0(543) 254 1144
What is diarrhea? Watery stools, increased stool volume or increased stool frequency are considered diarrhea.
People with diarrhea pass more than 250 grams of stool per day, of which at least 70 percent is in liquid form. In very severe diarrhea cases, up to 13-14 liters of fluid can be lost per day. The World Health Organization defines diarrhea as having more than three watery stools in a day. Diarrhea is definitely not a disease, but a symptom of polyfactorial origin.
Diarrhea is the second largest cause of death among under-five years of age worldwide (after pneumonia), with 1.5 million infants dying annually from it. It is dangerous enough to cause death, especially in children under the age of two.
We can rank these symptoms according to the severity of diarrhea. Thirst occurs when a small amount of fluid is lost. An average of 4% of body weight is lost. When moderate fluid loss occurs, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and restless mood are observed. Fluid loss is 7-8% of body weight. When excess fluid is lost, the symptoms are severe and there is fluid loss of up to 10% of body weight.
Coronaviruses cause about 40% of diarrhea that causes hospitalization in children younger than 5 years old.
Diarrhea has many causes. It can also be caused by an excessive intake of vitamin C or magnesium. Infectious diseases are the most important causes for human health. The medical definition of diarrhea includes the production of more than 200 grams of stool per day, as some features of diarrhea can occur in other conditions.
Diarrhea occurs because the large intestine does not absorb enough fluid. Meals are digested in liquid form before reaching the large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water, making the remaining material semi-solid. If the large intestine is damaged or inflamed, water absorption is inhibited and watery stools occur.
The most common cause of diarrhea is viral infection or bacterial toxins. If a healthy person has diarrhea due to a viral infection, they will recover in a few days, but in a week at most. However, in sick or malnourished people, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Among the causes of diarrhea are many serious diseases; may indicate a chronic condition such as dysentery, cholera, botulism, or Crohn’s disease. Although diarrhea is not usually present in patients with appendicitis, it is a common manifestation of appendicitis. Dietary diarrhea may be the cause of lactose intolerance.
Diarrhea in infants; (Babies whose feeding is stopped after diarrhea occurs, who vomit at least twice, babies who have 6-7 watery stools and those younger than 1 year old lose a lot of fluid. These babies are more at risk)
Moderate or severe diarrhea in young children;
diarrhea mixed with blood;
diarrhea lasting more than two weeks;
Diarrhea associated with general illness such as non-cramping abdominal pain, weight loss;
People who travel to underdeveloped countries have diarrhea because they are more likely to have unfamiliar infections such as parasites.
Those who prepare food because they are more likely to infect others.
Diarrhea in hospital, child care, geriatric or rehabilitation centers.
The body’s water ratio should be maintained with properly balanced electrolytes. This is the most appropriate treatment for all types of diarrhea, even dysentery. Drinking large amounts of water without electrolyte balancing can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which in rare cases is fatal (water poisoning).
During diarrhea, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, dairy products, fatty foods and foods containing high fiber. Low-fiber rice, banana, applesauce, potato soup, ginger, honey, garlic, carrot, carob, bran, lemon juice and bread come first among the foods that are good for diarrhea.
