In low-income countries,
children under three years old
experience on average three episodes of diarrhoea every year. Each episode deprives the child of the nutrition necessary for growth. As a result, diarrhoea is a major cause of malnutrition, and malnourished children are more likely to fall ill from diarrhoea.
What is diarrhea According to who?
Diarrhoea is the passage of 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day, or more frequently than is normal for the individual. It is usually a symptom of
gastrointestinal infection
, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms.
Why is diarrhea a leading cause of death worldwide?
It causes death by
depleting body fluids resulting in profound dehydration
. Diarrhea can have a detrimental impact on childhood growth and cognitive development
4
. About 88% of diarrhea-associated deaths are attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient hygiene
5 , 6
.
Why are children more susceptible to diarrhea?
Why are children more vulnerable? Children
with poor nutritional status and overall health
, as well as those exposed to poor environ- mental conditions, are more susceptible to severe diarrhoea and dehydration than healthy children (Figure 5).
Can diarrhea cause death in adults?
Diarrhea is
the 7th most important cause of death
in low-and-middle-income countries after ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, perinatal conditions and chronic obstructive lung disease (15).
What are the 4 types of diarrhea?
It can be divided into three basic categories:
watery, fatty (malabsorption)
, and inflammatory. Watery diarrhea may be subdivided into osmotic, secretory, and functional types. Watery diarrhea includes irritable bowel syndrome, which is the most common cause of functional diarrhea.
Is Coke good for diarrhea?
Give an adult plenty of clear fluid, like fruit juices, soda, sports drinks and clear broth. Avoid milk or milk-based products, alcohol, apple juice, and caffeine while you have diarrhea and for 3 to 5 days after you get better. They may make diarrhea worse.
What is the mortality rate for diarrhea?
Diarrhea-related mortality was
22.4 (95% UI, 16.8-32.0) deaths per 100,000
, with higher rates seen among those aged ≤5 years (70.6 [95% UI, 61.9-79.8] deaths per 100,000) and among adults >70 years (171.7 [95% UI, 114.1-263.5] deaths per 100,000).
Can diarrhea be caused by stress?
In response to stress, a psychological reaction occurs (Fight-or-Flight Response). This response activates the release of hormones that gets the body ready to take action. At the same time, your brain sends a
signal to your bowels
to increase bowel movement in the large intestine. This leads to a mild case of diarrhea.
How does diarrhea spread from person to person?
Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread
through contaminated food or drinking-water
, or from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene.
How many times does a child have to have loose stools to be considered diarrhea?
The main symptom of chronic diarrhea in children is passing loose, watery stools
three or more times a day for at least 4 weeks
. Depending on the cause, children with chronic diarrhea may also have one or more of the following symptoms: bloody stools.
Can you catch diarrhea from someone else?
Diarrheal infections are
highly contagious
. They can spread from person to person via dirty hands, contaminated food or water, and some pets. Most cases are contagious for as long as a person has diarrhea, but some infections can be contagious for even longer.
What is the best medicine for a child with diarrhea?
If your child has diarrhea, take comfort knowing that
IMODIUM A-D Oral Solution (liquid)
for use with children is the only OTC brand anti-diarrheal that's FDA-approved for children aged 6-11.
When should I worry about diarrhea?
When to See Your Doctor
Visit your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Diarrhea that lasts more than two days
.
Diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees F or higher
.
Six or more loose stools in 24 hours
.
How long can you live with diarrhea?
Acute diarrhea can last anywhere from
2 days to 2 weeks
. This form of diarrhea is usually mild and gets better with home remedies. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, may last for 4 weeks or more. It typically indicates an underlying health condition, such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.
What can I eat to harden my stool?
Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
The best (and most recommended) diet to follow when experiencing diarrhea is the BRAT diet. This curiously named food plan stands for: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Notice a trend? These bland foods are low-fiber, which will help firm your stool and calm your stomach.
