Diarrhea is a condition in which stool passes through the colon too quickly. It is often of a liquid consistency and usually occurs more than once a day. Frequent diarrhea may cause the sufferer to have bowel movements a dozen times a day or more. Diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal cramping and other symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition.
Ulcerative Colitis
The text "Medical-Surgical Nursing" describes ulcerative colitits as an inflammation of the lining of the colon. This chronic inflammation of the mucosal lining leads to ulcerations and loose stools that may contain mucus or blood. Medication and a restrictive diet are common treatments for ulcerative colitis-induced diarrhea. Some patients require surgical intervention.
Medication
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause frequent diarrhea. Common offenders include magnesium-based antacids, laxatives and cancer drugs. Antibiotics are also notorious for causing diarrhea; this is due to them killing off desirable gut bacteria, causing an imbalance in the remaining bacteria. Treatment of antacid or laxative-induced diarrhea may involve a discontinuation of the medication. Treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea may involve medication or dietary changes. Treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea may include adding helpful bacteria to the gut via diet or medication.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is responsible for some cases of chronic diarrhea, relates the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. This could be due to a functional problem of the intestines or the nerves that serve them. The bowel becomes sensitive, with the muscles contracting more than they should, leading to diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome is treated with medication, dietary restriction and stress management.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is responsible for some cases of frequent diarrhea. It is thought to be an immune system response to a virus or bacteria in the gut of people who are genetically predisposed to Crohn's, explains "Medical-Surgical Nursing." In this condition, deep groove ulcerations alter the lining of the colon, causing diarrhea when the nutrients cannot be absorbed normally. Treatment includes drug therapy, extra nutrient and feeding through the veins when necessary.
Hyperthyroidism
A potential cause of frequent diarrhea that is often not considered is hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, secreting an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Frequent stools are one manifestation of this excessive hormone level. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include medication and radioactive iodine which destroys some of the hormone-producing cells in the thyroid.
References
- Merck Manuals: Diarrhea
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea
- MayoClinic.com: Diarrhea
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
