Contents
Chronic diarrhea is a fairly common ailment that affects Poles of all ages. They can last for weeks, and in extreme cases even months. There can be many causes for them, but the most important thing is not to underestimate the prolonged symptoms. See how to avoid them and how to treat them with natural methods.
The causes of chronic diarrhea
In addition to passing more semi-solid or liquid stools (sometimes with blood or pus), diarrhea may also be associated with associated symptoms including fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue.
The causes of chronic diarrhea can include:
- viral infection – e.g. occurring during travel, which is often associated with low hygienic and sanitary standards, contaminated food, including their infection with norovirus (e.g. present in seafood),
- bacterial infection – including E. coli most often,
- food intolerances – mainly lactose and gluten intolerance, digestive and absorption disorders in most cases disappear after discontinuation of the triggering factor,
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – also known as intestinal neurosis. One of the main causes of IBS is stress, e.g. related to the need to switch from remote to stationary work mode,
- deep emotional experiences,
- Crohn’s disease,
- inflammation of the pancreas,
- chronic pharmacotherapy – including long-term treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy,
- hormonal disorders – e.g. hyperthyroidism,
- metabolic diseases.
Slightly less frequently, intestinal ischemia in the course of abdominal atherosclerosis is responsible for the development of chronic diarrhea.
It is worth noting that the intensity of symptoms very often depends on the general condition of the body, its immunity, the existence of other chronic diseases, as well as adaptability. Diarrhea is especially dangerous for children under 2 and people over 60, as in extreme cases they can even be fatal.
Underestimating diarrhea is a risk
Diarrhea is sometimes underestimated, and it is worth noting that this is not a minor problem. Prolonged diarrhea is primarily a heavy burden for the body, which quickly gets rid of electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids that are essential for the proper physiological processes.
The most serious health consequences of long-term diarrhea may be:
- disturbances of consciousness,
- anemia,
- drop in blood pressure
- dehydration.
Diagnosis of diarrhea consists in performing a blood count as well as more detailed tests, including ultrasound (ultrasound), colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and in some cases even magnetic resonance imaging.
Diarrhea prophylaxis
It is not always possible to prevent diarrhea. However, it should be remembered that the risk of its annoying symptoms is reduced by proper hygiene, including regular washing of hands after visiting public places, as well as thorough washing of fruits and vegetables.
The choice of meals, which should be prepared in proper sanitary conditions, is no less important. Not only their quality, but also the way we eat them affects digestion. Meals eaten in a hurry, under stress or swallowed in large pieces, increase the risk of indigestion and therefore diarrhea.
Natural remedies for diarrhea
At the first sign of diarrhea, act quickly. It is recommended to use natural preparations, eg Taninal. It is the only drug on the market that contains tannin proteinate. As a result, it fights diarrhea, whatever its cause.
In the home first aid kit, it is worth having electrolytes to dissolve in water, which accelerate the achievement of water and electrolyte balance and thus allow you to return to full strength faster.
Staying hydrated is essential during diarrhea. It is best to drink still mineral water every 15 minutes in small portions. Supportively, use an easily digestible diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, rice and lean meat (however, it should be introduced gradually). Better to give up carbonated and sweetened drinks, fried and highly processed foods (including fast food).