An abnormal increase in the frequency of defecation, which is usually associated with a change in the consistency and volume of stool, is called diarrhea, which can occur in two forms, acute or chronic diarrhea and vomiting.
Diarrhea occurs when:
– Large stool volume
– Soft and watery stool consistency
– The number of bowel movements 3 times a day
If none of the above 3 conditions are present, the term diarrhea cannot be used, like a child who has an exam tomorrow and due to stress, the number of bowel movements increases, but the total volume of feces does not change.
Or if we consume a lot of food, the volume of stool increases, but its consistency does not change. So none of these cases is diarrhea. However, many of these conditions need to be investigated under the name of false diarrhea.
Diarrhea can occur as a result of microbial infections, diseases (such as intestinal inflammations and AIDS), food incompatibilities, alcohol sensitivity or poisoning.
Basically, mild diarrhea that is not accompanied by other symptoms (fever, blood discharge, etc.) will improve by itself, but if it becomes annoying, you can use anti-diarrheal products.
These products are also recommended only in the treatment of temporary and transitory conditions.
If diarrhea lasts more than two days, or is accompanied by high fever and loss of five percent of total body water or blood excretion, never self-medicate and see a doctor immediately.
Diarrhea may cause the body to lose a large amount of water and solutes. In this condition, the mouth becomes dry and the eyes become hollow. Weakness, decreased urination and dizziness are other symptoms of diarrhea.
Therefore, replacing the lost water is very important for people with diarrhea, especially in children.
In such cases, it is possible to compensate for water and minerals lost in diarrhea by drinking various liquids or using oral solutions such as ORS.
If packaged ORS powder is not available, the following recipe can be used to prepare it to treat diarrhea:
– Two tablespoons of sugar – One teaspoon of salt – Half a teaspoon of baking soda – Four glasses of chilled boiled water or fruit juice. Be sure to refrigerate it for children so that they can eat it.
When should we go to the doctor to treat diarrhea?
1) If your diarrhea is accompanied by thirst, dry tongue and wrinkled skin.
2) If there is no improvement after 48 hours.
3) If the people around you have the same diarrhea as you.
4) If your body temperature reaches 38.5 degrees or higher or your stool is extremely bloody.
5) If your child has diarrhea. Don’t forget that seemingly simple viral diarrhea is still the most common cause of death in urban and rural children. Young children lose their water volume quickly.
6) If you are over 50 years old and your diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Especially if you have just been discharged from the CCU or ICU.
7) If you are taking corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant drugs and have diarrhea.
Non-drug methods to treat diarrhea
Diarrhea and vomiting will improve on their own in most cases. But it is necessary to compensate the lost water and salts of the body at the same time as this disease. Eating liquids is the best way to replace the water lost in the body.
Therefore, it is necessary for a person to use fluids within tolerance and at regular intervals. In general, the best course of action for diarrhea and vomiting is to compensate for the lost body fluids.
In addition, in the case of infants who feed on mother’s milk, breast milk should not be stopped under any circumstances, but for children who are fed with powdered milk, a more appropriate type of powdered milk is recommended according to the doctor’s prescription.
Other methods include: rest, proper diet (liquid consumption, light but nutritious foods, and avoiding consumption of raw vegetables and fruits) and refraining from consuming laxatives such as prunes.
10 foods suitable for treating diarrhea
1- Alfalfa infusion cures diarrhea. But it is not recommended to consume a lot of hay, because it causes bloating.
2- Haftband grass is useful for treating dysentery, hemorrhoids and diarrhea.
3- In traditional Indian medicine, banana is constipating and is useful in the treatment of simple diarrhea and dysentery and is used to heal intestinal ulcers. The juice of banana flowers works wonders to treat dysentery.
4- Basil tea is used to cure anorexia, treat diarrhea, flatulence and stomach ulcers.
5- Coriander is sometimes used as a laxative to treat constipation and sometimes to treat diarrhea.
6- Dates play a role in treating diarrhea and intestinal disorders.
7- Yogurt is useful for treating children’s diarrhea. Experts recommend using yogurt when taking antibiotics, because most antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria of the digestive system and disrupt its work and cause diarrhea.
8- Dried mango flowers are useful for treating diarrhea, chronic dysentery and some bladder problems. Mango core is anti-diarrheal.
9- Consuming raw parsnip strengthens the body and is useful for treating diarrhea.
10- Apple can be used to cure diarrhea even for children. For this purpose, the apple must be grated and eaten.
