Diarrhea is defined as frequent, watery stool loss; that is, 3 episodes or more of watery or loose stools per 24 hour period in adults and children, and an increase in stool frequency to twice the usual number per day in infants. Infections, illnesses, or the side effect of certain medications may be the cause.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestine that causes digestive upset. It is a contagious and widespread infection. Those most at risk are young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite. You can get the disease by touching an infected person or contaminated object and by eating or drinking contaminated products.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis last about 1 to 3 days, but can last up to 7 to 10 days. The main ones are :
- diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting;
- abdominal cramps;
- mild fever;
- headache;
- muscular pain;
- fatigue.
Visiting the doctor is not essential in most cases. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor :
- diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 48 hours or is frequent and profuse;
- unable to drink or keep fluids down;
- fever (more than 38°C) for more than 48 hours;
- blood in your stool or black stools;
- high abdominal pain;
- signs of dehydration (severe thirst, decreased urge to urinate or darker than usual urine, dry mouth and tongue, muscle cramps, sunken eyes, dizziness, lack of tears when the baby cries;
- weakness, drowsiness, irritability, confusion;
- diarrhea that started during or after returning from a trip abroad.
During gastroenteritis, the body eliminates a large amount of water and mineral salts that are essential for the body to function properly. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to prevent dehydration. Adults can drink broths, sports drinks and diluted fruit juices. In more advanced cases, rehydration solutions may be preferable. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and undiluted soft drinks and fruit juices.
It is also important to eat. Start by taking small amounts at a time and gradually increase as you tolerate. Saltine crackers, soups, rice, noodles and bananas are good choices.
In the infant or young child, the approach to avoiding dehydration should be tailored to the child's diet :
- Continue breastfeeding. If the child is taking only small amounts, offer the breast more often.
- If the child is not breastfed, continue to offer the child's usual milk more often and in smaller amounts.
- For the older child, continue to offer foods according to the child's taste and tolerance. However, avoid juice, soda and Gatorade-type drinks.
- If the child shows signs of dehydration, offer small amounts of fluids very often. Avoid giving the child only water. If the child vomits breast milk or is not breastfed, oral rehydration solutions can be used.
Electrolyte solution for diarrhea
Commercially made solutions (e.g. Pedialyte or Gastrolyte) are the best choices. These preparations may be covered by insurance if prescribed, depending on your insurance plan. If you don't have ready access, a " homemade " preparation is also possible. I could prescribe some and send them to you in free delivery directly to your home.
Carefully adhere to the quantities listed. Do not change any ingredients without discussing with a health care professional. The following solution can be stored for 12 hours at room temperature or 24 hours in the refrigerator :
Ingredient and Quantity: Cooled boiled water 2 ½ cups (600 mL), Unsweetened orange juice 1 ½ cups (360 mL), Table salt ½ tsp (2.5 mL). Total 4 cups
In the presence of diarrhea, rehydration solutions should be started quickly. The following chart can be used as a guide :
Child's age vs. Amount of solution to give 0-6 months: 30-90 mL per hour, 6-24 months: 90-125 mL per hour, > 2 years: 125-250 mL per hour
To prevent transmission of gastroenteritis, wash hands regularly with soap and water. Clean objects with bleach (the toilet, sink, handles). If possible, avoid direct contact with an infected person.
Sami Soltan, Pharmacist
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