Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common problem. It refers to excessive and frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It may indicate gastrointestinal disease.

Accompanying symptoms may include:

• abdominal pain and cramping

• change in stool color or

• mucous, pus, blood, or fat in the stool

Brief diarrhea may be caused by infections or medications. Mild diarrhea may occur from an alcohol binge, emotional upset, certain foods, or food preparation. Travel to new areas may also cause gastrointestinal upset.

Many cases of diarrhea resolve on their own. The most serious, potential complication of diarrhea is dehydration (the loss of body fluid balance). Those at highest risk are infants, children, and the elderly. Seek medical attention if diarrhea exceeds fluids taken in or lasts more than several days. Be especially careful about dehydration when diarrhea and vomiting occur at the same time.

Long periods of diarrhea, or repeated episodes, can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, replace fluids lost through diarrhea. Begin taking small amounts or sips of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, non-caffeinated colas, broth, apple juice, and over-the-counter electrolyte supplements. Increase the amount to 4 to 8 ounces (.1 to .2 liters) of clear fluids every hour while awake.

When diarrhea subsides, begin eating easily digested food such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal, applesauce, chicken, or turkey without skin. Avoid milk products and fried or fatty foods for one to two days.

Seek medical care for any of the following:

• recurring bouts of diarrhea

• bloody stools (either bright red or coffee ground brown)

• diarrhea with severe abdominal pain, vomiting or fever or

• dehydration with scant dark urine

Take steps to prevent the transmission of diarrhea. Hand washing helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause diarrhea. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before meals.

Food preparation precautions can reduce the source of bacteria and toxins that cause diarrhea. Always chill foods that could spoil. Cook meat thoroughly. Never place cooked meat on surfaces or plates that held raw meat. Wash cutting boards with hot water and soap. Disinfect counters, stovetops, and cutting boards with a diluted bleach solution.

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