Diarrhea Management: Causes, Symptoms, and Appropriate Treatment Solutions

Diarrhea is a digestive disorder characterized by passing watery stools more than three times a day. This condition can last a short time (acute) or longer (chronic). Although it often resolves on its own, diarrhea can cause serious dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.

Causes of Diarrhea

1. Viral and Bacterial Infections: Viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus often cause diarrhea, especially in children. Bacterial infections such as Salmonella can also be the main cause.

2. Parasites: Contamination of food or water can cause parasitic infections such as Giardia.

3. Drug Effects: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria, thereby triggering diarrhea.

4. Food Intolerance: The body's inability to digest lactose or fructose can cause diarrhea.

5. Artificial Sweeteners: Substances like sorbitol in sugar-free foods can trigger diarrhea.

6. Chronic Diseases: Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ulcerative colitis can cause persistent diarrhea.

Diarrhea Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Stools are liquid and frequent.
• Cramps or stomach pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dehydration (constant thirst, dry mouth, or dark urine).
• In severe cases: high fever, blood in the stool, or extreme fatigue

Treatment and Management

1. Hydration: Fluid intake is very important to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are often used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

2. Diet: Consume foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid spicy, fatty foods and caffeinated drinks.

3. Medicines:

• Medications such as loperamide are used to reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
• Antibiotics may be needed if the cause is a bacterial infection.

4. Medical Consultation: See a doctor immediately if diarrhea lasts more than two days, there is blood in the stool, or severe dehydration occurs.

Prevention

• Keep hands and food clean.
• Make sure drinking water is safe.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods when traveling to areas with low sanitation risks.

Quick and appropriate treatment can prevent serious complications due to diarrhea. If Friends of Hermina feel that the symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better, immediately consult a specialist at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital for further examination.

Referensi :

Kementerian Kesehatan RI (2019). MediaKom. Menengok Perkembangan Diare Di Indonesia.

KidsHealth (2019). For Parents. Amebiasis.

NHS Inform (2023). Diarrhoea.