Diarrhea Causes and First Aid Treatment

Diarrhea Causes and First Aid Treatment

Diarrhea Causes

An increased number of loose or watery stools is known as diarrhea. The frequency may vary from one or two, to thirty or forty per day. Usually diarrhea is a symptom of irritation in the bowel and not an actual disease. The body tries to rid itself of this irritation by increasing the movements of the intestines. Because of the rapid passage of the intestinal contents, there is more fluid in the stool, and sometimes its passage is associated with abdominal pain or cramping. In severe cases, dehydration may occur, resulting in thirst and dryness of the mouth and skin. A sudden and excessive loss of fluid is especially dangerous in infants and small children.

There are many causes of diarrhea. Nervousness may produce this condition. Many types of laxatives produce an increased number of loose stools. Spoiled food, over-ripe fruit, contaminated canned foods, all irritate the intestines. Diarrhea may also be a symptom of intestinal obstruction, infection of the intestine, or inflammation of the colon, called colitis. Microorganisms, such as the amoeba, typhoid bacillus, and other bacteria may cause diarrhea.

Diarrhea First Aid Treatment

1. Ask your doctor what fluids are best for you or your child. Here are some basic tips:

•     Give an adult plenty of clear fluid, like fruit juices, soda, sports drinks and clear broth. Avoid milk or milk-based products, alcohol, apple juice, and caffeine while you have diarrhea and for 3-5 days after you get better. They may make diarrhea worse.
•     Give a child or infant frequent sips of a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, or Infalyte. Do not add salt tablets to a baby’s bottle.
•     Make sure the person drinks more fluids than they are losing through diarrhea. If they are unable to keep up with their losses, call a doctor.

 2. Rest
    Have the person rest as needed and avoid strenuous exercise. Keep a sick child home from school or day care.

3. Ease Into Eating

•     Feed an infant or child easily digested foods; the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is a good choice as soon as they can tolerate food.
•     For an adult, add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as diarrhea stops. Avoid spicy, greasy, or fatty foods.

3. When to Call a Doctor

•         Call right away if you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated.
•         Call right away if an infant 3 months old or younger has vomiting or diarrhea.
•         If you think the person needs over-the-counter diarrhea medication; some kinds of diarrhea can get worse with anti-diarrheal medications.
•         If you think the person has traveler’s diarrhea or drank contaminated water
•         If the person is taking an antibiotic that may be causing the diarrhea
•         If there is blood or mucus in the stool, or the stool is black.
•         For any stomach pain that is not relieved by having a bowel movement
•         If there is any fever.
•         If the person is losing more fluid in his stool than he can replace by drinking fluids

 Follow-Up

Also seek medical attention if:

•         You or your child has any other medical problems and has diarrhea
•         Diarrhea in an adult worsens or doesn’t clear up after 2 or 3 days
•         A child doesn’t feel better after 24 hours

References:
- Richard A Hansen. 1999. Get Well at Home: Complete Home Health Care for the Family. Rapidan: Hartland Publications
- Diarrhea Treatment. http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/diarrhea-treatment

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