What are the five types of diarrhea?

Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. Acute diarrhea, which is a common cause of death in developing countries, appears rapidly and may last from five to ten days. Chronic diarrhea lasts much longer and is the second cause of childhood death in the developing world. Diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps or fever. It may be caused by infection, allergy, or could be a sign of a serious disorder, such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), or Crohn's disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) approximately 3.5 million deaths each year are attributable to diarrhea. 80% of those deaths occur in children under the age of 5 years. Children are more susceptible to the complications of diarrhea because a smaller amount of fluid loss leads to dehydration, compared to adults.

A bacterium called enteroaggregative E. coli, is responsible for 10 percent of cases of diarrhea in children, researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA, found.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, diarrhea is "An abnormally frequent discharge of semisolid or fluid fecal matter from the bowel."
What are the five types of diarrhea?

    * Secretory diarrhea

      Either the gut is secreting more fluids than usual, or it cannot absorb fluids properly. In such cases structural damage is minimal. This is most commonly caused by a cholera toxin - a protein secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholera.

    * Osmotic diarrhea

      Too much water is drawn into the bowels. This may be the result of celiac disease, pancreatic disease, or laxatives. Too much magnesium, vitamin C, undigested lactose, or undigested fructose can also trigger osmotic diarrhea.

    * Motility-related diarrhea

      Food moves too quickly through the intestines (hypermotility). If the food moves too quickly there is not enough time to absorb sufficient nutrients and water. Patients who had a vagotomy (removal or severing of the vagus nerve) as well as those with diabetic neuropathy are susceptible to this type of diarrhea.

    * Inflammatory diarrhea

      The lining of the gut becomes inflamed. This is usually caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, or autoimmune problems such as IBS (inflammatory bowel disease). Tuberculosis, colon cancer and enteritis can also cause inflammatory diarrhea.

    * Dysentery

      The presence of blood in the stools is usually a sign of dysentery, rather than diarrhea. Dysentery is caused by a release of excess water caused by an antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. Dysentery is one of the symptoms of Shigella, Entamoeba histolytica, and Salmonella.

When it occurs in people age 60 and older, there's a good possibility bloody diarrhea indicates ischemic colitis, according to the Mayo Clinic, USA.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
Some sufferers may pass slightly watery stools and have brief episodes of stomachache, while others may pass very watery stools and have more severe stomach cramping. The most common symptoms include:

    * Abdominal cramps
    * Abdominal pain
    * An urge to go to the toilet, sometimes this may be sudden
    * Vomiting
    * Nausea
    * Temperature (fever)
    * Headache
    * Loss of appetite
    * Fatigue
    * Loose, watery stools
    * Bloating
    * Blood in stool

Anybody who has had diarrhea for more than one week should see their doctor. The UK National Health Service advises parents to take their child to the doctor if:

    * The child is aged 3 months to 1 year and the diarrhea has lasted over two days
    * The child is over 1 year of age and the diarrhea has lasted more than five days

You should also see your doctor if you experience or witness any of the following:

    * You have symptoms of dehydration - excessive thirst, very dry mouth, very little or no urination
    * Your abdominal pain is severe
    * You have severe rectal pain
    * There is blood in the stools, the stools are black
    * Your temperature is over 39C (102 F)
    * A baby has not wet the diaper (UK: nappy) in over three hours
    * A child/baby is very sleepy, irritable, or unresponsive
    * A child/baby has a sunken abdomen
    * A child/baby has sunken eyes and/or cheeks
    * The child's/baby's skin does not flatten after being pinched

What causes diarrhea?
Causes of acute diarrhea (short term diarrhea)

This is usually caused by an infection, and is also a symptom of a bowel infection when the stomach and the intestines become inflamed (gastroenteritis). This may be caused by:

    * A virus - most commonly a norovirus or a rotavirus. It could also be caused by a hepatitis virus, or the herpes simplex virus. Viral diarrhea spreads easily.

    * A bacteria - if food or water is contaminated bacteria and parasites can be transmitted into the body. Parasites may include Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium. Examples of bacteria are campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria or parasites. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified the structure of bacteria responsible for traveler's diarrhea.

    * An antibiotic - antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in our intestines, which can lead to infection, commonly with a bacterium called Clostridium difficile.

The following may also be causes of acute diarrhea:

    * Anxiety
    * Consuming too much alcohol
    * Consuming too much coffee
    * Some other medications, apart from antibiotics

Causes of chronic diarrhea (persistent, longer term diarrhea)

    * Bacteria
    * A virus
    * Laxatives
    * Some dietary habits - long term regular alcohol, coffee consumption may cause persistent diarrhea. Regular eating of candy (sweets) can too. Many sugar-free chewing gums containing a sweetener called sorbitol can cause chronic diarrhea, The British Medical Journal reported.

The following long-term conditions can cause chronic diarrhea

    * Celiac disease
    * Crohn's disease
    * Diabetes
    * Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    * Lactose intolerance
    * Pancreatitis
    * Ulcerative colitis

How is diarrhea diagnosed?
Most cases of acute diarrhea will resolve themselves within a week or so. If the diarrhea lasts longer, or if there is blood in the stools and there are other symptoms, such as dehydration, the GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) will take a stool sample to check for infection.

A sigmoidoscopy may also be performed. This involves introducing a thin fiber-optic tube through the rectum to look into the intestine. The device has a viewing lens.

The doctor will also ask the patient whether he/she is taking any medications, has traveled recently, and possibly some questions about what foods were consumed over the last couple of weeks. The GP may also examine the abdomen to determine where the pain is.
What is the treatment for diarrhea?
In the vast majority of cases the diarrhea will disappear within a week or so. Before it does, the following steps may help ease symptoms:

    * Drink plenty of fluids - diarrhea often carries a risk of dehydration, especially if it includes vomiting. It is important to make sure babies and children are getting plenty of fluids.

      Diarrhea may affect the balance of salts and electrolytes in the body. Special dehydration drinks can be bought in a pharmacy to restore their balance. A pharmacist can advise on which drinks to consume.

    * Eat as soon as you feel up to it - doctors used to tell people not to eat until the symptoms went away. They now recommend patients start with foods such as pasta, bread, rice or potatoes - foods high in carbohydrates, as soon as possible. Add a bit of salt to the food to replace salt loss. Avoid foods that are high in fat.

    * Medications - such medicines as loperamide may slow down bowel movements and may also increase the gut's water absorption. Do not give anti-diarrhea medications to children without checking first with a doctor. Do not take anti-diarrhea medications if there is blood in the stools or if you have a fever.

    * Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding babies - doctors recommend that feeding continue as normal if the baby has diarrhea. If necessary, add rehydration drinks that are bought from a pharmacy.

    * Painkillers - for fever or headache doctors recommend Tylenol (paracetamol) or ibuprofen. If you have kidney, liver or long-term stomach problems do not take ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin if your child is under 16 years of age.

    * Probiotics - these are supposed to treat diarrhea, among other things. However, a study published in the British Medical Journal indicated that some of them don't work, while others do.

Doctors may prescribe specific medications, depending on the results of the stool test.
How can you lower your risk of developing diarrhea?
Hand washing - regular hand-washing with soap and warm water helps reduce the risk of catching or passing on germs. Especially after going to the toilet, playing with pets, gardening, and before touching food. An intensive program of handwashing education and promotion in Pakistan decreased the incidence of diarrhea by more than 50 percent among children, according to a study.

Keeping the kitchen and toilets as clean as possible also reduces the risk. When handling raw meats wash your hands before touching other things, such as other foods, work surfaces, cutlery, etc.

If you are travelling to a warm country remember that uncooked foods are more likely to have bacteria than hot food. Depending on where you are, it is sometimes advisable to avoid having ice in your drinks if you are not sure where the water to make the ice came from.

Sources: National Health Service (NHS), UK, The Mayo Clinic, Wikipedia, HHS (Department of Health and Human Services USA), NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA).

3:16 AM | 2 komentar | Read More

Diarrhea, respiratory and skin disorders overwriting Jakarta Flood Victims

Head of Health Department of Public Health Tini Suryati DKI Jakarta, Central Jakarta, said the refugees who were ill treated in health posts scattered in various refugee camps. The majority of refugees who are sick are children and mothers.

"Health workers and ambulances have been prepared in refugee outposts to provide health assistance to refugees free of charge. The refugees were asked to immediately seek treatment if pain for not getting worse, "says Tini.

The number of refugees in the largest hospital in East Jakarta, which is 578 people. Followed 304 people in North Jakarta, West Jakarta, 234, and 27 people in Central Jakarta. Data refugees in South Jakarta hospital before they hit the Jakarta Health Office.

According to PMI Headquarters Branch Chief Jakut Dasril, in the village Sukapura Marunda and every day there are about 200 people, especially children and mothers, who suffer from various diseases.

Generally, the refugees were suffering from itching, coughing, colds, and fever. Residents of flood victims also need clothes and blankets, but relief was minimal.

"The condition of the all is limited due to flooding that make many children and mothers suffering from illness. We call on private companies to participate in providing logistical assistance to refugees who can be channeled through the Red Cross headquarters Jakut, "said Dasril.

In addition to treatment, Jakut PMI also distributed 2400 packets of rice for the refugees in the two villages that. Cooked rice was meant for 1200 refugees, twice a day.

In East Jakarta, dozens of residents of Kampung Pulo who gathered at the former theater building Nusantara feel upset because they do not get a packet of biscuits were distributed Jaktim PMI. They've walked away, but aid has been exhausted and PMI car that shares the biscuit package no longer exists.

4:18 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Refugees Flood Esophageal Itchy and Diarrhea

The number of refugees flooding in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, continues to increase. Until Thursday, the number of refugees reached 1749 people, or increased by about 700 people compared to  Wednesday. Increasing number of refugees that led to sanitation problems so many of them stricken with hives and diarrhea.

This was stated by Deputy Village Kampung Melayu, Nazimudin, when met at one of the refugee camps in the former Cinema Archipelago. According to him, other than in theaters, another five-point displacement is on the block RW 07, RW 01, Mosque Ittihadul Ihwan, Attawabih Mosque, and the Dormitory Hermina. "Especially in Cinemas Nusantara, if refugees continue to grow the studio theater will be opened and can accommodate up to 3,000 people," he said.

According to him, the people who flooded is not all settled in refugee camps. Some choose to wait on the roof of their houses to keep his belongings. "Usually before the distribution of food, the people coming into the post to take jatahnya," said Nazimudin.

"Given the current number of refugees, the distribution of food can not be implemented fully. Usually some of the food is given first for parents and children," he continued.

Although the need for clean water can still be met, unfortunately they could not use the facilities for bathing, because in addition there is only one toilet, the number of refugees are also not comparable with the water in the toilet car.

4:16 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Attack itching Pekalongan Flood Victims

Hundreds of flood victims in the town of Pekalongan, Central Java, now began itching disease due to environmental conditions has been polluted and dirty.
    
A resident of flood victims in the village customs, Pekalongan, Sunday, Kuswandi said, the flooding in some areas Pekalongan, has resulted in citizens difficulty obtaining access to safe sanitation for some of the environment began to dirty.
    
"Consequently, in addition to suffering from itching, residents also began to develop diarrhea, and fever," he said.

Kuswandi, a victim of flooding in Customs District, said the impact of floods in kelurahannya will vary with the conditions of other regions.

"Flooding that occurred in the village customs, the water would subside long enough so that the environmental conditions prone to various diseases," he said.

Earlier, Deputy Mayor of Pekalongan, Abu Almafakhir, say, the flooding in some areas Pekalongan fear it would facilitate a variety of diseases to attack the citizens.

"The findings after pascabanjir, this time there has been flood victims suffering from itching. But the problem is still to be overcome and there are no residents who had to undergo inpatient to the hospital," said Abu Almafakhir.
    
He said, to help flood victims, the municipal government has distributed medicine antikembung Pekalongan, ORS, and distribute four tons of rice to the residents.
    
"Currently, we are still monitoring and development impact of flooding. However, we expect the flood victims remain vigilant to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings," he said.

4:16 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Height, Case of Diarrhea in Malang

Cases of diarrhea in Malang, East Java, until now high enough, every month the number of diarrhea cases recorded in the local health office for more than 2,000 cases.
    
Prevention Section Chief Eradication of Communicable Diseases (P2M) Malang District Health Office, Sri Awignami, Saturday, said the region's most prevalent cases of diarrhea are Poncokusumo and Tumpang District.

"Every month, cases of diarrhea in each district were between 300-400 cases. The number was, at most of the other districts in Malang," he said when confirmed.

According to him, the high case is due to several reasons, among them a lack of environmental cleanliness in residents clean or healthy lifestyle (PHBS).

With the low level PHBS then spread the bacteria that cause diarrhea will be faster than the area / people who perform well clean and healthy lifestyle.

"In essence, increased cases of diarrhea due to a lack of environmental cleanliness. We believe if PHBS done well, cases of diarrhea will be reduced," he added.

He further explained, according to data in Malang District Health Office, the number of cases of diarrhea that occurred in November 2008 as many as 7134, in December of 6153 and January 2009 when the case is still in data collection.

He added that, apart from cases of diarrhea, in Malang district during 2008 occurred five times and was determined to be poisoning outbreaks (outbreaks). The case occurred in District Singosari Gedangan, Sumbermanjing Wetan, Wajak, and Pakis.

4:14 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Diarrhea cases in Lebak Still High

Cases of diarrhea in Lebak regency, Banten, up to now quite high because during the year 2008 the number of patients with diarrhea recorded in the local health office reached 20,268 cases.
    
Head of Communicable Disease Surveillance and Observation Lebak District Health Suhartini said on Monday, the high patient diarrhea caused by various factors such as low pattern of living clean and healthy behaviors (PHBS), poor sanitation and lack of environmental cleanliness level of society.

Next factor low levels of education and economic community.
Therefore, it continues to do counseling, health education, ranging up to district level neighborhood to get a good clean and healthy lifestyle patterns.

In addition, residents do not defecate in the garden or the river because of the spread of bacterial diarrhea is potentially infectious to other people, especially the current rainy season so vulnerable to the spread of diarrhea cases.

Counseling is an effort to reduce the transmission of diarrheal disease cases. Suhartini explained, since 2008, the number reached 20 268 cases of diarrhea patients. However, it can not find the victim died.
    
According to him, the number of cases of diarrheal disease during 2008 decreased compared to 2007 and as many as 25,799 cases. Reduced cases of diarrheal illness was due to incessant local health department to do counseling-counseling PHBS good.
    
"I think the high cases of diarrhea due to low levels of clean and healthy lifestyle is also a lack of environmental cleanliness," he said. Meanwhile, the Head of Puskesmas Sajira Tedy said it ceaselessly perform clean and healthy lifestyle counseling at each recitation, the assembly taklim and schools, and community environments.
    
"As long as I giatkan clean and healthy lifestyle counseling, current cases of diarrhea decreased. In fact, three years ago this region prone to diarrhea due to lack of environmental cleanliness," he said.

4:13 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Diarrhea and Itching Begin Attack Jember Flood Victims

Victims of flooding in the village Paseban and Palace, District Kencong, Jember regency, East Java, began to develop diarrhea and itching.
  
He explains, some medical officers in the village hall has prepared medicines to flood-stricken victims of diarrhea and itching.
   
"Inventories in the post disaster medicine is still sufficient to meet the needs of flood victims," ​​he said.
   
If there are flood victims who are sick at home, said Edi, Satlak team will send medicine to the house concerned citizens.
   
"Satlak district will do all it can to provide treatment and medicines to people suffering from diarrhea and itching," he explained.
   
According to him, did not rule, the people who are sick rather severe and require medical action will be taken to the village hall in order to obtain the maximum care.
   
Until Sunday afternoon, said Edi, floods have started receding in the village of Sultan so that most residents had returned to their homes to clean household items that flooded on Saturday (31 / 1).
   
"Nearly 75 percent of flood victims have gone home and started cleaning their homes," he explained.
   
Still, said Edi, hundreds of residents were still wary, when heavy rains fell, people displaced will return to the village hall and his brother home safe from flooding.

4:07 AM | 0 komentar | Read More