergies; use of laxatives, some antibiotics, and some antacids; digestive tract disorders including Diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and Pancreatic disease; bone marrow transplants; certain food products including dairy, shellfish, sorbitol, and mannitol; radiation treatments for cancer; immunosuppression due to illness or drugs; excessive alcohol intake; unsanitary living conditions or untreated water sources; travel abroad; and following surgery of the digestive tract.

Symptoms may include:

Cramping abdominal pain
Frequent loose, watery, or unformed bowel movements
Lack of bowel control
Fever and chills
Vomiting
Weakness
Dehydration (dry skin, sunken eyeballs, thirst, and foul and concentrated urine) if diarrhea is severe or lasts a long time

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