Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 122) common conditions DIARRHEA & CONSTIPATION When bowels misbehave Just about everyone has experienced the “can’t go” frustration of constipation and the “can’t wait” urgency of diarrhea. By Sarah J. West Causes of diarrhea Short bouts of diarrhea are usually caused by something simple, such as nervousness or a minor infection. Ongoing diarrhea may be related to something more serious. Here are some culprits: ● Viruses or bacteria. ● Parasites. ● Stress, nervousness or fear. ● Bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. ● Hyperthyroidism. ● Side effect of medicines, such as antibiotics. Avoid diarrhea by washing your hands frequently and following food-safety tips. If you travel to an area where the water source is questionable, such as a developing country, drink bottled water, don’t use ice, and avoid raw vegetables and fruit. C onstipation or diarrhea can ruin your day. To some extent, constipation is in the eye of the beholder. The “normal” number of bowel movements can range from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. But diarrhea is obvious — the cramping and mad dashes to the restroom can’t be ignored. What are the most common causes of these conditions, and Help avoid diarrhea by washing your hands frequently. Treatment of diarrhea Minor bouts of diarrhea often resolve on their own. Your doctor may recommend against taking over-the-counter medicines if your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite. You may instead need a specific antibiotic for the type of infection you have. If you have a virus, medicine such as loperamide (for example, Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (for example, Pepto-Bismol) may help relieve some of the discomfort. If you have diarrhea, avoid dairy products for a few days, as well as greasy, high-fiber and sweet foods. Try eating bland foods. The main risk of diarrhea is dehydration. Signs include thirst, urinating less, dark-colored urine and dry skin. Replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of clear fluids, soup or broth, and juices. Here are some signs that you should call your family doctor: ● Blood or mucus in your stools. ● Fever of 102°F or higher. ● Diarrhea that goes on for more than 2 days. ● Dehydration. ● Severe abdominal pain. what can you do? Read on to find out. Causes of constipation Becoming constipated is usually caused by something simple, such as dehydration. For your bowels to work properly, the right fluid balance is imperative. You also need to get plenty of fiber. Fiber and water add bulk to your stools and make them softer. Leafy vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, legumes (i.e., beans), and whole- grain breads are all good sources of fiber. Other causes of constipation include being inactive, taking certain medicines or not going to the bathroom when you have the urge. Health conditions, such as stroke, can also cause constipation. Taking stimulant laxatives regularly can contribute to the problem. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children, especially infants and newborns. Even short bouts of diarrhea can cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor if your child has diarrhea. Sarah J. West is the editorial director and vice president of Source Publications in Tulsa, Okla. Treatment of constipation Treating constipation can be as simple as fixing whatever has gone awry in your normal patterns. Beyond that, bulk-forming laxatives (for example, Metamucil) may be useful. Use other types of laxatives with caution and only for a short period of time — no more than a week — unless your family doctor has recommended otherwise. Taking laxatives over a long period of time can cause serious health problems. If you have been using stimulant laxatives for a long time, you’ll need to see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Even with treatment, it can take weeks or even months for things to get back to normal. 122 familydoctor 2007 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org/x5408.xml American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=687 National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/index.htm http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/index.htm http://familydoctor.org/x5408.xml http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=687 http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/index.htm http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/index.htm
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