In addition to causing diarrhea, the inflammation that comes with Crohn's can create sores in your digestive tissue. This is as opposed to ulcerative colitis, which is limited to your large intestine and rectum. This can also be a sign of celiac disease, a condition in which eating gluten leads to an immune response in your small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Severe stomach pain with diarrhea can signal many issues, from something as simple as gas to a potentially life-threatening condition like appendicitis , Christine Lee, M.
Pus is a yellow-ish, mucus-y liquid your body produces when trying to fight infection , Dr. Diarrhea that contains pus is a common sign of ulcerative colitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those sores it creates in your gastrointestinal tract can lead to pus that comes out in your poop.
Blood in your poop could hint at a range of things. You could have a hemorrhoid a clump of bulging veins in your rectum or around your anus , Dr. Lee says, but that typically causes only a bit of blood, not the kind that might set off alarm bells. It can also be a sign of a foodborne illness, the Mayo Clinic says. American College of Gastroenterology. Mayo Clinic; Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed May 11, Travelers' diarrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Khanna S expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. May 14, Related What's causing my infant's diarrhea? Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Most cases will pass in 5 to 7 days. You should also contact your GP if you have persistent diarrhoea. Most cases in adults will pass in 2 to 4 days. Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from the contents of your bowel, or when extra fluid is secreted into your bowel, causing watery poo.
Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of a bowel infection gastroenteritis , which can be caused by:. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine should state whether diarrhoea is a possible side effect. Persistent diarrhoea can also sometimes occur after surgery on the stomach, such as a gastrectomy. This is an operation to remove part of the stomach — for example, as a treatment for stomach cancer. Read more about when to visit your GP if you have diarrhoea.
Your GP may ask you for a stool sample so it can be analysed for signs of an infection if you have:. Your GP may suggest you have some blood tests if they suspect your diarrhoea is being caused by an underlying health condition.
For example, your blood can be tested for signs of inflammation, which may suggest inflammatory bowel disease. Read more about the possible causes of diarrhoea.
Your GP may recommend a digital rectal examination DRE if you have unexplained persistent diarrhoea, particularly if you're over It can be useful for diagnosing conditions that affect your rectum and bowel.
If you have persistent diarrhoea and your GP is unable to find the cause, they may refer you to your local hospital for further investigation. Diarrhoea will usually clear up without treatment after a few days, particularly if it's caused by an infection.
In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more. While waiting for your diarrhoea to pass, you can ease your symptoms by following the advice outlined below. It's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration , particularly if you're also vomiting.
Take small, frequent sips of water. Ideally, adults should drink a lot of liquids that contain water, salt, and sugar. Examples are water mixed with juice and soup broth. If you're drinking enough fluid, your urine will be light yellow or almost clear. It's also very important for babies and small children not to become dehydrated. Give your child frequent sips of water, even if they are vomiting. A small amount is better than none. If you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby and they have diarrhoea, you should continue to feed them as normal.
Contact your GP immediately if you or your child develop any symptoms of dehydration. Your GP or pharmacist may suggest using an oral rehydration solution ORS to prevent dehydration if you're at risk — for example, if you're frail or elderly.
ORS can also be used to treat dehydration that has already occurred. Rehydration solutions usually come in sachets available from your local pharmacist without a prescription. They are dissolved in water and replace salt, glucose, and other important minerals that are lost if you are dehydrated. Your GP or pharmacist may recommend giving your child an ORS if they are dehydrated or at risk of becoming dehydrated. The usual recommendation is for your child to drink an ORS each time they have an episode of diarrhoea.
The amount they should drink will depend on their size and weight. Your pharmacist can advise you about this. The manufacturer's instructions should also give information about the recommended dose. You may be able to give your baby an ORS if they become dehydrated, but check with your GP, pharmacist, or health visitor first.
Opinion is divided over when and what you should eat if you have diarrhoea. However, most experts agree you should eat solid food as soon as you feel able to. Eat small, light meals and avoid fatty or spicy foods. Good examples are potatoes, rice, bananas, soup, and boiled vegetables. Salty foods help the most. You don't need to eat if you've lost your appetite, but you should continue to drink fluids and eat as soon as you feel able to. Learn more about foods that can contribute to diarrhea here.
Diarrhea can cause a person to lose fluids and essential electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration. Treatments for persistent or chronic diarrhea depend on the underlying cause. Some possible causes and their treatment options are below. A doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat a lingering bacterial infection, or an antiparasitic medication to manage a parasitic infection.
If a person suspects they have a food allergy or intolerance, their doctor may recommend keeping a food diary. People can use their diary to record the foods they eat on a day-to-day basis, and the symptoms they experience. Over time, this will help them detect foods that may trigger their diarrhea. The treatment for a digestive issue depends on the type of condition. Depending on the cause, it may involve one or more of the following:.
The NIDDK recommend that people see a doctor if their diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, or if they pass six or more loose stools in 24 hours. Persistent diarrhea lasts for up to 4 weeks. This condition is typically the result of an infection or a side effect of medication.
Chronic diarrhea refers to diarrhea that lasts for 4 weeks or more. There are many potential triggers for this issue, including untreated infections, food allergies and intolerances, and underlying digestive conditions.
Anyone who experiences diarrhea that persists for more than 2 days should visit their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.
Diarrhea is a common digestive problem. It can be highly uncomfortable, but many people can treat it at home using simple home remedies. Learn about….
0コメント