Diarrhea due to the liver. The first symptoms of liver problems that should not be ignored If the liver hurts, there may be diarrhea

Most often, liver diseases manifest themselves in humans by external signs. Hepatitis rash is a fairly common occurrence. Liver diseases are mainly associated with a violation of its main function - to remove toxins and waste that have accumulated in the body. If this does not happen, then all these substances harmful to the body accumulate in the liver and then enter the blood. Gradually they accumulate in the body, causing intoxication, which manifests itself in the form of various rashes on the skin.

Viral forms of hepatitis are divided into several types. The mildest form of the disease is hepatitis A. It is usually curable and does not cause serious complications on the human body. Skin rashes with hepatitis A usually appear in the form of age spots. And viral hepatitis forms B and C have a complex course of the disease, the liver is very severely affected, which in the future can lead to cirrhosis or oncology. The rashes with these types of disease are more extensive and are characterized by severe itching and burning. A characteristic feature is that existing antihistamines are completely ineffective in relieving itching due to hepatitis.

What does a hepatitis rash look like?

Rashes on the body can appear due to a number of diseases; the appearance of a rash is not always a sign that a person has become infected with hepatitis. But a yellowish tint to the skin combined with a rash and severe itching is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Hepatitis is more successfully treated when the disease is diagnosed early.

First of all, in a person who has hepatitis, the general condition of the skin worsens, it becomes thinner, pale, begins to itch, and blood vessels are more visible on it. Later, swelling, skin itching appears, which leads to scratching that does not heal for a long time, spots, eczema.

The following skin problems can be identified:

Hepatitis rashes are always characterized by severe itching, which does not disappear at night and can last for several weeks or months.

Rash associated with various forms of hepatitis

With different types of hepatitis, the rash may look different:

How to distinguish itchy skin with hepatitis from allergies?

Skin rashes can be not just an allergy, but one of the first symptoms of liver damage.

The itching of the skin in this case is stronger, unlike a simple allergy, and is especially intensified at night. In addition to the rash, other symptoms appear that indicate liver disease, such as yellowing of the skin, pain in the right hypochondrium, and nausea. Rashes can have a variety of shapes and appearance:

The main distinguishing feature of this rash is that the use of antihistamines, which relieve it well in case of allergies, is absolutely ineffective in treating skin itching.

At the first suspicion of liver problems, it is recommended to consult a specialist to conduct additional research methods and make an accurate diagnosis. Since treatment started as early as possible will be more successful and effective.

How to eliminate skin rashes due to liver diseases

Patients with hepatitis are concerned about what to do to get rid of the rash and the severe itching that accompanies it. There is no special treatment for skin rashes associated with the disease, since this is not the cause, but only one of its symptoms.

In complex therapy of liver diseases aimed at eliminating skin itching, the following drugs can be used:

• sorbents that remove toxins that have accumulated in the liver;
• pharmaceuticals that bind fatty acids and bilirubin;
• antiviral and antibacterial drugs;
• drugs to strengthen the immune system;
• hepatoprotectors that stimulate liver cells to recover;
• vitamins and drugs that normalize intestinal microflora.

Suitable treatment is prescribed by the doctor based on the etiology of the disease. It is taken into account that all symptoms are individual and determined by many factors, such as the patient’s gender and age, the presence of chronic diseases, medications he takes, etc. The sooner the diagnosis is made and drug therapy is prescribed, the sooner the skin rash will go away and accompanying itching.

Bile in stool: causes and treatment of hologenic diarrhea

Some malfunctions in the functioning of the human body will be indicated by excess impurities in the secretions. So bile in your stool should suggest that something has gone wrong inside you.

For cars to work, they are filled with fuel. For the human body to work, it also needs “fuel” - normal, nutritious nutrition. As a result of the machine's activity, fuel burns, the mechanism moves, fuel burns, and gas is released. Likewise, the human body, in order to move and function, processes food, and what is not “burned” during this process is released through the excretory system.

And just as one can judge problems with mechanics by the gas emitted into the air, diseases and “problems” of the functions and systems of the human body can be understood based on the analysis of certain secretions.

One of the most common diagnostic tests for discharge is a stool examination (or analysis). There is something wrong in the body - this conclusion can be made even before analysis based on the following signs: the excrement is watery, liquefied, of an unusual color (greenish or bright yellow). If all this is present, we can conclude: a person has hologenic diarrhea, which means it is necessary to check the functioning of the gallbladder and liver as quickly as possible.

What is hologenic diarrhea

Yellowishness with mucus and liquid feces in the toilet - perhaps this is bilious diarrhea. The presence of bile in the stool is definitely hologenic diarrhea. It all happens as follows: bile and the digestive enzyme that is part of it are abundantly released by the body into the intestines, and then end up in the feces. The enzyme comes from the gallbladder, and the walls of the gallbladder are irritated, and this causes severe pain. They are especially intensified when passing stool.

This is how bile is formed in human feces.

Causes of bile in stool

The reasons for the appearance of bile in the stool, why bile appears in the stool of an adult, what reasons contribute to the release of acids into the intestines. For diarrhea with bile to occur, the reasons that provoke this phenomenon, signs of biliary diarrhea, symptoms, can be completely different.

Symptoms diagnoses hologenic diarrhea, hologenic diarrhea. Bile appears from the anus, possibly due to the development of dysbiosis. A lot of bile in the stool also appears in various types of severe and serious poisoning. In addition, symptoms such as bile in the stool can indicate various pathological diagnoses of the gallbladder or bile ducts.

It is clear that it is hologenic diarrhea that develops if there was previously information about cholecystitis characterized by the discharge of white feces, if the patient underwent cholecystectomy of the gallbladder, and after that there was white feces when going to the toilet.

Bile comes from the anus in this form: greenish green stool, yellow stool provokes in case of deviations when the gallbladder is removed.

Also in this case, dark black feces may be released, often as a result of removal of the gallbladder. The release of yellowish masses of yellow stool is also similar to the process after removal of the gallbladder.

Also, the cause of a liquefied defecation product with mucus and bile enzymes can be gallstone disease, then you can also see loose stools in the toilet. And intestinal problems in the rectum encourage the release of bile into the stool and bowel movements with bile. Like gallstones in an adult, there are hard neoplasms in the bladder, and this becomes a factor for the appearance of green stool.

Bile, bile acids in the stool and mucus in the stool, the gallbladder provokes a gallbladder with which something is wrong. These phenomena, the cause of which can develop after cholecystectomy, after removal of the gallbladder, hologenic liquid bowel movements also often occur. All this is accompanied by a strong, pungent, fetid odor (stool smells specifically like bile). Everything is completely bad when, along with biliary diarrhea, bile comes out in the urine.

Removing bile in the stool, as well as getting rid of all other symptoms, is actually not that difficult, the main thing is to do it in time and not to trigger these phenomena.

How does bile affect the color of stool?

How bile affects the color of stool - a little was said about this in the previous sections. And now in more detail.

If there is a lot of bile in the stool, it changes color. It looks like bile in the stool, yellow in color, with gray-green mucus, brown color can also be bile and this will be reflected in the color of the bowel movement product. In a person, what bile looks like in feces can be seen in the photo; the photo will show what bile looks like in feces.

Bile will leave the body along with feces, just as bile leaves the body with feces, the color of the feces in the toilet will show. It will show stagnant green stool with the presence of bile. The color of stool changes after removal of a patient's gallbladder. The color of a person's stool, people can see what color a person's bile is by the color of it in the stool.

Diarrhea with bile in a child

Of course, it is much worse when a child has diarrhea with bile. Diarrhea with bile in a small patient, bile in the feces of children in a child, a baby pooping bile - all this should alert parents to immediately contact a doctor.

Stool tests to determine the cause

To begin correct and adequate therapy, you need to do stool tests to identify the cause. An admixture of bile in the stool, a choleretic agent, understand the reason, how and what bile comes out - this will be clarified during the analysis.

In this analysis, it will finally become clear that the stool contains bile, and then doctors will take treatment measures.

Treatment of hologenic diarrhea

How to start treatment for hologenic diarrhea. It is clear that this is only general advice on how to get rid of this type of diarrhea - your doctor will tell you this. When bile comes out instead of stool, treatment for the appearance of bile in stool begins by establishing the causes and is divided into several stages.

How to treat bilious diarrhea: drink water within a couple of liters. What to do when an adult has stool with bile: you need to be checked for diseases of the biliary system, and then treated for biliary diarrhea. For the patient, the course is usually drawn up by the doctor. Hologenic diarrhea treatment consists of the patient taking probiotics as prescribed by the doctor. How and with what to treat hologenic diarrhea, what medications to treat in order to get rid of the diagnosis of hologenic diarrhea, the hospital will specifically tell you.

Treatment with folk remedies

They say that treatment can be carried out using folk remedies. Treatment with folk remedies for the diagnosis of hologenic diarrhea: decoctions of oak bark, walnuts, and cold water-soluble potato starch help to neutralize the manifestation of this unpleasant and dangerous sore

Diet for hologenic diarrhea

It is clear that treatment for hologenic diarrhea should be started as soon as possible. Its success largely depends on how the patient follows the diet for hologenic diarrhea. First of all, the hydraulic mode is regulated - the amount of liquid you drink, water without gas, increases several times. On the first day, still water should be taken in an amount of about 2000 grams (two-liter bottle). Advice: it will be better if the patient drinks exactly this amount - without increasing or decreasing it. During diarrhea, the entire gastrointestinal tract (and the body as a whole) is under stress. The main task is not to drive him into this state further.

With bile, bile acids and abundant liquid stool, a large amount of fluid so needed by the body is released during defecation. Therefore, this amount of water is recommended - it will relieve dehydration (dehydration), but will not bring additional stress to an already weakened body.

It is also very important during the treatment and recovery stage to eat healthy foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The diet can include the following products: lean beef or some other meat; it’s good to make soups from it. Here it is important to do everything to ensure that food in the intestines does not irritate it further and does not cause additional spasms and the urge to defecate.

Video

Constant diarrhea: causes and consequences.

Symptoms of liver disease: what kind of pain does it cause?

Pain in the liver refers to painful sensations in the peritoneum and Glissonian capsule that cover this organ. The liver itself does not cause pain, since there are no pain receptors in it; a large number of them are located in the fascia, that is, the connective tissue of the capsule. This means that pain in the liver can occur only in two cases - due to an increase in this organ and tension in the walls of the capsule, as well as inflammation of the bile ducts or gallbladder.

• What is the mechanism of pain development?
• Causes of pain
• Impact of other organs
• Symptoms
• When it hurts a lot
• Acute liver pain

What is the mechanism of pain development?

Pain develops along with the onset of pathological processes in the liver parenchyma, which tend to occur latently, without symptoms. Then inflammation of the peritoneum occurs with an increase in liver volume. Hepatomegaly gradually develops with stretching of the walls of the Glissonian capsule and pain appears.

When the pain becomes more intense, the wall of the capsule located in the right hypochondrium becomes more and more tense. The reasons for its development may also be external pressure on the capsule and peritoneum, which is exerted by the gallbladder and ducts. In some cases, pain is caused by inflammation of the appendix or intercostal neuralgia. There are different causes of pain symptoms in the right hypochondrium, their nature can be organic or functional.

Causes of pain

When the liver hurts, its functional causes include:

Impact of other organs

The causes of discomfort can be diseases of other organs that irritate or act mechanically:

• Cholecystitis in acute or chronic form.
• Cholangitis.
• Gastritis.
• Right lower lobe pneumonia.
• Irritable bowel.

When the liver hurts, it may turn out that it is misinterpreted in conjunction with general abdominal pain. In this case, pain in the organ may arise from influences on it from the intestines, diseases of the pancreas, or gallstones.

The pain that occurs in the liver during diseases does not have specific features. Different types of pain, namely, nagging or sharp, can indicate a large list of diseases. Therefore, if it occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor who can differentiate the symptoms and make the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms

Pain in the right hypochondrium can have a different character. It can be constant, aching, increasing during physical activity, when running, after eating non-dietary food.

Therefore, the symptoms of pain in the liver can be different; they can manifest themselves as follows:

Symptoms differ in that they can vary in intensity. This occurs from exercise or diet changes. It should be remembered that aching and dull pain are characteristic of the acute process, because in the chronic form of the disease the liver usually does not hurt. The main danger lies in the asymptomatic nature of the organ pathology, since without timely diagnosis and treatment, chronic hepatitis can develop into fatty degeneration, cirrhosis, and even cause liver cancer.

When the liver hurts, pain symptoms often indicate diseases of the neighboring organ - the gallbladder. Biliary colic can be mistaken for liver disease, and illiterate treatment, as a rule, self-medication can lead to rupture of the bladder. Moreover, pain relief with antispasmodics complicates diagnostic procedures and triggers diseases in the biliary tract.

When diagnosing a disease, the transition of unpleasant sensations to other areas of the body is important. You can often observe irradiation of pain to the right side of the back, shoulder blade, and neck.

Often, symptoms may be associated with the appearance of heartburn, nausea, vomiting, bitterness in the mouth, belching, bad breath, bloating, and abnormal bowel movements that cause constipation or diarrhea.

If the disease is complicated or aggravated, other organs are involved in the pathological process, then symptoms such as lethargy, itching, fever, jaundice, and fatigue may occur. Headaches and fainting, impotence and menstrual irregularities, and hemorrhages on the skin may also occur.

Symptoms that require immediate emergency medical attention:

• There was a sharp pain in the right side of the hypochondrium.
• Frequent vomiting with bile.
• Yellowness of eyes and skin.
• The appearance of spider veins on the face, shoulders, abdomen, chest.
• Hyperthermia, which is combined with the symptom of pain in the liver.

When it hurts a lot

Hepatitis usually does not cause these pains; most likely, severe pain is associated with biliary colic, which causes spasm of the muscles of the gallbladder or duct. Most likely there was a stone blockage. The pain is very specific and manifests itself as an attack, in which its wave comes suddenly and passes gradually. As a rule, before colic, the patient is very irritated, often feels nausea and discomfort in the pit of the stomach. Symptoms are localized in the right hypochondrium, sometimes in the middle, moving to the right shoulder, between the shoulder blades. They lead to loss of ability to work, fever and vomiting. Colic can torment a person for up to a whole day.

Symptoms appear as a result of biliary dyskinesia. This disease has two types; it can develop in a hypotonic or hypertensive type. Pain occurs with hypertensive dyskinesia, due to the fact that the gallbladder contracts intensely, and the bile stagnates. This disorder causes inflammation and leads to the formation of stones. Symptoms of the developed inflammatory process are manifested by vegetoneurosis and disturbance of the act of defecation. In this case, constipation occurs, alternating with diarrhea, the patient begins to feel nauseous, and general pain appears, which radiates to the right collarbone, shoulder and scapula.

Acute symptoms are a sign of cholelithiasis and colic. Hepatic colic can occur due to the consumption of fatty or spicy foods; it can be triggered by stress, physical strain, working in a tilted position, as well as vibration when traveling. In women, hepatic colic occurs in conjunction with menstrual pain or the postpartum period. Before an attack, there is a feeling of heaviness in the side, nausea. Acute pain, as a rule, occurs during a period of rest; it wakes a person up and radiates to the right upper part of the body, even under the jaw. The pain is spastic in nature, often accompanied by vomiting and fever.

A symptom of acute pain, indicating an attack of malaria, is an inflamed liver with a highly distended fibrous capsule, while the spleen is enlarged. It gets worse if the fever lasts for a long time. But, fortunately, this disease is rare.

If pain in the liver occurs, you should immediately consult a qualified doctor for advice. After diagnostic procedures, in particular, certain tests and other research methods, he will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

In recent years, statistics indicate a steady increase in the number of liver diseases in a wide range of age groups. These diseases can be caused by a variety of reasons. Metabolic disorders (for example, obesity), intoxication with chemicals or drugs, bad habits, infections, injuries, the growth of malignant or benign tumors - all these factors can affect the structure of the liver and cause disruption of its functions, the importance of which for normal life is difficult to overestimate.

The signs of pathology of this vital organ are very diverse, and often it is from them that the doctor is able to promptly suspect the development of the disease, conduct the necessary examination of the patient and prescribe a course of therapy. At the same time, the danger of some liver diseases lies in the fact that in the early stages they are practically asymptomatic, and the disease is detected already at those stages when a specialist needs to make every effort to correct the changes that have occurred.

That is why early diagnosis of liver pathologies is so important for maintaining health and requires the closest attention, both from the patient and the doctor. In this article we will introduce you to the main first symptoms of pathologies of this organ. This knowledge will help you to suspect the onset of the disease in time, and by contacting a doctor you will prevent its progression.

16 Symptoms of Liver Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

In case of liver pathologies (cirrhosis and hepatitis), a symptom such as “liver palms” may be observed: red spots form on the skin of the palms and feet, located on the hills or edges. Such redness fades when pressure is applied and quickly turns red again if the pressure on the skin stops.

In case of liver pathologies, accompanied by a violation of the outflow of bile and an increase in the level of fats in the blood, xanthomas may appear on the eyelids, hands and elbows, knees, feet, buttocks and armpits. These formations are yellowish plaques that are located intradermally.

Liver lesions are often accompanied. A lack of vitamins causes areas of dryness and flaking on the skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth and a crimson coloration of the tongue.

• Hormonal changes. Chronic liver disease can lead to the development of hormonal imbalance, which is accompanied by hair loss in the armpits and pubic area. In men, the level of androgens decreases and signs of feminization appear - testicular atrophy, female-type hair growth, decreased libido and impotence. An increase in estrogen levels in women can provoke the appearance of a rash, worsen the symptoms of PMS, cause the development of hormone-dependent tumors, etc.
• Tendency to bleed. Long-term disturbances in the functioning of the liver (for example, with hepatitis) can lead to a decrease in the synthesis of many blood clotting factors. In such cases, the patient may experience various types of spontaneous internal bleeding (stomach, intestinal, etc.) and experience heavy menstruation, a tendency to bleeding gums, etc.
• Bleeding from the veins of the esophagus. With cirrhosis of the liver, there is an increase in pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension), which can lead to bleeding from the veins of the esophagus. The patient begins to discharge dark blood from the mouth (sometimes in the form of clots). This symptom is often mistaken by some patients for signs of bleeding from the stomach or respiratory organs.
• Symptom "jellyfish head". The appearance of this symptom is associated with the development of portal hypertension that accompanies liver cirrhosis. As a result, dilated and clearly visible veins appear on the anterior abdominal wall.
• Disorders of the nervous system. Acute and chronic liver pathologies are accompanied by a slowdown in the processes of decontamination and removal of ammonia from the body. The entry of this substance into the blood leads to the development of various neurological disorders: severe fatigue, drowsiness, sleep disturbances, excessive anxiety or lethargy, memory impairment, personality changes, etc.
• Intoxication. Liver dysfunction caused by infectious, immune and tumor processes leads to the development of intoxication. Patients develop the following complaints and symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, pain in joints and muscles, fever, coating on the tongue and weight loss.

All of the above symptoms may indicate the presence of liver pathologies and are a reason to consult a gastroenterologist or hepatologist. After examining and interviewing the patient, the specialist will be able to draw up the most effective plan for further examination, allowing for an accurate diagnosis. For this purpose, the patient may be recommended to carry out such laboratory and instrumental research methods.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas tissue, accompanied by its swelling, impaired enzymatic function and the development of certain clinical symptoms. Diarrhea with pancreatitis is one of the main manifestations of the disease and is accompanied by other intestinal disorders: hiccups, nausea, bloating. All this occurs against the background of moderate hyperthermia and a general deterioration in health.

It is possible to stop diarrhea during pancreatitis with the help of therapeutic regimens used to treat the inflammatory process as a whole. Drugs that directly affect intestinal tone and are used to relieve the symptoms of food poisoning are useless here.

The mechanism of development of diarrhea in diseases of the pancreas

The pancreas produces more than 600 ml of secretion per day, containing such important hormones as:

• amylase;
• maltase;
• lipase;
• trypsin;
• elastase;
• collagenase, etc.

The total number of substances produced by the organ reaches twenty. All these enzymes are directly involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients contained in food. Digestive catalysts are released in an inactive form, after which they enter the intestines through the ducts, where they become active.

Frequent bowel movements with pancreatitis are caused by decreased gland function and insufficient production of digestive enzymes. In this case, the food entering the intestines is not completely broken down. Its remains linger in the body and begin to decompose. As a result, the intestinal wall is irritated, which leads to increased peristalsis, increased release of fluid into the intestinal lumen and the appearance of diarrhea.

The second mechanism for the appearance of the symptom in question is the active reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms on particles of unprocessed food. An increase in the concentration of bacteria also causes irritation of the intestinal walls. An inflammatory process develops, which leads to disruption of the excretory mechanisms and the appearance of diarrhea.

Note: In some cases, diarrhea may not be associated with pancreatitis, but with the action of the factor that caused it. So, if the inflammation was caused by the toxic effects of heavy metals, they also cause diarrhea. The symptom develops as a result of the direct effect of the toxicant on the intestinal walls, and is not the result of impaired digestion.

Features of the flow

Liquid stools with pancreatitis persist for 3-5 days. During this time, the patient can visit the restroom up to 10 times a day. Feces have a grayish tint, a foamy consistency, and are poorly washed off from the earthenware surface (steatorrhea).

Along with diarrhea, the patient has the following symptoms:

• thirst;
• pain in the upper abdomen (more precise localization depends on which part of the gland is affected);
• bloating;
• nausea;
• belching;
• vomit;
• loss of body weight by several kilograms by 2-3 days.

The severe course of the disease may be accompanied by the development of mechanical jaundice. The condition develops if a swollen and enlarged gland compresses the central bile duct. In this case, the release of bile is disrupted, and it begins to be absorbed into the blood with the development of hyperbilirubinemia.

Diarrhea with chronic pancreatitis can occur outside periods of exacerbation. Moreover, it occurs without accompanying symptoms and disappears within 2-3 days, even without pharmacological correction.

Therapy

Treatment of diarrhea with pancreatitis does not coincide with the general principles of treatment of similar conditions of other etiologies. Diarrhea can be stopped only with the help of comprehensive measures aimed at reducing swelling, relieving inflammation and restoring pancreatic function. In addition to pharmacological correction, diet is of great importance.

Pharmacological correction of the condition

Drug therapy for inflammation of the pancreas has the following goals:

• suppression of enzymatic activity in the tissues of the gland itself;
• reduction of residual secretion of the organ until inflammation is relieved;
• relieving inflammation;
• fight against dehydration and intoxication.

When these goals are achieved, the patient's stomach upset goes away on its own. Treatment regimens vary depending on the causes of damage to the glandular apparatus.

There are two main algorithms, one of which is used for biliary pancreatitis (caused by pathology of the gallbladder and liver), the other for toxic pancreatitis.

Biliary inflammation requires treatment according to the scheme given in the table below:

A drug

Pharmacological group

Regimen and forms of administration

Action

The above scheme is relevant during the first days of illness. Next, the patient is prescribed enzyme preparations (Creon 600 mg during or after meals) and prokinetics (Motilium 10 mg four times a day). Secretion suppressants continue to be taken for 2 months from the moment the exacerbation stops.

Diarrhea with pancreatitis of toxic origin requires some changes in the treatment regimen described above. Patients are prescribed dalargin (metabolism regulator) 2 mg twice a day, droperidol (neuroleptic) 5 ml 2-3 times a day, Creon from the first days of illness. Analgin is excluded from the therapeutic regimen.

Note: For severe pain, neuroleptanalgesia can be used - droperidol 5 ml of 0.25% solution in combination with 2 ml of 0.005% fentanyl. The drugs are administered intravenously in a stream, slowly. This method of pain relief is not used for mild to moderate pain.

Diet

Diarrhea due to pancreatitis must also be treated with diet. In the acute stage of the disease, the patient is prescribed fasting and strict bed rest, which continues for 1-3 days. During this time, the patient should drink up to one and a half liters of fluid per day. It can be used as:

• mineral water of low or medium mineralization (Borjomi, Slavyanovskaya);
• rosehip decoction;
• ordinary clean drinking water;
• weak cool tea.

As the symptoms subside, the patient is prescribed diet No. 5, which is used even after part of the gland is removed. In accordance with the requirements of this diet, the patient receives food:

• chemically and thermally gentle;
• boiled or steamed;
• with reduced calorie content;
• with a limited amount of fats and carbohydrates against a background of a normal amount of proteins;
• liquid and semi-liquid.

Starting from the first days when the patient is allowed to eat, he should eat fractionally, up to 5-6 times a day. The total amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates should not exceed 80, 40 and 200 grams, respectively. The patient can receive the products listed in the table below.

As pancreatic function is restored, the patient is transferred to a gentle version of the diet - No. 5p. This transition occurs gradually over 1-2 weeks. Accelerated transfer of the patient to another type of diet can lead to the resumption of diarrhea due to cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

A distinctive feature of table No. 5p is:

• increasing total calorie content to 2600 kcal/day;
• increasing the amount of protein consumed, half of which should be animal, to 120 grams;
• increasing the amount of fat to 80 grams, and carbohydrates to 350 grams;
• Limiting salt to 8 grams per day.

The transition to a general diet is carried out over several months. At the same time, patients with chronic pancreatitis and intestinal diseases must follow a gentle diet for life. They are advised to eat split meals; spicy, salty, overly sour and other irritating dishes are contraindicated.

To prevent exacerbations and, accordingly, diarrhea, medicinal table mineral water can be used during the remission stage. Patients with pancreatitis are advised to use waters of low or medium mineralization (Essentuki No. 20, Essentuki No. 4, Luzhanskaya, Borjomi). You need to take them 3 times a day, 40 minutes before sitting at the table, in courses of 1 month.

A course of medicinal table mineral drinks is prescribed by a doctor. He also establishes the final regimen of admission.

Recovery timeframes and forecasts

As mentioned above, the duration of diarrhea due to inflammation of the pancreas is 3-5 days. The disease itself can last for many years, alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. The prognosis for pancreatitis is favorable if all necessary rules of treatment and dietary nutrition are followed.

The prognosis for diarrhea itself is positive if the patient receives enough fluid to compensate for fluid losses. With a lack of water, the patient develops hypovolemia, hematocrit values ​​change, and homeostasis is disrupted. All this together can cause severe malfunctions, coma and death of a person.

Diarrhea in inflammatory diseases of the digestive system is a severe symptom that requires pharmacological correction. Refusal of help can cause complications that are incompatible with life. Therefore, in cases where the pancreas hurts and diarrhea, you should urgently seek help from a doctor.

The main symptoms of liver disease in men

First of all, liver diseases in men affect the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Nausea may occur after eating traditional "masculine" foods such as fatty fried meats, poultry, and spicy snacks.

In particularly advanced cases, such a “diet” can cause vomiting. Nausea occurs as a result of increased tone of the duodenum caused by intoxication of the body.

In case of chronic diseases, nausea may occur in the morning on an empty stomach.

Inflammatory processes in the liver cause the affected organ to increase in size.

If a man has a large build and a visible belly, then the enlargement of the organ is sometimes quite difficult to notice.

Concern should be caused by an asymmetrical increase in the part of the abdomen in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium, as well as a bursting sensation in the right side.

The liver increases in size due to swelling and an increase in the amount of fatty and connective tissue in it.

Sometimes growth occurs due to an attempt by the organ to perform a compensatory function by increasing its volume. In this case, liver discomfort persists almost constantly.

Liver enlargement can be diagnosed by a doctor using percussion and palpation methods. In the first case, the sounds that the liver makes when pressing on the surface of the body are listened to, in the second, the texture and shape of the organ is felt through the skin.

Diagnosis using such research methods may be difficult in the case of bloating or significant obesity.

Changes in the contours and size of the liver are quite accurately detected during ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Diseases of the liver and biliary tract seriously affect intestinal activity. Due to the fact that the liver cannot effectively rid the body of toxins, they enter the gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammatory processes.

In the intestines, the natural balance of microflora is disrupted, and flatulence, bloating and, in some cases, diarrhea appear.

One of the symptoms of liver disease in men may be pale, runny stool.

Liver tissues do not have nerve endings, so pain in diseases of this group is associated with irritation of organs adjacent to the liver.

Due to the increase in size of the liver, pressure occurs on the hepatic bursa and gall bladder. Usually the pain has a compressed, aching character.

There may be a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the hypochondrium. The pain intensifies with pressure.

However, very often liver diseases can be practically asymptomatic, without causing any noticeable discomfort.

Severe pain, especially when lying down, usually indicates inflammation of the biliary tract. Severe hepatic colic indicates cholelithiasis.

External manifestations of the disease

Liver dysfunction leads to increased levels of toxins in the blood. General intoxication of the body causes skin irritations of various types.

Very often, liver diseases are accompanied by rashes of various locations. Sometimes the rash is accompanied by characteristic itching, which worsens at night.

Its appearance may be due to an increase in bile in the blood, in which case it can also affect clean areas of the skin.

The itching can be quite long and painful, and it is almost impossible to get rid of it.

Liver diseases lead to loss of elasticity of blood vessels and their fragility. This entails hemorrhages of various locations.

Men are characterized by a clearly defined venous pattern in the abdominal area.

Spider veins can also appear on other areas of the body, such as the back, neck, face, arms and shoulders. Bruises and hematomas are easily formed, and nosebleeds are observed.

Signs of liver disease in men may include discoloration of the limbs.

The palms, soles of the feet and tongue of a patient suffering from chronic liver disease often have a bright red color.

Red spots on the skin fade when pressed and then return to their original color. In some cases, there may be a local increase in temperature and a burning sensation in the reddened areas.

Sometimes, with liver disease in men, pigment spots form on the skin.

The patient's tongue may be coated with a white or yellowish coating and have pronounced grooves on its surface.

Sometimes there is swelling of the tongue and a change in its color to purple. The patient notes dry mouth and changes in taste sensations.

The very first signs of liver problems are yellowing of the skin and changes in the color of the sclera and mucous membranes.

The content of bilirubin, a pigment with a yellow tint, increases in the body. The body is usually unevenly colored yellow.

Men often experience the appearance of yellowish spots on the skin, which can increase in size.

In jaundice, the body has the deepest shade, while the limbs remain paler. Severe yellowing may be observed in the nail area.

Due to severe intoxication of the body, the risk of allergic reactions from the skin increases.

Dermatitis develops in response to irritants that previously did not affect the body. Men may develop red patches or dry patches on their skin.

Due to the strong secretion of sweat glands, which is aimed at removing the formed toxins, and a general decrease in immunity on the skin, the number of ulcers and boils increases. Acne may appear, which is not typical for an adult.

In some cases, in men with a diseased liver, large wen forms under the skin.

They are small compactions and can persist for several years.

In men, liver damage can cause alopecia and even complete baldness.

Nervous system symptoms

Since the liver is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins, malfunctions of this organ lead to serious intoxication of the entire body.

In addition, liver pathologies affect the functioning of other organs, such as the pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

As a result of serious disruptions in the functioning of important systems of the body, nervous and mental processes fail.

Severe intoxication of the body causes headaches, a feeling of heaviness in the head, dizziness and tinnitus.

Men experience attacks of excitability, which are accompanied by rapid fatigue.

Endurance and performance decrease, lethargy and lack of emotional involvement in surrounding processes are observed.

In some cases, patients complain of symptoms of the disease such as sleep anxiety or insomnia.

Neurotic disorders are often accompanied by attention and memory disorders. Thought processes slow down.

A man may feel unusual apathy and depression, becoming especially suspicious and vulnerable.

In some cases, mental changes lead to hypochondria and exaggeration of the symptoms of the disease, which can significantly complicate the diagnosis of the disease and its proper treatment.

In case of acute liver failure and severe intoxication of the body, disturbances of consciousness may be observed, accompanied by visual hallucinations and delusions. The risk of fainting increases.

Serious changes in the biochemical composition of the blood caused by impaired liver function can block the normal functioning of internal organs and cause changes in the patient’s brain.

You should pay attention to changes in the psychological well-being and nervous reactions of the body at the very first stages of the development of liver diseases.

If you identify symptoms indicating liver disease, you should seek medical help as soon as possible and undergo a comprehensive examination.

Diagnosis of liver diseases is possible based on a biochemical blood test.

Metabolic disorders cause anemia and difficulty absorbing certain vitamins and microelements.

The most obvious indicators of liver disease are increased levels of bilirubin and cholesterol in the blood.

Increased gas formation and accumulation of gases in the intestines is a common phenomenon. Occurs in adults and children. According to statistics, flatulence - an excessive amount of gas in the intestines - is experienced by every tenth inhabitant of the planet. If a woman's stomach is swollen, special attention should be paid to this, since flatulence, not being an independent disease, may indicate the presence of a serious pathology. Although it often occurs in healthy people after overeating foods that cause the formation of excess gases during digestion.

Gas formation in a healthy intestine

On average, a healthy person contains about 200 ml of gas. During and outside of defecation, 0.5–1.0 liters of gases formed during the life of bacteria are excreted. If the relationship between the formation, accumulation and removal of gases is disturbed, up to 3 liters of gases can accumulate in the intestines. And then this causes not just discomfort, but many painful symptoms.

Causes of symptoms in the female body

When the stomach is swollen, the reasons for women can be very diverse.

The causes of bloating and gas formation in women are often associated with intestinal pathology:

• dysbacteriosis;
• helminthiases;
• acute infections in the intestines;
• neoplasms compressing the intestines;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• or with functional impairment;
• postoperative intestinal atony, or resulting from peritonitis;
• intestinal obstruction;
• varicose veins or blood stagnation in the pelvic area;
• stress and depression;
• neurosis;
• psychogenic causes, including hysteria.

Pathologies of the digestive system that cause flatulence include:

• causes of bloating before menstruation
• feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen in women
• what causes your stomach to swell all the time?

• colitis;
• pancreatitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• anacid gastritis and peptic ulcer (Helicobacter Pylori, which penetrates the stomach and is the etiological factor of these diseases, produces a large amount of gases during its life);
• cirrhosis of the liver.

Flatulence during pregnancy

Abdominal bloating in women during pregnancy is explained by:

• pressure on the intestines by an enlarged uterus;
• a sharp change in hormonal levels, which causes disruption of the physiological functioning of the intestines - atony and constipation (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause).

From the first days of pregnancy, progesterone is produced, which has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines. This leads to stagnation in the intestines, increased fermentation and excessive gas formation. Particularly pronounced in the first trimester along with early toxicosis.

In the later stages, mechanical pressure from the fetus occurs on the abdominal organs, including the intestines. The result of this impact is the development of constipation, dysbacteriosis and increased gas formation.

Despite the fact that flatulence is detected in many women during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude serious diseases.

Menopause is one of the causes of flatulence

Menopause, like pregnancy, leads to hormonal changes in the female body. Absorption in the intestines is impaired, which causes excessive gas formation, fluid retention in the body, resulting in weight gain, bloating, mainly in the evening and at night, as well as against the background of frequent mood changes due to hormonal changes.

Premenstrual syndrome - a reason for flatulence

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is also one of the characteristics of the female body, which leads to the development of flatulence. Moreover, bloating occurs before, during and after menstruation. Normally, in the very first days of the cycle - during the follicular stage - the level of estrogen increases, the uterine mucosa thickens, which increases bloating. There is also fluid retention in the body for up to two weeks. This is a normal process and goes away quickly, unless there are other serious preconditions for the disease: menstrual irregularities, fibroids, tumors.

Stress and depression that accompany PMS and menopause also cause bloating in women. There is a connection with a violation of intestinal tone: the smooth muscles of the intestines spasm, which makes it difficult to pass gases and leads to their retention.

Errors in nutrition and other reasons

The causes of intestinal flatulence in women are associated with foods that are often eaten in large quantities:

• dairy (in any form) with a lack of lactase in the body - an enzyme that takes part in the breakdown of lactose - milk sugar;
• products that cause gas formation - legumes, fresh and sauerkraut, apples, carbonated drinks;
• products that trigger fermentation - black bread, kvass, beer, kombucha.

Causes of flatulence in women, which also need to be remembered:

• taking certain medications that have a depressing effect on the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice and indirectly enhance the processes of fermentation and gas formation;
• impaired absorption in the intestine due to various enzymopathies (not only hypolactasia - lactase deficiency).

Allergies and bad habits

One of the causes of gas formation in the intestines, not related to the pathology of the digestive organs, is allergies.

• Various allergens that lead to sensitization of the body and cause a runny nose, lacrimation, rash, can also cause flatulence. In such cases, treatment should be aimed at the etiological factor that caused the allergic reaction and desensitization.
• Bad habits - smoking and regular drinking of alcohol - also negatively affect the state of the digestive organs and lead to excessive gas formation, as a result of which the stomach begins to swell and cause many problems.
• Insufficient fluid intake into the body leads to increased production of gases by intestinal microflora.

Clinical manifestations of flatulence

Despite the fact that the causes of gas formation are numerous and varied, the clinical symptoms of flatulence are always the same and require timely treatment.

Manifestations of flatulence in women are:

• bloating, distension, feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• cramping pain that disappears after the passage of gas;
• bowel problems (diarrhea or constipation).

In addition to these symptoms, there are signs of the underlying disease that caused the bloating.

Complex treatment - solution to the problem

Flatulence must be treated regardless of the etiological factor that caused it, even if bloating occurs in a healthy person.

Treatment has several goals and must be comprehensive, which requires:

• adjust your diet;
• eliminate the cause (or minimize it if a complete cure is not possible);
• restore intestinal motor function (prescription of prokinetics: Motilium, Domidon, Cerucal, Metoclopramide, etc.);
• treatment of disturbed intestinal biocenosis (probiotics, eubiotics);
• impact directly on flatulence (removal of excess gases, elimination of pain and discomfort).

Diet is an important stage of treatment

In all cases, treatment begins with a diet: if lactose is indigestible, exclude dairy products, do not consume legumes, vegetables and fruits containing coarse fiber, brown bread, carbonated drinks, etc.

It is mandatory to adhere to the nutritional culture:

• chewing food thoroughly;
• eating in small portions, often, at short intervals (ideally after 3 hours);
• drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water without gases per day;
• refusal to eat before bed, because at night the activity of the digestive tract organs decreases, causing food to “stand idle” in the intestines and increase the processes of fermentation and gas formation;
• In the morning on an empty stomach, drink a glass of clean water with the addition of lemon juice to improve intestinal tone.

In the case of a mechanical obstacle that causes flatulence, treatment is only surgical.

Drugs that directly remove gases from the body include various sorbents. Polysorb, Enterosgel, Espumisan are especially effective, but you can use activated carbon in adequate doses in the absence of constipation.

If necessary, antispasmodics (for severe pain), enzyme preparations, and sedatives are prescribed.

Only a doctor can determine what disease caused flatulence and how to treat the underlying disease or condition that led to bloating in women. In all cases, if this is not banal overeating, it is necessary to consult a specialist in order to identify a serious pathology in time.

These days, digestive problems can affect everyone almost every day, and not all episodes of bowel upset require medical attention. How do you know if diarrhea is a symptom of a serious illness? Additional symptoms or properties of diarrhea itself will help with this:

Diarrhea + bloating when eating certain foods– may indicate an allergy to these products or an enzyme deficiency ( lactase deficiency, celiac disease).

Diarrhea + bloating not related to the nature of food taken– more often observed in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In which neuropsychic factors ( overwork, stress) lead to disruption of the entire nervous system.

Diarrhea + vomiting + abdominal tenderness– often found in food poisoning, salmonellosis, and enterovirus infections. In this case, only a personal consultation with an infectious disease specialist can help make a diagnosis.

Diarrhea + dehydration– this symptom may indicate a dangerous infectious disease. In such cases, consultation with a surgeon and infectious disease specialist is necessary. Treatment of such patients at home is impossible; hospitalization is required.

Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea

Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea is difficult in some cases - there are so many diseases that manifest themselves with this symptom. However, a number of clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods are used to identify the causes of diarrhea.

Clinical examination of a patient with diarrhea
Includes a conversation to identify possible causative factors:

• When did the diarrhea start?
• Does any other family member have diarrhea?
• What food was consumed the day before?
• Do people who consumed the same food have diarrhea?
• Is there pain? Nature of pain?

And some other questions may be asked by your doctor during diagnosis.
Feeling and tapping the abdomen– allows you to identify pain in a specific location. Tapping helps identify bloating and its location.

Laboratory examinations
Coprogram– studying the appearance of stool, studying the structure and composition of stool under a microscope helps to identify diseases such as: pancreatic enzyme or liver failure,
Bacteriological analysis of stool is the method of choice in diagnosing intestinal dysbiosis or infectious diseases that lead to diarrhea.

Treating diarrhea at home ( for adults)

Only if the above-described symptoms of diarrhea are not identified, treatment at home is possible.

This requires adherence to a gentle daily regimen, balanced nutrition, replenishment of water and salts lost by the body, and the use of medications.
Replenishing lost water and minerals

What drink?

In order to avoid dehydration, it is necessary to replenish all substances and water removed from the body. To do this, it is better to use water with minerals dissolved in it. Solutions of drugs such as Regidron, Ringer Lock, Gidrovit, Orasan are better suited for these purposes.

Under no circumstances should you use sparkling water, sweet water, or juices when dehydrated.

How much to drink?

It is recommended to replenish all volumetric water consumption during illness. Therefore, it is advisable to drink 200-300 ml after each trip to the toilet. saline solution. If the consumption of saline solution repeatedly leads to vomiting, then you need to seek help from a doctor - it is necessary to identify the cause of vomiting and regular droppers with electrolyte solutions will be used to prevent dehydration.

What to eat?

Naturally, with diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that strengthen.
Food products such as ripe bananas, crackers, and boiled rice have a good effect.
Spices, fried foods, sweets, and dairy products must be excluded during the treatment of diarrhea.

Medicines to treat diarrhea

Antibiotics
Antibiotics attack bacteria living in the intestines, slowing down the growth of bacteria or leading to death. Drugs in this group are used for intestinal infectious diseases or severe cases of intestinal dysbiosis. The use of antibiotics to treat diarrhea is possible only as prescribed by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist.

Drugs that slow down intestinal motility ( loperamide)
Loperamide actively changes intestinal motility - slowing down the movement of intestinal contents. The drug can be prescribed for diarrhea of ​​a neurogenic nature, for inflammatory non-infectious intestinal pathology. The drug is prescribed only by the attending physician and requires monitoring of the patient's condition, as it has a number of serious side effects.

Enterosorbents
These substances exert their therapeutic effect in the intestinal lumen. The stricture of enterosorbent granules is such that their surface has the ability to absorb ( absorb) certain substances from the intestinal lumen.
Drugs are prescribed for allergic, toxic-infectious or toxic intestinal damage.

Temperature
An elevated temperature accompanies diarrhea if it is caused by an inflammatory process. If diarrhea develops due to viral and bacterial infections, the temperature can rise to very high limits ( up to 38 – 39 degrees). Also, a high rise in temperature is observed with food poisoning.

Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a painful urge to defecate. They are most characteristic of intestinal infections, for example, dysentery or colitis.

Vomit
Vomiting also often accompanies diarrhea. Typically, this symptom occurs with diarrhea caused by food poisoning or infection.

Weakness
Weakness and malaise are caused by dehydration due to diarrhea. So, with diarrhea, water also leaves the body along with feces. Water provides the most important functions of the body and accounts for 60 to 70 percent. If the percentage of water in the body decreases, then it begins to suffer. In this case, all organ systems suffer without exception. Therefore, even a small loss of water is difficult for a person to bear, and he experiences weakness.
Subsequently, if emergency measures are not taken, the body’s salts leave along with the water. Lack of salts further increases weakness, malaise and lethargy.

Chronic, periodic diarrhea is a manifestation of pathologies such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. With chronic diarrhea, extraintestinal symptoms are also present. Intestinal symptoms in chronic diarrhea are the same as in acute diarrhea.

Extraintestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea are:

• nausea;

Anemia
Anemia is a low number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. It develops as a result of enteropathy, which is observed with frequent diarrhea. Thus, with chronic diarrhea, the intestinal mucous layer is damaged, through which substances beneficial to the body are normally absorbed. As a result, the body experiences a lack of iron, folic acid and other microelements. The type of anemia depends on what substance the body “lacked” the most. If it is iron, then iron deficiency anemia develops, if it is vitamin B12, then B12 deficiency anemia. Anemia, in turn, is accompanied by symptoms such as poor skin condition, brittle hair and nails.

Nausea
With colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases that are accompanied by chronic diarrhea, nausea is an integral companion.

Loss of appetite
Many intestinal pathologies, which are characterized by chronic diarrhea, lead to loss of appetite. First of all, this is due to constant nausea and periodic vomiting. At later stages, when anemia sets in, appetite decreases due to impaired metabolism.

It should be borne in mind that loose stools are not a separate disease, but are a symptom of a pathological process developing in the body.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in adults?

There are a large number of factors that can trigger the development of diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea can be:

• infectious intestinal lesions;
• tuberculosis of the alimentary tract;
• food poisoning;
• allergic reactions;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• dysbacteriosis;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• emotional disorders;
• unbalanced diet;
• change of usual cuisine, water.

Tuberculosis of the alimentary tract
With this pathology, the parts most often affected are the small intestine and the cecum. Diarrhea due to tuberculosis is not permanent and occurs periodically. As the disease progresses, stool disorder is accompanied by pain, localized to the navel.

Food poisoning
Often the cause of loose stools is food poisoning ( infection not by bacteria, but by their metabolic products, which are most often formed in spoiled food products). Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause intoxication of the body. Alcohol contains substances that stimulate the intestines, causing them to contract faster. Sources of nutritional intoxication most often are food products that have expired or those that were prepared without taking into account the necessary sanitary standards.

Products that most often cause poisoning are:

• dairy and fermented milk products;
• confectionery with cream;
• cooked sausage products;
• meat pates;
• salads with mayonnaise or sour cream;
• tomato juice.

Allergic reaction
Diarrhea can be caused by individual intolerance to a certain product. Unlike other allergy symptoms ( respiratory or skin), which occur quickly after consuming an allergen product, loose stools can develop only after 5 – 6 hours. This fact makes it difficult to diagnose the allergic nature of diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome
With this disease, digestive disorders are not caused by damage to the intestine itself. People with an unstable psyche and a high level of emotionality are most susceptible to this pathology. The syndrome is characterized by loose stools, which bother patients after eating, most often in the first half of the day. Exacerbation of the disease and the development of acute diarrhea in half of the patients is associated with severe stress, excitement, and anxiety.

Dysbacteriosis
An imbalance in the ratio of beneficial and harmful microflora in the intestines can be caused by taking a number of antibacterial drugs, dietary habits, or other factors. A decrease in the number of bacteria that are responsible for the process of digestion and absorption of food leads to a disorder of intestinal functions, which is manifested by diarrhea.

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
In the practice of a gastroenterologist ( a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the digestive system) diarrhea is one of the most common complaints of patients. Chronic inflammatory processes affecting the digestive system have a negative impact on the intestines and cause disruption of its functionality.

Chronic diseases in which diarrhea develops are:

• gastritis ( inflammation of the gastric mucosa);
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• duodenitis ( inflammatory lesion of the duodenal mucosa);
• enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestine);
• biliary dyskinesia ( gallbladder motility disorder);
• cholecystitis ( gallbladder inflammation);
• pancreatitis ( inflammatory process in the pancreas);
• Crohn's disease ( formation of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract);
• ulcerative colitis ( intestinal inflammation).

Rectal cancer
With a cancerous tumor located in the rectum, diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms. This pathology is characterized by the appearance of a small amount of blood in the stool and a false urge to defecate.

Liver diseases
One of the liver diseases in which stool disorders develop is hepatitis ( inflammation of liver tissue). Diarrhea is a symptom of all forms of this disease, but most often and most acutely manifests itself in viral hepatitis A. With other types of hepatitis, loose stools occur periodically, most often as a result of intolerance to fatty foods. Another disease in which patients may suffer from diarrhea is cirrhosis of the liver ( pathological changes in liver tissue).

Emotional disorders
The activity of the gastrointestinal tract, like other organ systems, is controlled by the nervous system. In stressful situations, the nervous system is stressed, which affects the activity of the intestines. Therefore, anxiety often causes diarrhea. The symptom disappears after the person stops experiencing stress and anxiety.

Unbalanced diet
An unhealthy diet with a lot of rough food of plant origin can cause diarrhea. Also, the appearance of loose stools can be facilitated by the abuse of hot seasonings, spices, and carbonated drinks. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract can be disrupted by non-compliance with a certain regimen when eating food. Often the cause of diarrhea is an insufficient amount of vitamins that ensure the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines. The development of the disorder is caused by a deficiency of substances such as phylloquinone ( vitamin K), riboflavin ( vitamin B2), niacin ( vitamin PP).

Change of usual cuisine, water
The body's reaction to new food and water in the form of loose stool is called traveler's diarrhea. Stool disorder may appear 3 to 7 days after changing your usual environment. In most cases, this symptom goes away on its own when you return home or refuse food ( food and water) locally produced.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in children?

Diarrhea in children develops as a result of a number of reasons that lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive system.

The main causes of diarrhea in children are:

The main infectious agents of inflammatory bowel processes that lead to diarrhea in a child are:

• adenovirus;
• salmonella;
• dysentery bacillus;
• coli;
• tapeworms ( bovine tapeworm, pork tapeworm).

The main ways infectious agents enter the child’s digestive tract are:

• dirty hands;
• contaminated food;
• contaminated household items and household items;
• contact with sick children ( in case of intestinal viruses).

Genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Many genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children lead to disruption of the digestion process and the development of diarrhea.

The main genetic diseases of the digestive tract are:

• lactase deficiency;
• maltase deficiency;
• sucrase deficiency;
• atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.

For normal absorption of substances in the intestine, food must be well digested by intestinal enzymes. The lack of these enzymes leads to insufficient breakdown of food into easily digestible substances. In this case, food remains in the intestinal lumen and is quickly excreted. This condition is popularly called food allergy.

The most common problem in children is lactase deficiency ( lack of intestinal enzyme lactase), which causes diarrhea when milk and some dairy products are consumed. Less common are maltase enzyme deficiency ( substance involved in the digestion of grains), sucrase ( substance that breaks down sugar).

The absorption process in the intestine can also be disrupted due to congenital atrophy of the child’s intestinal mucosa. In this case, the absorption of all substances is difficult.

Acute food poisoning
Often in children, diarrhea develops as a result of acute food poisoning, due to the action of toxic substances that enter the gastrointestinal tract.

The main sources of acute food poisoning in children are:

• expired products;
• spoiled fruits and vegetables;
• stale meat and fish;
• spoiled dairy products;
• toxic substances ( arsenic, insecticides, organophosphates);
• alcoholic drinks;
• medications ( antibiotics, magnesium and potassium preparations, barbiturates);
• poisonous plants and fruits.

When a child eats “bad” food, a large amount of toxic substances enter the gastrointestinal tract. Toxins cause inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa, increase peristalsis and slow down water absorption. In children, toxins are absorbed very quickly, and diarrhea also develops quickly.

Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition of a child leads to disruption of the digestive system. Constant digestive disorders cause the development of diarrhea.

The most common eating disorders in children are:

• binge eating;
• eating too many fruits and vegetables;
• abuse of herbs, spices, garlic and hot pepper;
• abuse of salty and sour foods;
• too fatty food ( fatty meats and fish, oils).

Large volumes of food eaten put pressure on the walls of the digestive tract, causing accelerated peristalsis. Food passes too quickly and does not have time to be digested. Nutrients and water are absorbed in small quantities, remaining in the intestinal lumen. As a result, diarrhea with particles of poorly digested food appears. The rough skins of vegetables and fruits cause similar problems as a result of intestinal irritation from the rough fibers.
Spicy, sour or salty foods also greatly irritate the child's intestines, leading to the development of diarrhea.

Feeding a child too fatty foods leads to disruption of the liver and gallbladder. A large amount of bile and free fatty acids accumulate in the lumen of the digestive tract. They stimulate the accumulation of water in the intestinal cavity, causing diarrhea.

Why does a baby develop diarrhea?

Diarrhea in an infant develops due to the introduction of new foods into the diet that the child’s digestive system cannot digest normally. Also, stool disorder is a symptom of various pathological processes developing in the child’s body.

The causes of diarrhea in infants are:

• introduction of complementary foods;
• artificial feeding;
• intestinal infections;
• other factors.

Introduction of complementary foods
Changes in the color and consistency of stool are a common reaction of the body to the introduction of new foods into the children's diet. Often, stool turns green when feeding a child vegetable or fruit dishes. A change in the color of feces is not a sign of diarrhea and is normal. Indigestion is indicated by such signs as the child’s constant desire to empty the intestines, the appearance of a sour smell in the stool, and a watery or foamy consistency of the feces.

The causes of diarrhea when introducing complementary foods are:

• untimely introduction of complementary foods;
• non-compliance with dosage recommendations;
• too short pauses between new products;
• intolerance to certain products.

Late introduction of complementary foods
Diarrhea in an infant can be caused by introducing complementary foods too early. Experts recommend introducing new foods after the child reaches five months of age. At this point, the necessary enzymes for digesting adult food are formed in the intestines. Since childhood maturation is an individual aspect, in addition to age, the advisability of introducing complementary foods is also determined by several factors.

Signs that a baby is ready for complementary feeding are:

• the child’s weight increases by 2 times from the moment of birth;
• the child does not push out the spoon with his tongue;
• the baby can sit independently, tilt his body, turn his head;
• the child holds an object in his hand and puts it in his mouth;
• The baby shows interest in adult food and tries to taste it.

Failure to follow dosage recommendations
When switching to adult food, you must follow the recommendations for increasing the dosage of each individual product. If the portion increase is not done in a timely manner, it can cause dysfunction of the digestive system. Diarrhea in such cases occurs because in a short period of time the necessary enzymes do not have time to mature in the child’s intestines. Therefore, the dose of a new product should be increased 5–7 days after it was introduced into the diet for the first time. Thus, the average amount of cottage cheese recommended by pediatricians per day is from 5 to 10 grams. Within six months, the dose of cottage cheese can only be increased to 40 - 50 grams.

Too short pauses between new products
Each new product should be offered to the child a week after the introduction of the previous product. Violating this rule can cause diarrhea in the baby. When transferring a baby to a fundamentally new type of complementary feeding, it is necessary to maintain a pause of at least 3–4 weeks. Types of complementary foods are vegetable, grain, dairy, meat, fish.

Intolerance to certain products
Allergies to certain foods can cause diarrhea in infants. The most common cause of allergic reactions during complementary feeding is intolerance ( partial or complete) gluten. This pathology is called celiac disease. With this disease, loose stools are provoked by porridge ( wheat, barley, rye), bread, cookies. With celiac disease, diarrhea in an infant becomes chronic and is accompanied by symptoms such as poor weight gain and skin rashes.

Artificial feeding
In children who are bottle-fed, digestive disorders in the form of diarrhea are observed more often than in infants fed breast milk. This is explained by the fact that a neutral or slightly acidic environment predominates in the children's intestines, which disrupts the digestion of proteins and fats. The composition of fats in breast milk is simpler and in addition it contains enzymes that facilitate the digestion process ( lipases). Therefore, with artificial feeding, especially with overfeeding, infants develop diarrhea.

Intestinal infections
Diarrhea in infants is often caused by intestinal infections. When bacteria or viruses enter a child's body, an acute digestive disorder develops, which is accompanied by intense loose stools, which may contain blood, mucus, and foam. Often the infection occurs with vomiting, fever, crying, and refusal to eat.

The causative agents of intestinal infections are:

• rotavirus– the infection begins with vomiting, followed by diarrhea and fever;
• enterovirus– the disease is characterized by a wave-like increase in temperature and foamy, loose, green stools;
• salmonella– the infection is manifested by a sharp increase in temperature, bloating and diarrhea, which may contain mucus and blood;
• Shigella(provoke dysentery) – initially loose stools with the progression of the disease become similar to lumps of gray mucus with inclusions of blood;
• coli– infection is accompanied by intense diarrhea and severe abdominal pain;
• staphylococcus– the infection is manifested by foamy liquid stools and a fever above 38 degrees.

Infection most often occurs through the oral-fecal route if personal hygiene rules are not observed. Also, pathogenic bacteria can enter the body along with low-quality products or dirty water. Infection of an infant is possible through contact with carriers of the infection.

Other factors
In addition to infections and feeding errors, various external and internal factors can cause diarrhea in an infant.

Causes of diarrhea include:

• dysbacteriosis– often loose stools are a consequence of taking antibacterial drugs that disrupt the normal composition of the intestinal microflora;
• maternal consumption of certain foods(while breastfeeding) – diarrhea in infants often occurs after eating cucumbers, beets, or pears;
• teething– stool disorder in such cases is called physiological diarrhea;
• lactase deficiency ( lactose intolerance) – manifests itself as diarrhea in newborns from the first days of life;
• cystic fibrosis(a disease that affects organs that secrete mucus, including the intestines) – this pathology is characterized by copious loose stools with a greasy sheen and a strong unpleasant odor;
• helminthic infestations– accompanied by loose stools, which may alternate with constipation;
• acute respiratory diseases– in children under the age of one year, diarrhea often develops against the background of colds.

Why is diarrhea dangerous during pregnancy?

The degree of danger of diarrhea during pregnancy is determined by such factors as the cause that caused the syndrome and the characteristics of its course. The period of pregnancy at which this syndrome develops is also of great importance.

Impact of diarrhea in early pregnancy
Weak and short-lived diarrhea at the beginning of pregnancy, which is accompanied by toxicosis, is a common occurrence. The bacteria and viruses that provoke it do not leave the intestines, and therefore do not pose a great threat to the fetus. In some cases, when diarrhea is caused by severe poisoning, intoxication of the female body and penetration of toxins to the fetus is possible. Thus, mushroom poisoning while pregnant is extremely dangerous. Poisons, penetrating the placental barrier, can cause various disorders in the development of the embryo.
The greatest danger in the first trimester of pregnancy is diarrhea, in which a woman visits the toilet more than 5 times a day. The danger of this condition increases when a bowel disorder is combined with vomiting.

The consequences of severe diarrhea are:

• the formation of congenital developmental anomalies in the fetus;
• spontaneous abortion;
• decreased blood pressure in women;
• renal failure in the expectant mother.

The danger of diarrhea in late pregnancy
Diarrhea at the 30th week of pregnancy is most often a symptom of late toxicosis rather than a viral disease. If an intestinal disorder is accompanied by frequent bowel movements, the woman should see a specialist, as this can provoke intense uterine contractions and premature birth. In addition, severe diarrhea, as in the initial stages, can cause dehydration of the female body. Fluid deficiency can provoke thrombosis ( blockage of blood vessels) and other dangerous conditions. In the third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that are contraindicated in earlier stages are allowed. Therefore, timely consultation with a doctor will quickly eliminate diarrhea and its accompanying symptoms.
This syndrome is most dangerous in the period from 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. Diarrhea can cause labor to begin, which can lead to the birth of a premature baby.

Another factor that causes this disorder is the pressure that the fetus puts on the digestive organs of a pregnant woman.

Regardless of the circumstances that caused diarrhea, the main danger is the rapid development of dehydration. At this stage, the woman begins to move less, and the fetus needs a large amount of fluid. These factors, combined with diarrhea, provoke severe dehydration and the risk of various complications. The body of a pregnant woman stops supplying the fetus with necessary nutrients, resulting in starvation.
Doctors react most calmly to diarrhea that develops from 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, the syndrome occurs against the background of a woman’s normal condition and indicates a natural cleansing of the body and impending childbirth.

How does chronic diarrhea occur?

Chronic diarrhea is manifested by stool disorder that lasts more than 3 weeks. In this case, the patient is concerned about the frequent urge to defecate, in which the daily weight of feces exceeds 300 grams.

• pathological changes in feces;
• discomfort in the abdominal area;
• nausea, vomiting;
• nervous system disorders;
• deterioration of the condition of nails, skin, hair;
• weight loss;
• exhaustion of the body.

The nature and intensity of these symptoms depend on the cause against which chronic diarrhea develops.

Pathological changes in feces
The color and consistency of stool, as well as the number of urges to defecate, may vary with chronic diarrhea. In diseases of the small intestine, the patient is bothered by copious watery or fatty stools. With pathologies of the large intestine, the mass of feces is not so abundant, and they may contain mucous, blood or purulent inclusions. If the cause of chronic diarrhea is diseases of the rectum, patients experience a frequent urge to defecate, while the mass of bowel movements is insignificant.

Other stool changes include:

• Watery stool– can cause viral infections of bacterial or viral origin. The appearance of the stool may resemble rice water.
• Liquid black stool– the cause may be bleeding in the stomach, esophagus or intestines caused by an ulcer or tumor formation. The blood reacts with digestive enzymes, causing the stool to turn black.
• Yellow chair– can develop while taking a number of medications. It is also very often observed in young children due to infections or diseases of the digestive system, as a result of which food is poorly digested.
• White feces– white feces can be a manifestation of chronic diarrhea, which develops against the background of gallbladder pathologies and jaundice. Certain medications can cause white stool to turn white.
• Green chair– feces of this color are most often the result of increased fermentation processes in the intestines due to dysbiosis, dysentery or other intestinal infections.

Discomfort in the abdomen
Patients with chronic diarrhea experience discomfort in the abdominal area, which can vary in type, duration, intensity, and location. With irritable bowel syndrome, patients complain of sharp twisting pains that become less severe after defecation. Painful cramps in the abdomen both before and after bowel movements are observed with intestinal inflammation. Pain in the lower abdomen after eating is manifested by diarrhea due to peptic ulcers. Pain that occurs periodically on the right or left side is characteristic of Crohn's disease. Stool disorder in chronic pancreatitis occurs together with pain, which is localized in the upper abdomen and has a girdling character. When chronic diarrhea develops against the background of putrefactive and fermentative processes in the intestines, it is accompanied by rumbling and bloating due to intense formation of gases in the intestines.

Nausea and vomiting
Often chronic diarrhea, caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient. When infection penetrates, diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, and the body temperature rises to 38 degrees.

Nervous system disorders
Often this disorder causes sleep problems and other nervous system disorders.

Manifestations of chronic diarrhea are:

• insomnia at night;
• daytime sleepiness;
• irritability;
• frequent mood changes;
• increased fatigue;
• unreasonable anxiety;
• lethargy, apathy.

Deterioration of hair, skin, nails
Chronic diarrhea is often manifested by deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. An increase in the activity of the sebaceous glands leads to increased oiliness of the hair and skin, and the appearance of small pimples. Due to vitamin deficiency, hair may begin to fall out, nails may break or peel.

Weight loss
In some cases, chronic diarrhea is accompanied by weight loss. This manifestation is typical for patients in whom the syndrome develops against the background of chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease or certain pathologies of the pancreas.

Exhaustion of the body
Chronic diarrhea is manifested not only by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, but also by disturbances in the functioning of other body systems. Patients complain of general physical discomfort, which is most severe in the morning. The lack of appetite characteristic of this syndrome causes a decrease in the overall tone of the body. With diarrhea, the time it takes for food to pass through the intestines decreases, as a result of which vitamins and nutrients do not have time to be absorbed. This, combined with poor nutrition, fluid loss and other disorders, can cause severe exhaustion of the body.

Is diarrhea accompanied by fever?

Diarrhea may be accompanied by fever, but not in all cases. In children, unlike adults, diarrhea is almost always accompanied by an increase in body temperature ( sometimes even to critical levels). Depending on the factors that caused diarrhea and the severity of the disease, a hyperthermic reaction ( temperature increase) of the body manifests itself in different ways.

Diarrhea can be a symptom of a variety of diseases, such as lactase deficiency or hormonally active tumors. However, it does not always require the use of medications. Sometimes you just need to eliminate a certain product. For lactase deficiency, such products are dairy products, for celiac disease - products containing gluten, for phenylketonuria - products containing phenylalanine.

What foods can you eat if you have diarrhea?

For diarrhea, you can eat foods that do not provoke fermentation and rotting in the intestines. Food should not irritate the digestive organs and require large resources for its digestion. Properly selected products will help avoid dehydration and deficiency of substances necessary for the patient’s rapid recovery.

Foods that can be eaten are:

• unsweetened fruits and berries;
• vegetables with a small amount of fiber;
• cereals;
• eggs;
• lean fish and meat;
• flour products.

In order for nutrition during diarrhea to bring a healing effect, you must adhere to a number of rules when preparing dishes. The amount and other features of eating recommended foods depend on the intensity and other characteristics of diarrhea.

Fruits and berries

• Banana– a product that can be eaten for any form of diarrhea. The potassium contained in the fruit promotes rapid recovery, and a sufficient amount of moisture prevents dehydration. In the absence of individual intolerance, it is recommended to consume bananas 1 - 2 pieces every 3 - 4 hours.
• Apples– contain pectin and a large amount of organic acids. These substances promote the removal of toxins and have an astringent and antimicrobial effect. Raw apples contain coarse fiber, which can irritate the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these fruits should be consumed baked. You can also make compote from apples.
• Quince– has astringent and fixing properties, therefore it is recommended for disorders of the digestive tract. Quince decoction has the greatest effect. To prepare it, 200 grams ( medium sized fruit) ripe quince should be cut into small slices and pour 4 glasses ( liter) boiling water. Leave for a couple of 15 - 20 minutes, then cool and drink the infusion every hour, 100 - 200 milliliters.

Drinks made from berries that are rich in tannins are useful for diarrhea ( tannins). Tannins stop the inflammatory process in the intestines and normalize the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract.

• persimmon;
• dogwood;
• black currant;
• bird cherry;
• blueberry;
• thorn

In addition to compotes and decoctions of blueberries, black currants, and bird cherry, you can prepare jelly, which has not only a nutritional, but also a medicinal effect. The starch contained in jelly acts as a sorbent, absorbing harmful substances in the intestines. To cook jelly, add 200 grams of berries to 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. After this, you need to add 4 tablespoons of starch to the composition ( diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream). After 3 - 5 minutes, remove the jelly from the heat, cool and drink throughout the day.

Vegetables
In case of acute diarrhea, vegetables should be excluded from the diet. After 2–3 days, you should begin to gradually introduce vegetable dishes into the menu to prevent vitamin deficiency. The main rule is to choose crops with minimal fiber content. You should not eat raw or half-raw vegetables. The best heat treatment option is boiling or steaming.

Vegetables that are easy to tolerate for diarrhea are:

• carrot;
• potato;
• pumpkin;
• zucchini;
• cauliflower;
• asparagus;
• green beans.

Vegetables can be used to prepare vegetable soups, meatballs, and casseroles. Due to its mushy consistency, purees and soufflés made from vegetables are well digested for diarrhea.

Cereals
The most recommended cereals for diarrhea are buckwheat, oatmeal and rice. Dishes prepared from them are a source of carbohydrates, which the body needs to fight diarrhea. In the first days of the disorder, you should prepare porridge from cereals with plenty of water. Subsequently, rice and buckwheat can be used as an additional ingredient for first courses. An effective remedy for diarrhea is a decoction made from rice, which has a complex effect on the body.

The effects of rice water are:

• enveloping and protecting the intestinal walls from irritation;
• normalization of peristalsis;
• thickening of stool due to fluid absorption;
• reduction of flatulence and reduction of bloating;
• replenishment of nutritional deficiencies.

To prepare the decoction, bring half a liter of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons of washed rice and simmer for 45 minutes. Next, strain the broth and take 50 milliliters every 2 to 3 hours.

Eggs
Eggs ( chicken and quail) help normalize the consistency of stool. For diarrhea, it is recommended to eat no more than 2 eggs per day that have undergone special heat treatment. Raw, fried or hard-boiled eggs can worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, steam omelettes or soft-boiled eggs should be included in the menu of a patient with diarrhea. You can also use egg whites when preparing first courses.

Meat and fish
Meat and fish contain large amounts of protein, which the body needs for diarrhea. These products should be introduced into the diet 3–4 days after the first symptoms of the disorder appear. To reduce the load on the organs of the digestive system, meat should be cleaned of fat, films, and tendons before consumption. The fish must be cleaned of skin and bones.

• chicken breast;
• turkey fillet;
• veal tenderloin;
• pollock fillet;
• cod fillet;
• pike perch fillet.

Steam cutlets, meatballs, and souffles are prepared from meat or fish. Pre-grinding makes the product easier to digest, and steaming allows you to preserve all the valuable properties of the dish.

Flour products
At the initial stage of the disorder ( first 2 – 3 days) You should eat bread made from wheat flour, dried in the oven. When relief occurs, the diet can be diversified with pasta made from durum wheat.

What diseases cause bloody diarrhea?

Bloody diarrhea is a symptom of inflammatory processes and other pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The color, consistency, smell and other characteristics of blood impurities in liquid feces are determined by the reasons for its occurrence. The closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the lighter the color of the blood.

Causes of loose stools with blood can be:

• haemorrhoids ( dilatation and inflammation of the veins of the lower segment of the rectum);
• anal fissures;
• intestinal polyps ( benign formations);
• inflammation of diverticula ( pouch-like protrusions of the walls of the rectum or colon);
• chronic inflammatory diseases;
• infectious intestinal diseases;
• bleeding of the upper digestive system;
• dysbacteriosis;
• malignant tumors of the colon.

Haemorrhoids
The cause of bloody diarrhea may be damage to hemorrhoidal cones during multiple bowel movements. In this case, bleeding is manifested by drops of bright red blood, which can be in the stool, on linen, or on toilet paper. The scarlet tint is explained by the fact that the damage is close and the blood does not have time to clot or react with digestive enzymes. When a node ruptures, copious amounts of blood are released, which can flood the toilet. In most cases, patients are not bothered by any pain.

Anal fissures
Loose stools with blood from cracks in the lower part of the rectum are accompanied by severe pain in the anus. A small amount of red blood is released at the time of bowel movement or immediately after it. In this case, the blood does not form streaks or clots and does not mix with feces. Also, with this pathology, a small amount of mucus or its complete absence is found in the stool.

Intestinal polyps
The presence of blood in liquid feces can cause polyps in the intestines. Bleeding occurs when tumors are damaged or an inflammatory process occurs. In this disease, the blood is mixed with feces, which also contain mucus impurities.

Inflammation of diverticula
Diverticulitis ( inflammation of diverticula) and the accompanying diarrhea with blood most often develops in patients whose age ranges from 50 to 60 years. If diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, inclusions of blood have a bright red tint. With lesions of diverticula located in the right segments of the large intestine, the blood may be dark, sometimes black.

Chronic inflammatory diseases
A symptom of such a chronic disease as Crohn's disease ( inflammatory processes in various parts of the digestive tract) bloody diarrhea often occurs. Often this symptom indicates another chronic disease - ulcerative colitis ( purulent inflammation of the colon). A distinctive feature of these diseases is chronic diarrhea, which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and an increase in body temperature. The act of defecation is accompanied by profuse bleeding of scarlet color.

Bleeding in the upper digestive system
Diarrhea and blood in its composition may indicate damage to the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. The blood is black in color and smells bad. Stool mixed with black, foul-smelling blood is called melena. Blood acquires its color and smell due to its long stay in the digestive system, during which it is exposed to bacteria.

Diseases that cause diarrhea with black blood are:

• cancerous tumors in stomach or duodenum;
• mucosal defects ( ulcers) stomach or duodenum;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;
• pathological changes in the structure of liver tissue ( cirrhosis).

Infectious intestinal diseases
Often, disorders in the form of bloody diarrhea are a manifestation of diseases caused by infection. In this case, patients are worried about attacks of acute abdominal pain and high body temperature. One of the common infectious diseases is dysentery. The causative agents of the disease are bacteria of the genus Shigella, which infect the lower segment of the colon. With dysentery, the patient suffers from intense diarrhea with blood, in which the frequency of the urge to defecate can reach 30 times a day. Often the desire to evacuate is false and is accompanied by severe discomfort. Often with dysentery, diarrhea turns green. In addition to blood, clots of pus and mucus may be found in the stool.

Malignant tumors of the colon
Blood during bowel movements is one of the most frequently detected and persistent symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the colon, which in most cases are cancerous tumors. Thus, bleeding preceding stool or inclusions of blood in the stool occur in more than half of patients, both in the early and later stages of the disease. The second most common sign of colon cancer is stool abnormalities, which often manifest as diarrhea. Bleeding is characterized by its inconsistency and insignificant volume. In later stages of cancer, mucus and pus may be added to the blood. This is explained by the development of concomitant inflammatory diseases. Often, diarrhea with blood in cancer is accompanied by symptoms such as false urge to defecate, low-grade fever ( about 37 degrees), bloating.

Other causes of bloody diarrhea may include:

• proctitis ( inflammatory lesion of the rectal mucosa) – blood is detected in the form of clots throughout the stool;
• cryptite ( inflammation of the recesses in the anal canal) – characterized by brightly colored blood inclusions;
• ischemic colitis ( disruption of the blood supply to the intestinal wall) - blood is released in small quantities and can be either dark or light in color.

How to treat diarrhea after antibiotics?

Treatment of diarrhea after antibiotics is carried out comprehensively and is aimed at restoring intestinal functions. Also, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms and consequences of this disorder.

Treatments for diarrhea after antibiotics include:

• compliance with dietary nutrition;
• taking medications that correct the composition of the intestinal microflora;
• prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body.

Taking medications to correct intestinal microflora
To normalize the composition and properties of the intestinal microflora, patients are prescribed special medications. Depending on the composition and effect, such drugs are divided into several categories.

The types of drugs are:

• probiotics– include cultures of living microorganisms;
• prebiotics– contain substances that stimulate the activity of beneficial microflora;
• synbiotics– combination preparations consisting of probiotics and prebiotics.

The therapeutic effect of these drugs is to create favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora and inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The active components of these drugs take part in the production of vitamins and create an environment for their effective absorption. Also, taking such medications helps to better break down food and remove toxic substances from the body.

Probiotics
Once in the intestines, the microorganisms that make up this group of drugs multiply, which helps restore all functions of the microflora. Based on their composition and mechanism of action, there are 4 categories of probiotics.

The groups of probiotics are:

• First generation drugs ( monobiotics) – contain one type of beneficial bacteria that are part of the normal microflora. The most common living components for the production of these drugs are colibacteria, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli.
• Second generation drugs ( antagonists) – are made on the basis of bacilli and yeast fungi, which inhibit the activity of harmful microorganisms. Not being part of the microflora, the components of such drugs do not take root in the intestines and are eliminated naturally.
• Third generation probiotics ( multicomponent) – include several types of beneficial bacteria that begin to grow and multiply in the intestines.
• Fourth generation drugs ( sorbed) – consist of representatives of normal microflora, which are fixed on a special carrier ( sorbent). The use of a sorbent significantly increases the effectiveness of the drug.

Prebiotics
Prebiotics are made from substances that provide nutrition for beneficial microorganisms. The components used are fiber, pectin, sorbitol, xylitol and other carbohydrates. Prebiotics are prescribed in combination with probiotics.

Synbiotics
This category of drugs contains both live microorganisms ( probiotics), as well as ingredients for their favorable reproduction ( prebiotics). Today, synbiotics are considered the most effective for treating diarrhea after antibiotics.

Dietary adherence
The goal of a diet for diarrhea is to reduce the load on the digestive system and provide the body with the necessary substances for a speedy recovery. For severe diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that do not irritate the intestinal mucosa and have a strengthening effect.

• hard-boiled eggs;
• steam omelettes;
• slimy porridges from semolina, buckwheat, rice;
• rice water;
• berry and fruit jelly;
• baked apples;
• white bread crackers.

When preparing porridges, cereals must be boiled thoroughly and enough water used to ensure that their consistency is viscous. For jelly, you should use non-acidic berries and fruits, diluting the juice with water if necessary.
After 2–3 days, the menu can include dishes prepared from lean meats and fish. These can be steamed cutlets, boiled meatballs, souffles, casseroles. After a few days, it is recommended to diversify your diet with vegetable dishes. You can use carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower to make soups, purees and stews. It is not advisable to eat white cabbage, sweet peppers, legumes, and mushrooms when you have diarrhea. Brown bread, carbonated drinks, coffee, and spices also stimulate intestinal motility. Therefore, such products can be introduced into the diet 10 days after complete recovery. In addition, for this period it is necessary to avoid fatty, salty, pickled foods. Gradually and carefully you should include dairy products in your diet.

Fermented milk products enriched with live bacteria will help restore the composition of the intestinal microflora after diarrhea. Microorganisms are contained in special kefir, yoghurts, and starter cultures. The manufacturer indicates the presence of bacteria on the product packaging. Preference should be given to brands that have a short shelf life. You can eat such products after complete normalization of stool.

Prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body
To prevent poisoning and dehydration, a patient with diarrhea needs to drink enough fluids. You can drink weakly brewed green and black tea, herbal infusions, and juices diluted with water. Adding a small amount of lemon juice to the drink will improve the patient's condition due to its antiseptic effect. Compotes made from quince, pear, blueberry, and bird cherry are useful for diarrhea.

What folk remedies exist for diarrhea?

There are many folk remedies for diarrhea. They not only calm the “raging” digestive system, but also restore its normal functioning. Also, a positive side of folk remedies is their harmlessness in relation to the normal intestinal microflora. Thus, they rarely cause dysbiosis ( imbalance of intestinal microflora).
All folk remedies for diarrhea can be divided into several groups.

The main three groups of folk remedies that help with diarrhea are:

• specially prepared food products;
• medicinal drinks;
• infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.

Specially prepared foods that help with diarrhea
When a patient suffers from diarrhea, he must follow a special diet. All food should be gentle, that is, it should not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Some “gentle” products also have medicinal properties and are used as folk remedies for diarrhea.

The main products that are used as folk remedies for diarrhea are:

• goat fat;
• fresh apples;
• bananas;
• millet cereal;
• chicken stomachs.

Methods for preparing and using products as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Medicinal drinks for diarrhea
Various healing drinks are used as folk remedies for diarrhea, which can be drunk all day without restrictions. They not only eliminate bouts of diarrhea, but also replenish lost fluid from the body.

Products that can be used to prepare anti-diarrhea drinks are:

• oatmeal and rye bread;
• blueberries;
• black tea and onion;
• burnet grass;
• blackberry branches.

Methods for preparing and using drinks as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Infusions and decoctions from medicinal plants
Various infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants and fruits are used as a folk remedy for diarrhea.

The most commonly used herbs for diarrhea are:

• Oak bark;
• bird cherry fruits;
• pomegranate peels;
• walnut leaf;
• walnut partitions.

Infusions and decoctions as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Can liver disease cause diarrhea? The answer is unequivocal - yes, some diseases of this organ, for example hepatitis and cirrhosis, initially manifest themselves with diarrhea and vomiting, and if left untreated can result in the death of the patient.

Hepatitis and other “delights”

In simple words, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and its structure. The disease can be caused by cytomegalovirus, yellow fever, infection, and other reasons. At the moment, doctors count 6 types of hepatitis, and they all begin with diarrhea and vomiting.

Diarrhea with liver damage occurs when bile acid cannot enter the intestines, and bile stagnation occurs. This produces a large amount of fat, which gives the stool an oily sheen. Then other symptoms are observed - blurred vision, hemorrhagic rash, vomiting, itching, stool becomes light, and urine, on the contrary, darkens. This suggests that you need to urgently go to see a doctor.

Diarrhea can also be observed after the underlying disease has been cured - hepatitis, cholera, food poisoning, salmonellosis. It continues due to a disorder in intestinal motility, in which many toxic substances have accumulated during the illness.

With hepatitis, the liver does not hurt, but pain is felt in the lower abdomen, this is felt by the gases accumulated in the intestines. During hepatitis, the body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees; in addition to diarrhea, there may also be vomiting, as with food poisoning. The patient's skin, whites of the eyes and nails become jaundiced, constant nausea reduces appetite, the person begins to feel weak and loses weight.

Diagnosis and treatment are carried out by a doctor. Doctors take blood for analysis, perform a liver test for bilirubin, and perform an enzyme immunoassay. Based on the test results, treatment is prescribed. The doctor interviews the patient, trying to establish the cause of the disease, and finds out whether he has had hepatitis in the past.

Particularly dangerous is hepatitis B, which is transmitted through blood. This type of hepatitis causes severe complications and can even cause the death of the patient.

Some types of mild or moderate hepatitis can be avoided without serious treatment; the patient is prescribed decoctions of choleretic herbs and diet. He is being treated at home; he comes to see a doctor at the appointed time.

In any case, the type of hepatitis and the degree of the disease must be determined by a doctor. If left to chance, the disease can cause hepatic coma and cirrhosis. And this leads to death in 90 cases out of a hundred. Hepatic coma develops very quickly and causes the death of liver cells. Cirrhosis also destroys the liver, changing its structure, which makes blood flow in it difficult.

Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, can also cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and high fever.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver cirrhosis should be discussed separately. Let's say right away: modern medicine successfully treats this dangerous disease, but only if it is detected at an early stage, and if the patient follows all the advice of doctors. The disease develops very quickly, so when the first signs appear, go to the hospital immediately!

Diarrhea is one of the signs of cirrhosis; other symptoms include an increase in the size of the liver, a dull aching pain in the right side, especially after eating, especially if it was fatty. Nausea is another sign of liver cirrhosis, and sometimes it can be so severe that a person refuses to eat at all.

Under favorable conditions and proper treatment, the process of liver destruction stops, but as a chronic disease, cirrhosis can accompany the patient until the end of his days. The disease changes the structure of the liver tissue and its vessels, reduces the activity and number of hepatocytes, and leads to excessive growth of connective tissue. As a result, liver failure develops, leading to the death of the patient.

Feces with cirrhosis of the liver are light in color, this happens because the coloring pigment cannot penetrate the intestines. In the liver it is converted into the substance urobilin, which is excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, the urine turns dark yellow and the stool turns white. This sign should alert the patient as one of the symptoms of abnormal liver function.

Note that black blood clots can be found in white stool; it enters the intestines from enlarged hemorrhoidal veins. The vomit becomes coffee-colored.

Cirrhosis is treated exclusively in a hospital, with constant medical supervision. Simultaneously with treatment, the patient is prescribed a diet and hepatoprotectors, and is prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages. In some cases, a liver transplant is indicated if a suitable donor is available.