Diarrhea results in increased frequency of loose or watery stools. Besides causing some discomfort, diarrhea can lead to serious complications, especially in infants and older adults. With diarrhea, patients lose fluids and electrolytes. Replacing the fluids and nutrients is important to prevent complications. Following the right diet plan is important when you are suffering from a bout of diarrhea.
Acute Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea occurs suddenly and usually lasts less than two weeks. The cause of diarrhea can be infectious or noninfectious, requiring simple treatments to correct the problem. Most cases of diarrhea are self-limiting and can be managed without hospitalization. In cases where the diarrhea is severe or prolonged, medical interventions may be necessary.
Function
The normal function of the small intestine and colon is to absorb nutrients, fluids and salts. If the process of absorption is impaired, diarrhea occurs. Absorption can be impaired if the lining of the stomach or intestine is damaged by bacteria or viruses. It can also be impaired when there is excess secretion of fluid into the bowel, overwhelming its ability to reabsorb fluids and salts.
Causes
Viral infection is the most common cause of diarrhea. A patient may come in contact with a virus through contaminated water or foods. With viral diarrhea, the patient will not have fever, nausea or vomiting. Bacterial infections that cause diarrhea can also come from contaminated food and drinking water, but they are different agents from those that carry a virus. Bacterial infections will cause a fever and may require antibiotics. Diarrhea may also be caused by medication, primarily antibiotics, inflammatory bowel disease or a food intolerance.
Complications
Complications associated with diarrhea are specifically related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The primary goal in managing diarrhea is to prevent dehydration by providing early fluid replacement. In otherwise healthy patients who are able to drink, a glucose-based electrolyte solution is recommended to replace fluids. Sports drinks and diluted fruit juices, augmented with saltine crackers and soups, can be used to meet the fluid and salt needs.
Dietary Recommendations
According to "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine," after successful hydration, a prompt return to age-appropriate diet is indicated. Restricted and progressive diets, such as the traditional bland diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, are no longer recommended. These foods may be incorporated into the patient's regular diet but the objective is to "feed through" the diarrhea. Smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day are suggested. Loose stools may persist for a few days, but they should decrease in volume and frequency. Fatty foods or foods high in simple sugars, including carbonated sodas, should be avoided because they can exacerbate diarrhea.
References
- "Nursing 2006"; Managing Acute Diarrhea; E. Amerine & M. Keirsey; September 2006
- "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine"; Williams & Wilkins; 2010
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