Diarrhea

The Problem
You are having unusually watery and frequent bowel movements; they may be preceded by gas and abdominal cramping.

Causes of Diarrhea

• Infection. You have had several episodes of diarrhea, and you also feel sick; you may be vomiting as well. Diarrhea is a common sign of a gastrointestinal infection. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria picked up in food or drinking water, or they may be viral and not related to food. In either case, the diarrhea is the body’s way of clearing the infection form the intestine. Therefore, it is usually best to let the diarrhea run its course, while keeping yourself well hydrated. Certain gastrointestinal infections require antibiotics.
• Lactose intolerance. You’ve recently eaten ice cream or some other dairy product, and now you have diarrhea. Many adults lack lactase, an enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, which is sugar in dairy products. As a result, fluid builds up in the intestine, and diarrhea results.

Self-Care measures

• For the first 24 to 48 hours of severe diarrhea, avoid all solid foods, taking clear liquids only. Dehydration is always a danger with diarrhea, so make sure to take in enough fluids to replace what you’re losing. If dehydration is a problem, see page 195.
• When you feel like you can tolerate solid foods, start with the BRAT duet: banana, rice, applesauce, and dry toast.
• Cut out caffeine; it stimulates the intestine and can worsen your diarrhea. Daily products, alcohol, and highly seasoned foods should also be avoided during diarrhea and for the first few days after it stops.
• If you suspect that lactose intolerance is causing your diarrhea, try lactose-free dairy products (available in most supermarkets), or buy a lactase replacement product (available at most drugstores).
• Use over-the-counter antidiarrheals for very frequent bowel movements, but only if you do not fever over 101℉, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stool.

Prevention

• To prevent food-associated gastrointestinal infection, follow the rules of safe food handling (see page 149).
• Cool down with slow walking or other methods after strenuous exercise.
• Ask your nurse information service or doctor about special exercises to reduce the dizziness caused by head movement.