Diarrhea is a symptom that can lead to dehydration and lowered potassium levels (hypokalemia). Sometimes, an infection can infiltrate the gastrointestinal system and lead to acute (short-lived) diarrhea. Fortunately, the causes of acute diarrhea have specific treatment options.
Food Poisoning
Eating a bad batch of potato salad during a Sunday picnic can lead to food poisoning. This condition occurs when people consume things that are contaminated with bacteria and toxins.
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that some symptoms of food poisoning include acute diarrhea, weakness, blurry vision, chills, trouble swallowing, problems breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and confusion. Food poisoning may also lead to confusion and kidney failure.
Clostridium perfringens or botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella and Clostridum jejuni are just some causes of food poisoning.
Treatment for food poisoning involves avoiding solid food and drinking clear liquids. Sometimes, antibiotic medications, antitoxin, mannitol and atropine can be given to manage food poisoning. Sometimes, taking herbs or remedies such as chamomilla can help manage food poisoning.
Traveler's Diarrhea
The Mayo Clinic says that traveler's diarrhea refers to a common condition that typically occurs during vacations and business trips when people visit foreign countries.
Specific symptoms of traveler's diarrhea include acute diarrhea, which may occur four to five times daily; nausea; vomiting; and bloating. This medical problem can also lead to bloating and stomach cramps.
The Mayo Clinic says that the most common culprit for traveler's diarrhea is enterotoxigenic Escheria coli. The bacteria actually latch onto the intestinal walls and lead to stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Risk factors for developing traveler's diarrhea include being young, having a weakened immune system and having diabetes or an inflammatory disease.
Treating traveler's diarrhea involves taking such medications as loperamide, opiates, bismuth subsalicylate and antibiotics to help manage the symptoms.
Giardiasis
MedlinePlus indicates that giardiasis refers to an infection that primarily infiltrates the small intestine. Symptoms of giardiasis include acute diarrhea, stomach pain, a poor appetite, gas and a headache. This condition can also lead to vomiting, nausea, a low-grade fever or a swollen stomach.
Giardiasis occurs as a result of infection with the organism called Giardia lambia. Risk factors for developing this condition include being exposed to a family member with giardiasis, having unprotected anal sex and being exposed to the organism in day cares or nursing homes.
Antibiotic medications are typically given to manage giardiasis.
