Approximately 100 million Americans have acute diarrhea every year. An estimated 250,000 need to be hospitalized as a result and 5,000 people die, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Severe cases of diarrhea can be serious, resulting in electrolyte imbalances that affect essential body functions. Medical care should be sought in such cases to avoid complications.
What is Diarrhea?
The medical definition for diarrhea describes bowel movements that happen more often than usual and stools that are abnormally liquidy. This disorder is called acute if it lasts shorter than two weeks, persistent if the condition lasts from two to four weeks long, and referred to as chronic if it lasts longer than four weeks, per "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Most cases of acute diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Diarrhea that lasts longer than four weeks is usually from a lactase deficiency.
The Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea lasting less than two weeks may be due to bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Bacillus cereus or Clostridium perfringens. Protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Cyclospora can cause this diarrhea; rotavirus and norovirus can cause it as well. Diarrhea that lasts more than four weeks is usually from not having the lactase enzyme, which the small intestines need to absorb the lactose in dairy products, as explained by "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment."
Diarrhea and Electrolyte Imbalance
Normally, the small and large intestines together absorb approximately 99 percent of all of the fluid consumed and secreted, while the remaining 1 percent is used to make the bowel movements, explains "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. When people have diarrhea, they not only lose fluid, but they lose the chlorine, potassium, sodium and magnesium electrolytes. This creates an electrolyte imbalance, although the body always tries to maintain a balance within its internal environment. An electrolyte imbalance can disrupt heart rhythms and neurological function, with sometimes fatal results. Therefore it is essential to seek medical care for electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment of Diarrhea and Electrolytes
Since diarrhea involves losing fluid and electrolytes, replacing both is part of the treatment. If the diarrhea is mild, people will not become dehydrated as long as they drink enough fluids which contains electrolytes. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fats, high-fiber food and milk products, so the intestines can rest. If the diarrhea is severe, children and the elderly quickly become dehydrated. People who have chronic, or long-term diarrhea, should see a physician to determine the underlying cause.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2011
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Dennis Kasper, M.D., Dan Longo, M.D. et al.; 2008
- Merck Manuals for Healthcare Professionals: Diarrhea
