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| Home > Mercy Medical Group > MMG Health Information > Adults > Diarrhea and Constipation |
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Diarrhea |
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DESCRIPTION
Diarrhea is an increase in the fluid volume and frequency of stools.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- A sudden onset of loose, watery stools
- Mild abdominal tenderness
- Audible bowel sounds
CAUSES
Infections (bacterial, viral or parasitic)
RISK FACTORS
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating contaminated food
- Using certain medications (e.g., clindamycin, ampicillin, quinidine)
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Avoid food irritants
- Keep foods properly refrigerated
TREATMENT
- Fluids, sometimes with electrolyte replacement
- Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications such as Imodium AD®, Kaopectate®
or Pepto-Bismol®
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Dehydration
- Bowel obstruction
- Colitis
DIET
Initially, limit the diet to sips of water and ice chips only. Next, advance th
e diet to clear liquids such as 7-Up®, Sprite® or tea. Avoid all caffeine and
alcohol. Next try a bland diet of white rice, saltines or the white meat of
chicken. Finally, try a regular diet.
CONSIDER NOTIFYING YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE:
- Symptoms that last more than 24 to 48 hours
- Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Vomiting for over 24 hours
- Vomit that is green
- Bloody stool.
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