Depreciation the form of stool or increase in the frequency of bowel movement is diarrhea. In each case the change n the frequency of bowel movement and the looseness of stool varies where change is mostly observe in both. Diarrhea may be observed with four other conditions but it is worth remembering that the treatment of these diseases is other than the diarrhea. Following are the other conditions
- Incontinent stool: The inability to control bowel movements for an appropriate time (until one gets into the toilet) is inconsistent stool.
- Rectal urgency: It is an instant urge to have a bowel movement. The desire is so strong that the unavailability of a toilet makes the circumstances incontinence.
- Incomplete evacuation: Soon after the bowel movement a sensation that another bowel movement is necessary where evacuating stools second time is comparatively difficult.
- Bowel movements right after a meal.
- Frequency of bowel movements
Absolute diarrhea is to have the bowel movements more than normal. A normal person has bowel movement thrice a day and in diarrhea one can have more than three stools. Diarrhea can be any number of stools more than three. Relative bowl movement occurs when one have more bowel movements than usual. A person who stools once a day and observes that he has bowel movement twice a day has diarrhea.
- Consistency of stools
The consistency of stools depends on the individual’s diet. Absolute diarrhea is difficult to define with reference to the stool consistency. Less intake of vegetable will give away hard stools where the large intake of vegetables results in loose stools. Liquid or watery stools are also diarrhea. Relative diarrhea is comparatively easy to explain on the bases of consistency of stool. Any person whose stools are looser than the usual is suffering from diarrhea.
Defining Diarrhea
Making the frequency of bowel movement or the consistency of stool the base of investigation, diarrhea can be defined in absolute or relative terms.
Developing Diarrhea
Water in the stomach, upper small intestine, pancreas and gallbladder keeps the food in liquid form with the help of large amount of water. Undigested food in liquid form reaches at colon and lower small intestine. The stools are formed when water is absorbed from the food into the lower small intestine and colon. It is possible that stomach secretes too much fluid, the small intestine and colon do not absorb water perfectly or the liquid food passes too quickly to make the absorption of water impossible for the small intestine and colon. It is possible that some of these or all processes occur in case of diarrhea. Bacteria, parasites and virus can invade the small intestine and caused it to secrete fluid.
Types of Diarrhea & Their Causes
Causes of Acute Diarrhea
Infection is the most common cause of acute diarrhea. Infection caused by viral, parasite or bacteria. Bacteria can also result into food poisoning. Medication often results in acute diarrhea. Viral infection of the stomach, viral gastroenteritis is a worldwide cause of diarrhea. Toxins generated by bacteria results in a brief illness known as food poisoning. Pain in abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea resulted by toxins. One most common cause is drugs. As soon as you start to take drugs diarrhea begins and lasts until you continue to use the medicine. Antacids and nutritional supplements that have magnesium usually cause diarrhea.
Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the functional cause of constipation or diarrhea. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is the inflammation of small intestine or/and colon that causes diarrhea. Colon cancer also causes constipation or diarrhea. Constipation occurs if cancer blocks the passage of the stool. The secretion of water behind the blockage at times makes the fluid stool cross the tumor. The inability to absorb or digest sugars is known as carbohydrate malabsorption. Both carbohydrate malabsorption and fat malabsorption lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration as minerals and significant substances are evacuated rapidly from the body.
Treating Diarrhea
Compounds that have a capacity to absorb water are called absorbents. Orally taken absorbents bind water in small intestine and make stools less watery. They are also capacitated to bind the toxic chemicals made by the bacteria that secrete fluid from small intestine. Attapulgite and polycarbophil are two absorbants that can be easily avail without even prescription. Bismuth can also be sued to deal with diarrhea in certain cases.
The drug used to relax the muscles of small intestine and /or colon is called anti-motility medicine. This results in slowing down the intestinal flow.
Diarrhea is a common disorder results in increased number of bowel movements and looseness of stool or both. Increased amount of water is secreted in intestines where small intestine and colon remain unable to absorb water properly. Diarrhea can result into dehydration, pain or irritation in anus and mineral or electrolytes abnormalities. However, mostly diarrhea is acute. The help of a physician can help in determining what type of diarrhea one is suffering from and to deal with it in time.
