RxCircle

Causes and Incidence Diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as sugar intolerance, use of antacids that contain poorly absorbed salts, laxative abuse, ingestion of large amounts of certain sugar substitutes, bacterial toxins, viral infections, bile acids, drugs, fat or carbohydrate malabsorption syndromes, mucosal disease, and bowel surgery that alters intestinal transit and strictures. Diarrhea is a common symptom that may be transient or may indicate underlying disease.

Disease Process Diarrhea occurs when the amount of fluid absorbed by the body declines; when the amount of fluid produced increases, overwhelming the bowel's absorptive capacities; when motor disturbances affect bowel motility and secretory capacities; or when injury to the bowel mucosa produces blood and mucus in the stool.

Symptoms The primary symptom is a change in normal bowel habits that results in frequent, loose, watery, unformed stools that are often accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, and urgency.

Potential Complications Hypokalemia, dehydration, and vascular collapse are possible complications with severe or chronic diarrhea. Infants and small children are particularly prone to dehydration.

Diagnostic Tests The diagnosis is made by clinical evaluation, history, and examination of the stool macroscopically and microscopically. Stool measurements, cultures, microscopic examination, and flexible sigmoidoscopy can help determine the cause.

Treatments

Surgery

None

Drugs

Antidiarrheal drugs that increase intestinal tone (i.e., paregoric), reduce peristalsis (anticholinergics), increase bulk (methylcellulose), and absorb fluid (pectin)

General

Treatment of underlying disorder; monitoring and replacement of fluid and electrolytes; perirectal skin care