 |
|
|||||||||
Jun 04, 2006
Diagnosis: Chronic Diarrhea
by SirGan
 Diarrhea is one specific and very common disorder characterized by an increase in the amount, frequency, and wateriness of bowel movements. Although normally the colon can absorb several times more fluid than is required on a daily basis, this condition occurs when the colon’s capacity is significantly exceeded. Usually, diarrhea is not some so serious symptoms which means it occurs more than three times in one day, may last a day or two, and then goes away on its own. There are two types- acute and chronic! Acute diarrhea lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Chronic diarrhea is an ongoing problem, lasting for longer than 23 weeks. Unlike the acute type, for a healthy person chronic diarrhea may be a nuisance problem, but for someone who has a weak immune system, a life-threatening illness.
Mechanism of the conditionMechanism is well studied and experts are saying that the real cause of diarrhea are osmotic substances! These substances with osmotic properties are capable of drawing water to the intestine. They are present in the stool, forcing water from the intestines to be excreted, resulting looser stools. Bloating and flatulence often occur.
Possible causes of chronic diarrheaSeveral studies done in the past have shown that there are many causes of diarrhea. What's good about it? In most cases, changes in bowel habits characteristic to diarrhea are short lived and clear up on its own. Whenever diarrhea lasts more than two or three weeks, medical help and advising is generally recommended. Some of the most common reasons are:
It is well known fact that most people have experienced diarrhea after certain foods that have eat. Different types of food cause different diarrhea patterns! For example many people are intolerant of milk and milk products so that even small amounts of the milk sugar lactose can cause diarrhea and some other have low tolerance for hot pepper. It is proven that also large amounts of fatty foods cause the diarrhea problem in other people. It is proven also that some sugars can cause diarrhea. The artificial sugar sorbitol, which is normally used as a sweetener and often used to sweeten diet gums and candies but it is proven that some of its ingredients could have properties that can cause diarrhea! Mannitol is another sweet substance frequently found with sorbitol. FoodChemical LaxativesAlthough sometimes laxatives couldn’t be avoided and they could be even recommended, many people become dependent on them early in life and use them on a daily basis.
Prescription DrugsEvery person should know that if a change in bowel habit occurred after taking some new drug, never mind for what it is- that could be the possible cause of diarrhea and the physician should be contacted. It is well known that antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can develop up to one month after taking antibiotics.
There are many different bacteria and many viruses and other infectious agents that find their way into our bodies and cause diarrhea! One of the most serious bacterial infections that can cause diarrhea is salmonella infection! It is rather serious and require medical evaluation. Salmonella commonly comes from contaminated poultry. Other bacteria that can cause diarrhea are: Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Listeria onocytogenes, Shigella…
InfectionThere are also some parasites, such as amoeba and giardia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica that attack the intestines and cause diarrhea! Virus infection is probably the most common cause of short term diarrhea and, fortunately, it usually clears up on its own. Most common viral infections related to diarrhea are HIV, rotavirus, Norwalk agent…
Traveler's DiarrheaThis is the very common and very specific condition that is for always observed as a separate condition! It is now proven that the cause of traveler's diarrhea is a toxic bacterium called Escherichia Coli. What's good about this? This infection can often be prevented by avoiding fresh, uncooked produce and fruits. It comes also all the non-bottled beverages.
Certain DiseasesSeveral researches have proven that there are certain intestinal disorders that can cause chronic diarrhea. These include ulcerative and microscopic colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and even colon cancer. Diabetes, thyroid and other endocrine diseases also cause diarrhea in most of the cases. There is no need to point out that these are all serious diseases that require careful medical attention and treatment.
Stress and Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable bowel syndrome is a problem that occurs when the intestines, especially the colon do not contract in a smooth, rhythmic manner. It is characterized with abdominal pain, distention, and stool with mucous. Sometimes there is alternating constipation and diarrhea. It is proven that emotional stress often aggravates these symptoms.
MalabsorptionBecause certain foods cannot be absorbed properly- they are passed into the stool, resulting in diarrhea in an attempt to excrete them. Besides diarrhea, symptoms include weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. Causes include bacterial overgrowth, chronic pancreatitis, previous intestinal resections, and lymphatic obstruction.
Motility disordersIt occurs as a result of too rapid a transit of intestinal materials, allowing insufficient time for food and water to be absorbed.
Food allergiesThe fact is that true food allergies are rare as a cause of chronic diarrhea and persons allergic to some foods such as strawberries or shellfish experience only a short-lived intestinal upset.
Symptoms of chronic diarrheaThe main symptom of diarrhea is frequent, loose, watery bowel movements, or stools. Other possible symptoms are:
DehydratationWhen diarrhea continues without the replacement of lost fluids, patient is high risk of becoming dehydrated, which can cause serious health problems, especially in children and the elderly. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dry eyes, infrequent urination, and urine with a dark color and strong odor and fever, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, in more serious cases.
Who is at risk for chronic diarrhea?It is reasonable that persons with severely weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS, or some that are taking certain types of chemotherapy, who have recently received an organ transplant, are at greater risk of developing problems with chronic diarrhea.
Diagnosis of chronic diarrheaBad thing about diarrhea is that diagnosis may be difficult and requires from a doctor to take a careful history and perform a physical exam. There are several test that could be done in order to confirm the diagnosis and the most common are:
Complete blood count, thyroid function tests, Electrolytes, Calcium, Phosphorus, albumin, and liver function tests are commonly used. Beta-carotene and Prothrombin time may be helpful.
Treatment of chronic diarrheaThe fact is that the treatment of diarrhea depends upon the cause.
Medications:
How is chronic diarrhea spread?Every patient and all the persons that come in the contact with them should know that chronic diarrhea caused by an infection can be spread by drinking water or eating food contaminated with stool. This means that every close contact with a person who has diarrhea may also spread infection. The fact is also that chronic diarrhea not caused by an infection is not spread to other people.
How can chronic diarrhea be prevented?There are some tips which can reduce the chance of getting infection and they are:
|
|
|
Article sources
|
