Diarrhea is a worldwide problem. It causes significant ill health and many people die. The situation is worse in poor countries. Even in developed countries diarrhea causes significant illness and death.
Diarrheal diseases have been a scourge to humanity throughout recorded history all over the world. Infections are estimated to account for three to four billion cases of diarrhea each year, and up to 4.3 million deaths in children under the age of five years, says an article in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology.
Diarrhea means loose, watery stools and abdominal cramps. Frequency of bowel movements may vary in each case.
Management of diarrhea depends on whether it is acute or chronic.
Acute diarrhea is unpleasant and almost everyone experiences at one time or another. The loose stools usually last a few days.
Most common causes of acute diarrhea are due to infections:
-Viruses: Rotavirus and adenovirus are common examples in young children. Direct contact easily spreads viral diarrhea.
-Bacteria and parasites: Parasites such as Giardia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea. Certain bacteria like campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and E. coli can cause diarrhea. The source of infection is contaminated food or water.
-Diarrhea can also be side effect of many medications, particularly antibiotics.
-Travelers diarrhea can occur in 20 to 50 percent of travelers to tropical countries. Eighty percent of travelers diarrhea is due to bacterial infection.
Chronic diarrhea lasts much longer than acute diarrhea. Diarrhea lasting four weeks would probably be considered chronic but six to eight weeks would provide a better distinction.
The prevalence of chronic diarrhea in the United States seems to be approximately five percent.
It can be a sign of a serious disorder like chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease or poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption). It may be due to a less serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Other causes of diarrhea are: Lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products, artificial sweeteners, sorbitol and mannitol, found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products can cause diarrhea.
There are many more causes of chronic diarrhea. They cannot all be mentioned here. To name few more: dumping syndrome, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, antacids, alcohol use and diabetes.
In one study, 30 percent of the patients a definite cause of diarrhea was found. In 20 percent of the patients the cause was found to be in laxative and diuretic abuse. In 50 percent of the patients no specific diagnoses was made. They were given the diagnoses of functional or idiopathic diarrhea.
Most significant complication of diarrhea is dehydration – as suggested by excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be dangerous especially in children and the elderly. One should seek immediate medical help.
Viral diarrhea can be prevented by washing hands and encouraging your children to wash their hands. One must also guard against diarrhea caused by contaminated food and water.
Several precautions should be undertaken when one is traveling in tropical countries.
Investigation of diarrhea includes history and physical examination. Blood and stool tests. If no cause is found then examination of the colon, stomach and duodenum with an endoscope should be undertaken.
Sometimes diarrhea is only an inconvenience. Sometimes it can be life threatening. Sometimes it can be prevented by good preventive measures like washing hands and avoiding potentially contaminated food and water. Sometimes there is not much you can do to avoid it especially in cases like ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and other medical conditions.
So, if you have diarrhea then see your doctor before it runs you down!
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