Diarrhea in adults and its treatment. Questions

Diarrhea is a rather unpleasant condition, and it can happen to absolutely anyone, and sometimes just when an important meeting is coming up or you need to urgently run to work. There are quite a lot of reasons causing it. And, of course, if loose stools are taken by surprise, everyone begins to frantically look for options to solve this delicate problem. How to stop diarrhea in an adult? Is it necessary to do this? What medications will help cope with unexpected loose stools?

Diarrhea is a pathological condition, the main symptom of which is frequent bowel movements, during which shapeless, liquid, almost watery feces are released. It also has another, more delicate and correct name - diarrhea. Diarrhea can be either one-time or it can torment a person several times in a row during the day or longer.

Attention! Diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 weeks is considered an acute form of diarrhea. And if it continues further, then most likely the condition has become chronic.

The main signs of diarrhea:

  • strong urge to defecate;
  • stool is liquid, almost watery;
  • symptoms such as vomiting and nausea may be present;
  • abdominal pain;
  • flatulence, rumbling;
  • under a certain condition – elevated temperature;
  • general weakness and lethargy.

Liquid stool is a natural way of protecting the body from the effects of poisonous or toxic substances that enter the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons:

  • eating low-quality or expired products;
  • eating junk food that has a high concentration of preservatives and dyes;
  • entry into the body of pathogens of infectious diseases;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • stress;
  • improper diet;
  • taking a number of medications;
  • eating food that is unusual for the body, new dishes;
  • the presence of various pathologies.

Important! When buying food, you should always buy the freshest and most natural products possible. It is better to refuse to buy products that will soon expire, even if they are offered at a very attractive price.

Table. Types of diarrhea.

FormCause
Infectious In this case, diarrhea is caused by representatives of pathogenic microflora that have entered the intestinal tract and are actively multiplying. They can get there with food or as a result of lack of personal hygiene.
Dyspeptic The form develops due to disturbances in the digestion of food, due to problems with the functioning of the liver, gastric secretion, etc.
Nutritional Such diarrhea can be triggered by allergic reactions of the body. It can be caused by eating unusual dishes, foods, and spices.
Toxic It develops against the background of toxic substances entering the body (for example, mercury and arsenic).
Medication It occurs as a result of taking a number of medications that have diarrhea in the list of side effects. It also develops while taking a large number of medications.
Neurogenic It is associated with the fact that a person experiences strong negative or positive experiences and fears. Often occurs in children.

On a note! Experts identify another form of diarrhea - traveler's diarrhea. It occurs in people who make long trips or hikes and is associated with violation of sanitary and hygienic standards. Bacteria that live in a certain area and are characteristic of it can cause diarrhea - the traveler’s body may not have the required degree of immunity to them.

General principles of treatment

As a rule, diarrhea, if it is not caused by an infection or a pathological condition of the body, goes away quite quickly on its own in adults. The main thing is that it does not drag on for a long time. However, you should not leave it unattended - it can cause dehydration. The general principles for treating the condition are as follows.


Video: Diarrhea (diarrhea). Causes, signs and symptoms.

Medicines

To eliminate toxic substances from the body and remove some pathogenic intestinal bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, doctors recommend the use of sorbents. These can be Enterosgel, activated carbon, Smecta, Biligin, Kaolin and other drugs. Activated carbon should be in every first aid kit, and it is also recommended to take it with you on the road.

Important! Sorbent drugs can remove not only harmful, but also beneficial substances from the body, and also smooth out the effect of other medications. Therefore, they should be taken along with other drugs with an interval of at least 2 hours. But modern remedies usually act selectively - they cleanse the body only of toxins.

If diarrhea was caused by long-term use of any medications, it is important to contact the doctor who prescribed them in order to discontinue them. The specialist will be able to recommend another remedy. If the cause of diarrhea is problems with the processes of absorption of nutrients in the intestines, the doctor will recommend taking enzyme preparations. This could be Creon, Pancreatin, Mezim, etc.

If diarrhea is accompanied by abdominal pain, then it is necessary to take antispasmodic drugs such as Drotaverine or No-Shpy. And to restore the intestinal microflora at the end of treatment, Lactobacterin, Linex, Hilak-Forte, Enterol, etc. are used.

If you need to stop the diarrhea itself as quickly as possible, doctors recommend using a drug such as Loperamide. It does its job perfectly, but it should not be taken if diarrhea is caused by an intestinal infection. They retain feces in the body, and in such a situation it is contraindicated.

If you want not only to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, but to get rid of the cause of its occurrence - an intestinal infection, then you need to take antimicrobial drugs, for example, Ecofuril. Its active ingredient, nifuroxazide, eliminates pathogens that cause intestinal infections, and the auxiliary substance lactulose (prebiotic) creates a nutrient medium in the intestine for the proliferation of its own beneficial microflora. Doctors recommend taking Ecofuril for 5-7 days. After finishing taking the drug, no additional course of pro- or prebiotics is required for recovery. The medicine for adults and children over 3 years of age is available in capsules.


Ecofuril allows you to get rid of one of the causes of diarrhea - intestinal infection

Traditional methods

There are many traditional medicine methods that alleviate diarrhea or eliminate it altogether. Most of them can be used without consulting a doctor. As a rule, the effect of their use is achieved within a couple of hours.

Perhaps this is the most popular and accessible way to combat diarrhea. In addition, it is one of those products that are classified as absolutely safe for the body. Rice broth envelops the intestines and does not allow gastric juice to negatively affect it, improves peristalsis, and helps the formation of feces. Due to the starch contained in rice cereal, the product has the ability to absorb excess liquid and thicken liquid feces. In addition, rice water perfectly eliminates flatulence and inhibits fermentation processes.

On a note! Rice water can be given even to children.

It’s easy to prepare: just boil a couple of teaspoons of rice soaked in cold water in a liter of boiling water. You need to cook for about 50 minutes. Next, the broth is cooled, filtered through a fine sieve and taken 150 ml every 3 hours.

Bird cherry is excellent for treating diarrhea if the latter did not develop against the background of infections. But you should not overuse the decoction - bird cherry contains amygdalin, which, when broken down in the body, produces hydrocyanic acid, which is classified as a poison. The decoction must be prepared according to a prescription and should not be drunk without consulting your doctor. Nursing mothers and pregnant women should not use it.

To prepare the decoction, use bird cherry berries washed with clean water (0.5 cups). They are poured with boiling water and placed in a water bath for 30 minutes. After this, the broth is infused for half an hour, covered with a lid. Next, you need to strain it and dilute it with blueberry juice in the same amount. You need to drink 1 tbsp every hour. l.

Dense, red, dry pomegranate peels, peeled from the white layer, are an excellent remedy. They contain about 30% tannins and are effective against diarrhea and almost any intestinal disorder. They are also capable of suppressing the pathogens of dysentery. However, the product has contraindications and requires consultation with a doctor before using it.

Dried pomegranate peels are ground to a powder, after which 1 tsp. This powder is poured with boiling water (1 tbsp.) and boiled in a water bath for 60 minutes, after which it is infused for 40 minutes. You need to take 1 tsp. about 4 times during the day until diarrhea disappears.

Blueberry

It turns out that this plant benefits not only the eyes, but also the gastrointestinal tract. Dried berries are used to eliminate diarrhea; fresh ones have the opposite effect and are used for constipation. Blueberries are rich in pectin and tannins, effective and safe. You can make decoctions, jelly, and compotes from dried blueberries.

Oak bark is an excellent remedy against inflammation; it fights pathogenic microorganisms, has an astringent effect, and is capable of combining with proteins to form a protective layer on the intestinal walls. It is also effective for diarrhea. You can make tinctures, decoctions, and enemas from oak bark.

Black pepper

The simplicity and availability of this remedy for diarrhea made it possible to make black peas, along with rice water, the most used folk method for treating loose stools. Black pepper normalizes digestive processes by activating the production of enzymes and gastric juice. It's easy to use: you need to take 10 pcs. peas and simply swallow them with water. But the remedy, unfortunately, has contraindications - pepper cannot be used for ulcers, anemia, inflammatory processes in the kidneys or urinary tract.

When to see a doctor

Adults usually cope with diarrhea on their own and quite quickly. But in some cases, a visit to the doctor is still necessary. You need to visit a specialist’s office if:

  • symptoms do not go away for a long time;
  • the intensity of diarrhea does not decrease;
  • severe pain is felt in the abdomen;
  • the patient has an elevated temperature;
  • severe dehydration occurs;
  • pallor of the skin is noted;
  • stool is very dark in color.

The doctor will definitely take a medical history to determine the duration of the period of diarrhea and try to find out its cause. Next, he will order a series of tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, the patient may be hospitalized according to indications.

Video: Deadly diarrhea

How to quickly get rid of diarrhea?

Step 1. The very first action for diarrhea should be to try to replenish fluid levels in the body. Diarrhea can seriously deplete its reserves in the body. You need to drink as much water and broth as possible. On this day, if possible, it is better to cancel all activities and lie down at home, not far from the toilet.

Step 2. You can try over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications.

Step 3. Analgesics should not be taken even if there is pain, without first consulting a doctor.

Talk to your doctor about analgesics in advance.

Step 4. You need to rest as much as possible, or better yet, sleep.

Step 5. If diarrhea persists throughout the day, you should consult a doctor the next day.

Step 6. If diarrhea is accompanied by severe pain and high fever, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Step 7 It is important to stop eating sweets, soda, and coffee. It is best to drink natural jelly.

Step 8 To avoid making your diarrhea worse, you should eat foods low in fiber. And for the first few hours it is better to completely fast.

Step 9 It is strictly forbidden to eat fatty foods and unhealthy foods.

Step 10 At the end of treatment, you need to eat foods rich in probiotics in order to restore the intestinal microflora.

Step 11 If the cause of diarrhea is an intestinal infection, then it is important to take all measures to cope with it.

Minimize stress

Video - How to get rid of diarrhea? Traditional methods

Diarrhea can dramatically change a person’s plans for the day and throw him off track. However, you can deal with it quickly if you know how. As a rule, all of the above remedies have a fairly quick effect, and as soon as the diarrhea subsides, you can return to your usual rhythm of life.

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is a pathological condition that is accompanied by frequent bowel movements of very thin, almost watery, feces. In this case, bowel movements can be single or multiple.

If diarrhea continues for 2-3 weeks, they speak of an acute form of diarrhea. If profuse diarrhea lasts longer than 3 weeks, then we are talking about a chronic form of diarrhea.

Diarrhea is the body's defense against viruses, bacteria and unfavorable microorganisms. However, with diarrhea, along with processed foods, a large amount of salts, water and nutrients are removed from the body, which inevitably leads to dehydration.

Types and causes of diarrhea

The occurrence of diarrhea in adults is due to a number of reasons. Depending on them, there are several types of diarrhea:

  • Infectious diarrhea is caused by toxic food infections, viral diarrhea, and dysentery.
  • Nutritional diarrhea is caused by allergic reactions to various foods.
  • dyspeptic diarrhea appears due to improper digestion of foods, dysfunction of the liver glands, lack of secretions in the stomach, and the release of negative enzymes by the small intestine.
  • drug-induced diarrhea is the result of the use of an excessive amount of drugs during treatment and their negative effect on the body.
  • toxic diarrhea occurs after arsenic or mercury poisoning.
  • neurogenic diarrhea is caused by strong emotional experiences, fears, fear of various phenomena and circumstances.

An adult can easily, without any special consequences, suffer from diarrhea that does not have a long course. Diarrhea, which continues over a long period of time, causes exhaustion of the body, heartburn, constant rumbling in the stomach, and tenesmus.

Treating diarrhea in adults at home

Regardless of the causes of diarrhea, there are a number of general rules that get rid of it.

In the first hours after the appearance of loose stools, the patient should completely refuse food. And only when it becomes unbearable to endure hunger, during diarrhea it is recommended to drink large quantities of herbal or black tea, bird cherry decoction or blueberry jelly with dry cookies or white bread croutons.

A little later, the diet is replenished with slimy porridges cooked in water without oil and salt, vegetable purees, boiled and pureed meat and low-fat fish. A decoction of white rice has a good astringent effect.

During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to exclude from the patient's diet raw vegetables and fruits, fried and fatty foods, spices, dairy products, alcohol, coffee, sweets, as well as anything that can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract of the body.

A self-prepared glucose-salt solution will help to replenish the water-salt balance when treating diarrhea at home: 1 tsp per 1 liter of water. salt, 1/2 tsp. soda, ¼ tbsp. potassium chloride, 4 tbsp. Sahara. You can also use ready-made drugs - Citroglucosolan, Regidron.

For infectious diarrhea, as well as for irritable bowel syndrome, sorbents are used to reduce flatulence and remove toxins, bacteria, gas and liquid from the intestines. Drugs in this group include: Activated carbon, Kaolin, Calcium Gluconate and Carbonate, Cholestyramine, Smecta, Attapulgite, Bismuth salts, Bilignin, Polyphepan.

However, it must be remembered that all of the above drugs also have a binding effect on medications. Therefore, the gap between taking sorbents and other medications should not be less than 2 hours.

In these cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Indomethacin) are used. Antibacterial drugs help restore the normal state of intestinal microflora.

If diarrhea is caused by the use of excessive amounts of antibiotics against the background of a pre-existing disease, then the attending physician should either discontinue this drug or replace it with a safer one.

In cases where diarrhea is associated with impaired absorption and cavity digestion, the patient is prescribed enzymes. Preference is given to drugs that do not contain bile acids (Mezim-Forte, Pancreatin, Pancitrate, Creon).

Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults in the first days after its onset, especially if it is accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting, is carried out with the help of drugs that reduce intestinal motility:

  • antispasmodics (No-Shpa, Papaverine);
  • anticholinergics (Platifillin, Atropine).

In both acute and chronic diarrhea, the obligate intestinal microflora undergoes changes that lead to the loss of its functional abilities. To restore normal digestion and absorption use:

  • preparations containing obligate intestinal flora (Lactobacterin, Narine, Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Acylact);
  • preparations containing particles of intestinal microorganisms (Hilak-Forte);
  • drugs that contain transient microflora (Baktisubtil, Enterol).

Treatment with folk remedies

The most popular traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea in adults include:

  • thick jelly cooked in water;
  • black hot peppercorns;
  • chamomile decoction;
  • chopped chicken gizzards;
  • starch diluted in water;
  • cereals;
  • decoction of oak bark;
  • pomegranate peels.

The effect of using these remedies can be achieved within 2-3 hours, although in some cases the expected relief comes much later.

How to stop diarrhea in an adult at home

Diarrhea is a rather unpleasant condition that causes discomfort to everyone who has it. Elimination of the causes that caused it and consistent treatment is mandatory and urgent. However, everyone wants to instantly get rid of annoying trips to the toilet.

Medicines such as Lopedium and Loperamide will help stop acute intestinal disorders within half an hour.

You can quickly stop diarrhea in an adult with the help of decoctions of medicinal herbs that have astringent properties (painting oak) and relieve pain and cramps in the abdomen (barberry spinosa).

Self-treatment of diarrhea is quite possible. But with prolonged duration of diarrhea, high temperature, the appearance of mucus and bloody streaks in the stool, dark tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, it is simply necessary to seek medical help.


- This is a human condition in which frequent bowel movements are observed, while the stool is watery. This condition is dangerous because it can lead to dehydration. Diarrhea can be caused by infections of the digestive tract, poor diet, stress, and drug poisoning.

The disease can also be caused by the presence of worms or intestinal dysbiosis. It is worth carefully monitoring the frequency of stool, paying attention to its smell (sour, putrid), color (gray, white), and the admixture of blood.

There are several types of stool disorders; to determine them, there are specific characteristics that, in fact, distinguish this symptom from the norm.

Clear criteria and differences between them are given in the table:

The data presented in the table requires a little clarification, since the boundaries of normality and pathology are individual for each person. All generally accepted physiological indicators are averaged, combining a fairly wide spread. First of all, it is worth clarifying the indicator of the number of daily bowel movements. For some people it ranges from once every 2-3 days to 3-4 times a day. The same applies to the consistency of feces, which can be from liquid-mushy to solid-formed.

The most important thing when assessing these characteristics of bowel movements is their duration. If they occur over a long period of time (long months and years), without causing any negative manifestations in a person, then there is no need to worry, since such characteristics are individual. This is not diarrhea.

The situation is completely different with other characteristics of the stool, such as odor and the presence of impurities. Their change always indicates diarrhea. Moreover, from time to time, by their appearance, one can clearly determine its origin. Therefore, it is so important to always pay attention to feces, because they indicate the state of digestion and the health of the body as a whole.

Diarrhea is a pathological symptom that is characterized by an increase in the number of bowel movements or the appearance of liquid stool, which was not observed until a certain point. It is almost always accompanied by the presence of various impurities in the stool.

Causes of diarrhea in adults


Diarrhea is a consequence of improper functioning of the intestinal tract: the digestive process accelerates, and this leads to dilution of stool and frequent bowel movements.

As a rule, the cause is viral or bacterial infections or food poisoning. Typically, the causative agents of diarrhea are Escherichia coli and salmonella bacteria; they can be in food or water. Diarrhea, which is caused by a bacterial infection, most often affects tourists when traveling to exotic countries. It’s not for nothing that this type of disease is sometimes called “tourist’s diarrhea.”

Diarrhea can be caused by simplex or viruses, as well as taking antibiotics.

Another cause of diarrhea can be ulcerative diarrhea. It also causes severe diarrhea, but colitis is detected very late and, as a rule, during an internal examination of the intestines.

Considering the close contact of the digestive system with the external environment and internal systems of the body, one can safely notice its persistent dependence on them. That's why she gets sick so often. Most often, any irritation or disruption in normal functioning is manifested by increased motor skills, mucus secretion, and ultimately diarrhea.

A complete list of causes of diarrhea is given below:

Viral infections

Bacterial infections

    Gallstone disease with impaired bile outflow;

    Enzymopathies;

    Congenital intolerance to certain foods;

Intestinal diseases

    Nonspecific ulcerative colitis;

    Crohn's disease;

    Whipple's disease;

Tumor growths

  1. Adenocarcinomas;

    Diverticula complicated by inflammation;

Autoimmune diseases

    Intestinal damage due to lupus erythematosus;

    Atopic dermatitis and allergic reactions;

Intoxication

    Nitrate poisoning;

    Heavy metals;

    Pesticide;

    Household chemicals;

Drug influences

    Antibiotics;

    Cytostatics;

    Overdose of laxatives;

    Anticholinesterase agents and prokinetics;

Gastrointestinal bleeding

    Small intestinal bleeding;

    Colonic bleeding;

Diarrhea after taking antibiotics

This is due to the fact that it is caused by iatrogenic (medical) influences, which are initially designed to help a person. They are very common and can cause serious illness and even death. First of all, this concerns the side effects of antibacterial therapy, which causes, and subsequently pseudomembranous colitis. The peculiarity of the latter complication is that it is very difficult to correct by any methods, accompanied by debilitating diarrhea.

No less important are infectious diarrheas of bacterial and viral origin. They occur more often than others, but fortunately, they end well in most cases. This is due to the body's ability to ultimately defeat aggressive pathogens, since they are natural components of nature. The same cannot be said about those caused by toxic influences and other external influences. They, being unnatural, cannot be overcome only by protective immune mechanisms without outside influence.

As for the mechanisms of diarrhea, they can also be different. Which one is included depends on the cause of the diarrhea. The most typical pathogenetic mechanisms and their corresponding causes are presented in the table.


Usually, with diarrhea, there is not only one mechanism for its implementation. Their combination with the predominance of one over the others is typical.

Types of diarrhea


    Infectious diarrhea observed with dysentery, salmonellosis, food infections, viral diseases (viral diarrhea), etc.

    Alimentary diarrhea occur due to poor nutrition or allergies to any foods.

    Dyspeptic diarrhea occur when the digestion of food masses is impaired due to secretory insufficiency of the stomach, pancreas, or insufficient secretion of any enzymes by the small intestine.

    Toxic diarrhea accompanies mercury and arsenic poisoning.

    Drug-induced diarrhea occurs when the physiological intestinal flora is suppressed and dysbiosis develops.

    Neurogenic diarrhea are the result of a violation of the nervous regulation of intestinal motor activity (for example, diarrhea that occurs under the influence of excitement or fear).

Mild and short-lived diarrhea has virtually no effect on the general condition of a person. Severe or chronic - depletes the body, leads to hypovitaminosis, significant changes in organs.

Diarrhea symptoms


Clinical manifestations of diarrhea are usually characterized by a standard set of complaints and objective examination data. For some of its types, there are specific distinctive features that can be used to accurately determine the specific nature of the disease. But it also happens that even additional laboratory and instrumental data do not always turn out to be informative. In order not to miss anything, you need to be very attentive to everything that happens to the body, accompanying diarrhea.

High temperature with diarrhea

It is noted by many patients as an additional symptom. Its development is characteristic of many types of diarrhea. First of all, this concerns microbial (viral and bacterial) types. After all, any penetration of foreign protein structures into immune cells causes the production of antibodies, which is accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators and a temperature reaction.

Considering that the intestines are one of the most powerful immune organs, its occurrence should not be surprising. On the contrary, when a person has signs of an infectious intestinal disease, but there is no fever, this indicates the presence of immunodeficiency. As for its specific values, they depend on the pathogenicity of the microbe and the reactivity of the body and can range from 37.1°C to above 39°C.

Nausea and vomiting with diarrhea

Nausea is by far the most common symptom of diarrhea of ​​any origin. There is a logical explanation for this. After all, disruption of the normal movement of food and feces through the intestines necessarily leads to their incorrect reflux in the opposite direction.

In addition, intoxication that occurs against the background of any intestinal catastrophe necessarily leads to the absorption of these toxic products into the systemic bloodstream with their distribution to all organs and tissues. The first to react to them is the vomiting center of the brain, which clinically manifests itself in the form of nausea followed by nausea. By the way, the last reflex act is one of the most physiological mechanisms for cleansing the body of toxins of any origin.

Abdominal pain

It is always a consequence of increased intestinal motility. As a rule, it is spastic, strong and intense. It is characterized by a paroxysmal course with periods of sharp intensification with gradual subsidence and complete cessation. Usually after or during a painful attack there is a urge to defecate, which is manifested by severe diarrhea.

The appearance of pain is characteristic of almost all types of diarrhea, but most often occurs with microbial types and food poisoning. All other types of it are accompanied by discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Rotten belching with diarrhea

It occurs as a primary symptom or gradually against the background of diarrhea. In the first case, when it precedes diarrhea, its appearance indicates enzymatic insufficiency of the pancreas, stomach and biliary system.

As a result of the fact that the food entering the body is not digested, it rots. This eventually results in the formation of foul-smelling gases that emanate from the stomach by. Naturally, undigested particles entering the intestines cause irritation and diarrhea. When rotten belching occurs against the background of diarrhea, this is a consequence of secondary digestive disorders caused by the underlying disease and indicates its progression.

Color of diarrhea in an adult

An experienced clinician can determine the origin of diarrhea by the color and typical characteristics of liquid stool. In this case, it is necessary to add up the remaining symptoms. This will make it possible to understand and clarify some details of the origin of the true culprit of diarrhea.

Green diarrhea

Characteristic exclusively for bacterial and viral intestinal lesions. The appearance of greenery is associated with the direct accumulation of leukocytes in the feces, as well as the active proliferation of pyogenic coccal flora (staphylococci) against the background of weakened local immune mechanisms in the intestines.

Clinically, it looks like liquid stool of heterogeneous consistency with small greenish inclusions or thickly coated and mixed with viscous green mucus. Typically, such diarrhea is accompanied by a severe hyperthermic reaction, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, signs of severe intoxication and inflammatory changes in the blood system.

Yellow diarrhea

It is one of its most favorable types, since most often it is caused by increased peristalsis (contraction) of the intestine. As a result of the acceleration of the movement of feces, they do not have time to fully form into a normal shape and consistency. But at the same time, they undergo almost complete enzymatic processing and partial absorption of the active components into the bloodstream. The result is stool of normal color, but liquid consistency. Characteristically, there are no additional symptoms except for minor pain and heaviness in the abdomen.

Black diarrhea (dark in color)

Refers to very formidable or, conversely, natural symptoms. First of all, it’s worth focusing on it as a threatening sign. The appearance of stool that is black, like tar or tar, can indicate only one thing - bleeding from the stomach. The appearance of this particular color is due to the destruction of erythrocyte hemoglobin under the influence of hydrochloric acid of the stomach. In this case, hydrochloric acid hematin is formed, which provides the characteristic color. In such situations, you should not waste a minute and urgently seek medical help.

The second situation, as a result of which black feces may appear, is the consumption of foods based on animal blood (bloodweed), large amounts, or certain medications (activated carbon, bismuth preparations - vikalin, de-nol). It is this fact that often causes people to seek medical help. The differential diagnostic criterion for the origin of black diarrhea is the presence of a corresponding history of use of the listed substances or a decrease in hemodynamic parameters (,) in the case of gastrointestinal bleeding.

White diarrhea (light in color)

Along with black feces, it is one of the most specific, characterizing only one reason for its appearance. In this case, it is insufficient processing of food masses in the intestines with bile. This is possible when the common bile duct is compressed or blocked by a tumor or stone.

In typical cases, such diarrhea is necessarily accompanied by yellowness of the skin and severe darkening of the urine. Pain, temperature reaction and dehydration are not typical. It is often of a mild nature, occurring only a few times, after which the white color of the stool remains with its normal consistency.

Diarrhea with blood

The most dangerous of all types of diarrhea, since it indicates ongoing active bleeding into the cavity of the intestinal tract. Usually characteristic of disintegrating tumors of the large intestine, severe intestinal infections, which result in complete destruction of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall.

Sometimes the appearance of bloody diarrhea can be a consequence of the toxic effects of various chemical compounds and poisons on the intestines. Bloody diarrhea may not be represented by pure blood, but by liquid, dark cherry-colored stool. In this case, we can say with confidence that the source of bleeding is located in the right half of the large intestine.

Diarrhea with mucus

This characteristic alone cannot determine the true origin of diarrhea. After all, mucus can be completely different and released in different quantities. Its transparent appearance is a sign of a relatively favorable course, which may be due to foodborne illness and mild poisoning. When the mucus becomes greenish, brown or bloody, this always indicates severe diarrhea or lack of effect from its treatment.

Water diarrhea

In any scientific manual or regular women's health magazine, you can find only one answer to the question about watery stools. This is of course cholera. The causative agent of the disease is designed in such a way that when it enters the intestines, it turns on all possible mechanisms of diarrhea, which is manifested by the indomitable release of water instead of feces. The most interesting thing is that the temperature rises extremely rarely. But the number of bowel movements is so large that patients are unable to count them. As a result, severe dehydration occurs, which requires immediate correction through massive infusion therapy.

Treatment of diarrhea in adults

Only those who can clearly determine its nature and mechanism of occurrence can treat diarrhea correctly and effectively. The table below should help you navigate these issues a little.

Treatment of diarrhea should not be a one-component treatment. It is necessary to correctly combine different drugs, focusing on the group of drugs that influence the cause of its occurrence.

Type of diarrhea

Basic groups of drugs

Infectious

    Antibiotics;

    Intestinal antiseptics;

    Slowing down peristalsis;

    Sorbents;

    Enzymes;

Enzymatic

Replacement therapy with enzyme preparations

Intestinal diseases

    Antibiotics;

    Specific anti-inflammatory intestinal drugs;

    Glucocorticoid hormones;

Bleeding

    Antiulcer drugs;

    Hemostatics;

Intoxication

    Gastric lavage and enemas;

    Sorbents;

    Motor normalizers;

Diarrhea after antibiotics

    Antifungal;

    Sorbents;

    Probiotics;

Diet for diarrhea in adults

The issue of nutrition for any disease of the digestive system should be given special attention. Especially with diarrhea. In general terms, it is worth saying that you should not eat rough, fried, fatty, smoked foods. Everything should be light, well digestible and not burden the already busy intestines. He must simultaneously rest and provide the body with the most necessary substances for life. The water regime must be adjusted with the consumption of a sufficient amount of liquid in any form.


The given power supply diagram is indicative only. Nutrition for diarrhea depends on the intensity of diarrhea, the form and stage of the disease that led to its occurrence. Naturally, in the first hours and even days after the problem occurs, it is better to abstain from food altogether, with the exception of sweetened tea and various liquids. This approach will provide trophism to the affected intestinal cells and will not have an irritating effect on them. Gradually, the volume of nutrition is expanded, introducing permitted foods as the condition stabilizes.

As for the method of cooking, it should be exclusively boiled or stewed. It is best to cook non-rich soups, porridges, mashed potatoes, steamed cutlets and meatballs. Various jelly and jellies made from permitted fruits are suitable. When the intensity of diarrhea decreases, you can add half a soft-boiled egg and a little butter to your diet for seasoning soup or porridge. Gradually, the diet expands with the transition to a normal, habitual diet.

You should not break the diet for any type of diarrhea, since it is not only preventive, but also therapeutic. You should not sharply expand your dietary regimen during the recovery stage after relieving an acute period of diarrhea.

Education: Moscow State Medical and Dental University (1996). In 2003, he received a diploma from the educational and scientific medical center for the administration of the President of the Russian Federation.



Vomiting and diarrhea in an adult is a rather unpleasant condition that may indicate various diseases.

This condition not only worsens the quality of life, it can cause pain, weakness in the body and muscles, and sometimes even threatens death.

As a rule, diarrhea with vomiting indicates intoxication of the body, and can be added to by an increase in temperature.

Causes

If diarrhea with vomiting suddenly appears in adults, then this is a sign that the body begins to defend itself and tries to get rid of pathogenic bacteria and toxins that enter the body.

In some cases, symptoms of the condition may indicate causes that are caused by serious illnesses, as well as changes in the mucous membrane and walls of the intestines or stomach.

There are reasons that most often appear in an adult:

  1. Common food poisoning resulting from eating spoiled food.
  2. Abuse of products, resulting in overeating. Diarrhea may occur after heavy consumption of fatty foods. In this case, the body does not have enough enzymes to process food.
  3. Bactericidal infection. This reason may include salmonellosis, dysentery or cholera.
  4. Viral infection, which includes rotavirus, as well as hepatitis.
  5. Gastrointestinal diseases, for example, gastritis, ulcers.
  6. Inflammatory processes that occur in the pancreas in adults.
  7. Vomiting and diarrhea can be diagnosed with cholecystitis, enterocolitis.
  8. Adults who work in factories and other places where chemicals are used may be exposed to poisons or toxins, resulting in vomiting and loose stools.

It is worth noting that vomiting and diarrhea are not the only symptoms; in some cases, nausea and fever appear.

If there is nausea, but no temperature is observed, then the reasons may be banal overeating or mild poisoning. This condition can go away on its own and doctor’s treatment in this case is not required.

With diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, and without fever, the cause may be irritable bowel syndrome, which appears due to frequent stress, anxiety and worry.

Treatment of this condition is carried out with the help of a psychologist, as well as the use of sedatives.

With the addition of temperature, the reasons also change and may indicate serious illnesses, since the adult’s body begins to connect additional means of defense, namely immunity.

The body tries to cope with the disease using all methods, and the person develops a feeling of weakness. This condition may indicate ulcers, pancreatitis or gastritis.

If the temperature reaches 38 degrees or more, then the causes may be malignant tumors. If this is the case, then diarrhea and vomiting are accompanied by severe pain.

First aid

When an adult experiences nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms, first aid measures will be required.

To do this, you will need to call a doctor so that he can accurately determine the causes of the disorder and prescribe quality treatment. If you can’t call an ambulance, you can provide first aid yourself.

When diarrhea and vomiting are so severe that they cannot be tolerated, then you must definitely call an ambulance. In this case, even if the nausea and weakness are very strong, it is forbidden to use medications.

They can not only cause harm, but also will not show the exact picture to the doctor, so he will not be able to properly diagnose.

If the cause is poisoning and there is 100% confidence in this, then you can immediately do a gastric lavage.

At home, it is enough to drink a lot of water or make a light solution of potassium permanganate and take it orally, after which you need to provoke vomiting artificially.

Treatment with medications

Depending on the cause, different treatments may be used for diarrhea and vomiting.

The basic rules are:

  1. It is prohibited to use medications for diarrhea that can affect intestinal activity, for example, Imodium, Loperamide, without the permission of doctors. This is due to the fact that all symptoms relate to natural factors due to which the body cleanses itself. If you try to stop this cleansing, toxins may begin to enter the bloodstream, which may result in complications.
  2. If weakness, vomiting and diarrhea appear, then sorbents can be used initially. In this case, it is allowed to use regular activated carbon or take stronger agents, for example, Smecta, Enterosgel, Sorbex and others.
  3. If weakness and nausea appear, but it is not possible to use sorbents, it is recommended to do an enema.
  4. If vomiting and diarrhea are severe and continue for a long time, then a loss of nutrients occurs and fluid quickly comes out, and dehydration is possible. To prevent this problem, you need to drink a lot of water, or it is better to treat with a solution called “Regidron”.
  5. Diarrhea and vomiting caused by a lack of enzymes in the body or overeating are eliminated with the help of Mezim and Festal tablets.
  6. Diarrhea and diarrhea due to bacterial infection require treatment with antibiotics as well as antimicrobial agents. In this case, self-treatment is strictly prohibited, since dysbacteriosis may occur if mistakes are made or medications are chosen incorrectly. For an adult, Nifuroxazide can be used for treatment.
  7. If vomiting occurs frequently, you will need to drink more water in order to reduce the load on the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting can stop in an adult if you take Diazepam or Metoclopramide.

Separate treatment is necessary for an adult who becomes weak and whose temperature increases to 38-39 degrees.

This condition indicates inflammation in the body and it is not always necessary to use medications to bring down the temperature.

It is allowed to bring down the temperature, which becomes closer to 39 degrees, and if the temperature still rises, then you must definitely call an ambulance.

An adult should be placed on a bed and wiped with a damp towel until the doctor arrives, and also given the Regidron solution to drink.

Folk remedies

Diarrhea and vomiting can be treated with other methods using traditional medicine recipes. Some remedies can relieve many additional symptoms and also significantly improve your health.

To treat with folk remedies, you can use the following methods:

  1. If intestinal spasms and other pain occur, you should prepare a chamomile-based decoction and drink it instead of tea.
  2. With the onset of fever and chills, a person should be treated with linden or cranberry tea. Rosehip decoction helps a lot. Sweating occurs when drinking, which is great for temperature and can reduce fever.
  3. Fennel infusion relieves diarrhea and pain well. It can normalize digestive function. The infusion should be taken 3-4 times a day in small portions.
  4. It is excellent to treat disorders and poor conditions with regular ginger tea. But you don't need to drink it in cups. To treat diarrhea and other symptoms, it is enough to drink 1 tbsp.

After this use, the patient stops vomiting and nausea decreases.

It is possible to treat diarrhea and vomiting using traditional medicine, but it is recommended to use it as additional measures.

Such means can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition without the use of medications, as well as quickly recover from illness.

Nutrition rules

In addition to using folk remedies and medications for diarrhea and vomiting, it is necessary to use some rules for nutrition and care. To feel relief a person needs:

  1. Change your diet during treatment and use special diets. When you have diarrhea, you need to eat foods that are easily digestible and do not irritate or burden the intestines and stomach. It is recommended to use low-fat kefir, crackers instead of bread, a decoction based on rice, vegetables, as well as light meat broths, which are prepared from low-fat varieties of chicken.
  2. Meals should be frequent and in small portions. It is very important not to overeat in this state.
  3. During treatment, you need to eat more fastening porridges, which are made with water without adding oil or other products. Lean fish and meat are allowed and it is better to steam, oven or boil them.
  4. The drinking regime must be observed. Adults should drink 2-3 liters of water per day.
  5. When there is a fever, you need to wipe the face and body of patients with a damp towel, and also regularly ventilate the room so that fresh, cool air comes in.
  6. In case of constant vomiting, it is necessary to rinse the mouth. To do this, prepare a decoction or infusion of mint and chamomile.

But only a doctor should determine the cause of the disease. Making a diagnosis on your own can be challenging.

You should definitely consult a doctor if symptoms do not go away within 2-3 days. In some cases, a doctor is needed immediately if there is blood in the stool or vomit.

Useful video

Diarrhea is a common symptom in children and adults. Almost every person has experience of indigestion. Severe diarrhea poses a serious danger to the body. It is important to take action in time to prevent unwanted symptoms. What helps, how to treat, when to go to an ambulance - these and other basic issues are covered in the article.

Diarrhea (the medical term for diarrhea) is a disturbance in the normal functioning of the stomach. It is believed that the body cleanses itself of pathogenic microorganisms in this way. Causes of diarrhea:

  • Frequent stressful situations (neurogenic);
  • Occurs when the central nervous system is disrupted;
  • Food poisoning;
  • Diarrhea (dyspepsia) occurs due to changes in climatic conditions and usual diet;
  • Intestinal inflammation;
  • Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspeptic diarrhea);
  • Cancer, ;
  • Diverticulosis;
  • Chronic, acute gastritis;
  • Viral;
  • Types of diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract);
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the normal metabolic process is disrupted. This causes stomach upset.

There are four known mechanisms that lead to diarrhea. They arise individually or intersect with each other. Types of diarrhea:

  1. Diarrhea associated with intestinal dysfunction;
  2. Secretory;
  3. Osmotic;
  4. Exudative.

There is a clinical characteristic: diarrhea with severe dehydration, moderate, without dehydration.

Different types of bacterial diseases, viral infection can cause the above mechanisms, leading to stomach upset. Sometimes the cause is medications: antibiotics, antacids (anti-inflammatory drugs), diuretics (decongestants), anticonvulsants.

Excessive alcohol consumption, food allergies, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (enlarged thyroid gland) disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Severe diarrhea is a defense mechanism. The body releases harmful substances that cause inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa. Liquid stool performs a cleaning function. Therefore, it is not recommended to immediately take pills to stop diarrhea. It is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and replenish your body with nutrients and trace elements.

Symptoms of diarrhea

The main signs of diarrhea include:

  • Bloating;
  • Feeling of discomfort in the stomach after eating;
  • Increased gas formation appears;
  • Abdominal pain;
  • Frequent gastric emptying;
  • Watery stools (may be odorless, mixed with bile, blood clots);
  • Feeling of nausea, vomiting;
  • Severe weakness, poor appetite;
  • Periodic dizziness.

Diarrhea is not a disease, but a concomitant symptom of a number of health complications. The gastric tract cannot cope with the digestion process.

  • Long-term indigestion removes beneficial elements from the body along with harmful substances. It is necessary to normalize the water-salt balance of the body. To do this, it is recommended to take more fluid. The water may be slightly salted. Salt retains fluid in the body. Pharmacies sell rehydration solutions (Regidron, Reosolan). They compensate for lost water and microelements.
  • Maintain bed rest. With a large loss of fluid, due to dehydration, a person may experience dark vision and dizziness. A constant feeling of thirst signals dehydration. You need to urgently contact an ambulance.
  • Stick to the diet menu. After pork, nausea and indigestion are again possible. It is important to replenish the body with nutrients to prevent depletion.
  • Avoid foods that cause gas or have a laxative effect. Half an hour before meals, it is permissible to take prebiotics, which restore stomach function. The diet must be followed throughout the recovery period. You will need to adhere to proper nutrition not only after the symptoms have disappeared.

If you experience only loose stools, without other symptoms, you are allowed to try to cope on your own. An adult can cope with the first signs of diarrhea, but if it worsens during the day, seek medical help.

Preventive measures

The main prevention of diarrhea is a healthy lifestyle and hygiene. Adviсe:

  • Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating (unexpected loose stools are often caused by dirty food).
  • Watch your diet, avoid overeating and spoiled foods.
  • Lead an active lifestyle.
  • Get tested for gastrointestinal diseases once a year.

Watch your diet, well-being, lifestyle and be healthy!