Is diarrhea a sign of pregnancy? Is it always possible to consider diarrhea as a sign of pregnancy Diarrhea after conception before a delay

These days, digestive disorders can occur in almost every person on an almost daily basis, and not all episodes of stool disorder require medical attention. How to understand that diarrhea is a symptom of a serious illness? Additional symptoms or properties of diarrhea itself will help with this:

Diarrhea + bloating with certain foods- may indicate an allergy to these products or an enzyme deficiency ( lactase deficiency, celiac disease).

Diarrhea + bloating unrelated to food intake- more common in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In which neuropsychiatric factors ( fatigue, stress) lead to disruption of the entire nervous system.

Diarrhea + Vomiting + Abdominal Soreness- often found in food poisoning, salmonellosis, enterovirus infections. In this case, only a personal consultation with an infectious disease specialist can help make a diagnosis.

Diarrhea + dehydration- This symptom may indicate a dangerous infectious disease. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a surgeon and an infectious disease specialist. Treatment of such patients at home is impossible - hospitalization is required.

Diagnosing the causes of diarrhea

Diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea in some cases is difficult - so many diseases are manifested by this symptom. However, a number of clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods are used to identify the causes of diarrhea.

Clinical examination of a patient with diarrhea
Includes a conversation to identify possible causative factors:

• When did the diarrhea appear?
• Does anyone else in the family have diarrhea?
• What food did you eat the day before?
• Is there diarrhea in those who have consumed the same food?
• Is there pain? The nature of the pain?

And some other questions may be asked to you by the doctor during the diagnosis.
Feeling and tapping the abdomen- allows you to identify the soreness of a certain localization. Tapping helps to identify bloating and its localization.

Laboratory examinations
Coprogram– studying the appearance of feces, studying the structure and composition of feces under a microscope helps to identify diseases such as pancreatic enzyme or liver failure,
Bacteriological analysis of feces is the method of choice in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbacteriosis or infectious diseases that lead to diarrhea.

Treating diarrhea at home for adults)

Only if the above symptoms of diarrhea are not detected, treatment at home is possible.

This requires compliance with a sparing daily regimen, rational nutrition, replenishment of water and salt losses by the body, and the use of medicines.
Replenishment of lost water and minerals

What drink?

In order to avoid dehydration, it is necessary to replenish all substances and water removed from the body. To do this, it is better to use water with minerals dissolved in it. Better suited for these purposes are solutions of such drugs as: Regidron, Ringer Lock, Hydrovit, Orasan.

In no case should you use carbonated water, sweet water, juices for dehydration.

How much to drink?

It is recommended to replenish all volumetric water costs in case of illness. Therefore, it is advisable to drink 200-300 ml after each trip to the toilet. saline solution. In the event that the consumption of a saline solution repeatedly leads to vomiting, then it is necessary to seek help from a doctor - it is necessary to identify the cause of vomiting and the prevention of dehydration will be regular droppers with electrolyte solutions.

What to eat?

Naturally, with diarrhea, it is necessary to consume foods that strengthen.
Food products such as ripe bananas, crackers, boiled rice have a good effect.
Spices, fried, sweet, dairy products for the period of treatment of diarrhea should be excluded.

Medications to treat diarrhea

Antibiotics
Antibiotics act on bacteria in the gut, either slowing down the growth of bacteria or causing them to die. Preparations of this group are used for intestinal infectious diseases or in severe cases of intestinal dysbacteriosis. The use of antibiotics for the treatment of diarrhea is possible only as directed by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist.

Drugs that slow down intestinal motility ( loperamide)
Loperamide actively changes intestinal motility - slowing down the movement of intestinal contents. The drug can be prescribed for diarrhea of ​​a neurogenic nature, with inflammatory non-infectious pathology of the intestine. The drug is prescribed only by the attending physician and requires monitoring of the patient's condition, as it has a number of serious side effects.

Enterosorbents
These substances exert their therapeutic effect in the intestinal lumen. The stricture of enterosorbent granules is such that their surface has the ability to absorb ( absorb) certain substances from the intestinal lumen.
Drugs are prescribed for allergic, toxic-infectious or toxic intestinal damage.

Temperature
Fever accompanies diarrhea if it is caused by an inflammatory process. If diarrhea develops with viral and bacterial infections, then the temperature can rise to very high limits ( up to 38 - 39 degrees). Also, a high rise in temperature is observed with food poisoning.

Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a painful urge to have a bowel movement. Most of all they are characteristic of intestinal infections, for example, for dysentery or for colitis.

Vomit
Vomiting also often accompanies diarrhea. As a rule, this symptom is noted with diarrhea caused by food poisoning or infection.

Weakness
Weakness and malaise are caused by dehydration of the body with diarrhea. So, with diarrhea, along with feces, water also leaves the body. Water provides the most important functions of the body and accounts for 60 to 70 percent of our body's needs. If the percentage of water in the body decreases, then it begins to suffer. In this case, all organ systems suffer without exception. Therefore, even a small loss of water is hard to bear by a person, and he experiences weakness.
Subsequently, if you do not take emergency measures, then salts of the body also leave with water. The lack of salts further increases weakness, malaise and lethargy.

Chronic, recurrent diarrhea is a manifestation of such pathologies as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. In chronic diarrhea, extraintestinal symptoms are also present. Intestinal symptoms in chronic diarrhea are the same as in acute diarrhea.

Extraintestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea are:

• nausea;

Anemia
Anemia is a low number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. It develops due to enteropathy, which is noted with frequent diarrhea. So, with chronic diarrhea, the intestinal mucosa is damaged, through which substances useful to the body are normally absorbed. As a result, the body is deficient in iron, folic acid and other trace elements. The type of anemia depends on what substance the body “under-received” the most. If it is iron, then iron deficiency anemia develops, if it is vitamin B12, then B12 deficiency anemia. Anemia, in turn, is accompanied by symptoms such as poor skin condition, brittle hair and nails.

Nausea
With colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases that are accompanied by chronic diarrhea, nausea is an integral companion.

Loss of appetite
Many intestinal pathologies, which are characterized by chronic diarrhea, lead to loss of appetite. First of all, this is due to constant nausea and occasional vomiting. At a later date, when anemia joins, appetite decreases due to impaired metabolism.

It should be borne in mind that loose stools are not a separate disease, but are a symptom of a pathological process developing in the body.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in adults?

There are a large number of factors that can trigger the development of diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be caused by:

• infectious lesions of the intestine;
• tuberculosis of the digestive tract;
• food poisoning;
• allergic reactions;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• dysbacteriosis;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• emotional disorders;
• unbalanced diet;
• change of habitual cuisine, water.

Tuberculosis of the alimentary tract
With this pathology, such departments as the small intestine and the caecum are most often affected. Diarrhea in tuberculosis is not permanent and occurs periodically. With the progression of the disease, pains, the place of localization of which is the navel, join the disorder of the stool.

Food poisoning
Often the cause of loose stools is food poisoning ( infection not by bacteria, but by their metabolic products, which are most often formed in spoiled food). Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause intoxication of the body. Alcohol contains substances that stimulate the intestines, causing them to contract faster. Sources of alimentary intoxication are most often food products that have expired or those that have been prepared without taking into account the necessary sanitary standards.

The most commonly poisoned foods are:

• dairy and dairy products;
• cream confectionery;
• boiled sausage products;
• meat pies;
• salads with mayonnaise or sour cream;
• tomato juice.

Allergic reaction
Diarrhea can be caused by individual intolerance to a certain product. Unlike other allergy symptoms ( respiratory or skin), which occur after a short time after the use of the allergen product, loose stools can develop only after 5 to 6 hours. This fact makes it difficult to diagnose the allergic nature of diarrhea.

irritable bowel syndrome
With this disease, digestive disorders are not caused by damage to the intestine itself. The most susceptible to this pathology are people with an unstable psyche, with an increased level of emotionality. The syndrome is characterized by loose stools that disturb patients after eating, most often in the morning. The exacerbation of the disease and the development of acute diarrhea in half of the patients is associated with severe stress, excitement, and anxiety.

Dysbacteriosis
Violation of the ratio of beneficial and harmful microflora in the intestine can be caused by taking a number of antibacterial drugs, dietary habits, or other factors. A decrease in the number of bacteria that are responsible for the process of digestion and assimilation of food leads to a disorder in the functions of the intestine, which is manifested by diarrhea.

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
In the practice of a gastroenterologist ( doctor who diagnoses and treats the digestive system) Diarrhea is one of the most common complaints of patients. Chronic inflammatory processes affecting the digestive system have a negative impact on the intestines and cause disturbances in its functionality.

Chronic diseases in which diarrhea develops are:

• gastritis ( inflammation of the stomach lining);
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• duodenitis ( inflammation of the duodenal mucosa);
• enterocolitis ( inflammation of the small and large intestine);
• biliary dyskinesia ( dysmotility of the gallbladder);
• cholecystitis ( inflammation of the gallbladder);
• pancreatitis ( inflammation in the pancreas);
• Crohn's disease ( the formation of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract);
• ulcerative colitis ( intestinal inflammation).

Rectal cancer
With a cancerous tumor that is located in the rectum, diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms. This pathology is characterized by the appearance in the feces of a small amount of blood and false urge to defecate.

Liver disease
One of the liver diseases in which stool disorder develops is hepatitis ( inflammation of the liver tissue). Diarrhea is a symptom of all forms of this disease, but most often and most acutely manifests itself in viral hepatitis A. In other types of hepatitis, loose stools occur periodically, most often as a result of intolerance to fatty foods. Another disease in which patients may suffer from diarrhea is cirrhosis of the liver ( pathological changes in the liver tissue).

Emotional disorders
The activity of the gastrointestinal tract, like other organ systems, is controlled by the nervous system. In stressful situations, the nervous system is under stress, which is reflected in the activity of the intestines. Therefore, anxiety conditions often cause diarrhea. The symptom disappears after the person ceases to experience stress and anxiety.

Unbalanced diet
An unhealthy diet with a lot of roughage of vegetable origin can cause diarrhea. Also, the appearance of loose stools can contribute to the abuse of hot spices, spices, carbonated drinks. Non-compliance with a certain regimen when eating can disrupt the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Often the cause of diarrhea is an insufficient amount of vitamins that ensure the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines. The development of the disorder leads to a deficiency of substances such as phylloquinone ( vitamin K), riboflavin ( vitamin B2), niacin ( vitamin PP).

Change of habitual cuisine, water
The body's reaction to new food and water in the form of loose stools is called traveler's diarrhea. A stool disorder may appear 3 to 7 days after a change in the usual environment. In most cases, this symptom resolves on its own when you return home or stop eating ( food and water) of local production.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in children?

Diarrhea in children develops as a result of a number of reasons that lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive system.

The main causes of diarrhea in children are:

The main infectious agents of inflammatory bowel processes that lead to diarrhea in a child are:

• adenovirus;
• salmonella;
• dysentery bacillus;
• coli;
• tapeworms ( bovine tapeworm, pork tapeworm).

The main methods of penetration of infectious agents into the digestive tract of a child are:

• dirty hands;
• contaminated food;
• contaminated household items and household items;
• contact with sick children in case of intestinal viruses).

Genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Many genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children lead to a violation of the process of digestion of food and the development of diarrhea.

The main genetic diseases of the digestive tract are:

• lactase deficiency;
• maltase deficiency;
• sucrase deficiency;
• atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.

For normal absorption of substances in the intestine, food must be well digested by intestinal enzymes. The lack of these enzymes leads to insufficient breakdown of food into easily digestible substances. In this case, the food remains in the intestinal lumen and is quickly excreted. This condition is commonly referred to as a food allergy.

Most often, lactase deficiency occurs in children ( lack of the intestinal enzyme lactase), which causes diarrhea when milk and some dairy products are consumed. Maltase enzyme deficiencies are less common ( substances involved in the digestion of grains), sucrases ( sugar breaking down substance).

The process of absorption in the intestine can also be impaired in congenital atrophy of the intestinal mucosa of the child. In this case, the absorption of all substances is difficult.

Acute food poisoning
Often in children, diarrhea develops as a result of acute food poisoning, due to the action of toxic substances that have entered the gastrointestinal tract.

The main sources of acute food poisoning in children are:

• expired products;
• spoiled fruits and vegetables;
• stale meat and fish;
• spoiled dairy products;
• toxic substances ( arsenic, insecticides, organophosphates);
• alcoholic drinks;
• medications ( antibiotics, magnesium and potassium preparations, barbiturates);
• poisonous plants and fruits.

Due to the child's use of "bad" food, a large amount of toxic substances penetrate into the gastrointestinal tract. Toxins cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, increase peristalsis and slow down the absorption of water. In children, toxins are absorbed very quickly, and diarrhea also develops quickly.

Improper nutrition
Improper nutrition of the child leads to disruption of the digestive system. Persistent indigestion causes the development of diarrhea.

The most common eating disorders in children are:

• binge eating;
• eating too many fruits and vegetables;
• abuse of spices, spices, garlic and hot peppers;
• abuse of salty and sour foods;
• too fatty food fatty meats and fish, oils).

Large volumes of food eaten put pressure on the walls of the digestive tract, causing an acceleration of peristalsis. Food passes too quickly and does not have time to be digested. Nutrients and water are absorbed in small quantities, remaining in the intestinal lumen. As a result, diarrhea appears with particles of poorly digested food. The rough peel of vegetables and fruits causes similar disturbances as a result of irritation of the intestines by coarse fibers.
Spicy, sour, or salty foods also irritate the baby's intestines, leading to diarrhea.

Feeding a child too fatty foods leads to disruption of the liver and gallbladder. Large amounts of bile and free fatty acids accumulate in the lumen of the digestive tract. They stimulate the accumulation of water in the intestinal cavity, causing diarrhea.

Why does diarrhea develop in the baby?

Diarrhea in infants develops as a result of the introduction of new foods into the diet that the child's digestive system cannot digest normally. Also, stool disorder is a symptom of various pathological processes developing in the child's body.

The causes of diarrhea in infants are:

• the introduction of complementary foods;
• artificial feeding;
• intestinal infections;
• other factors.

The introduction of complementary foods
A change in the color and consistency of stool is a common reaction of the body to the introduction of new products in the children's diet. It is not uncommon for the feces to turn green when the child is fed vegetable or fruit dishes. A change in the color of feces is not a sign of diarrhea and is normal. Indigestion is evidenced by such signs as the child's constant desire to empty the intestines, the appearance of a sour smell in the feces, and the consistency of feces is watery or foamy.

The causes of diarrhea during the introduction of complementary foods are:

• untimely introduction of complementary foods;
• non-compliance with dosage recommendations;
• too short pauses between new products;
• intolerance to certain products.

Delayed introduction of complementary foods
Diarrhea in an infant can cause complementary foods to be introduced too early. Experts recommend introducing new foods after the child reaches the age of five months. By this time, the necessary enzymes are formed in the intestines for the digestion of adult food. Since childhood growing up is an individual aspect, in addition to age, the advisability of introducing complementary foods is also determined by some factors.

Signs that a baby is ready to feed are:

• an increase in the weight of the child from the moment of birth by 2 times;
• the child does not push out the spoon with his tongue;
• the baby can sit on his own, tilt the body, turn his head;
• the child holds an object in his hand and sends it to his mouth;
• the baby shows interest in adult food, tries to try it.

Failure to follow dosage recommendations
When switching to adult food, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for increasing the dosage of each individual product. If the portion increase is not done in time, it can cause dysfunction of the digestive system. Diarrhea in such cases occurs because the necessary enzymes do not have time to mature in the intestines of the child in a short time. Therefore, the dose of a new product should be increased after 5 to 7 days after it was introduced into the diet for the first time. So, the average norm of cottage cheese per day recommended by pediatricians is from 5 to 10 grams. Within six months, the dose of cottage cheese can only be increased to 40 - 50 grams.

Pauses too short between new products
Each new product should be offered to the child one week after the introduction of the previous product. Violation of this rule can cause diarrhea in the baby. When transferring a baby to a fundamentally new type of complementary foods, it is necessary to pause for at least 3-4 weeks. Types of complementary foods are vegetable, grain, dairy, meat, fish.

Intolerance to certain foods
Allergies to certain foods can cause diarrhea in infants. The most common cause of allergic reactions during complementary feeding is intolerance ( partial or complete) gluten. This pathology is called celiac disease. With this disease, loose stools provoke porridge ( wheat, barley, rye), bread, cookies. With celiac disease, diarrhea in an infant becomes chronic and is accompanied by symptoms such as poor weight gain, skin rashes.

Artificial feeding
In children who are bottle-fed, digestive disorders in the form of diarrhea are observed more often than in infants who feed on mother's milk. This is due to the fact that a neutral or slightly acidic environment predominates in the children's intestines, which disrupts the process of digestion of proteins and fats. The composition of fats in breast milk is simpler and, in addition, it contains enzymes that facilitate the digestion process ( lipases). Therefore, with artificial feeding, especially with overfeeding, diarrhea develops in infants.

Intestinal infections
Intestinal infections are often the cause of diarrhea in infants. When bacteria or viruses enter the child's body, an acute digestive upset develops, which is accompanied by intense loose stools, which may contain blood, mucus, and foam. Often the infection occurs with vomiting, fever, crying, refusal of food.

The causative agents of intestinal infections are:

• rotavirus- the infection begins with vomiting, followed by diarrhea and fever;
• enterovirus- the disease is characterized by a wave-like increase in temperature and a frothy green liquid stool;
• salmonella- the infection is manifested by a sharp increase in temperature, bloating and diarrhea, in which mucus and blood can be detected;
• shigella(provoke dysentery) - initially liquid stool with the progression of the disease becomes like lumps of gray mucus with blood inclusions;
• coli- infection is accompanied by intense diarrhea and sharp pains in the abdomen;
• staphylococcus aureus- the infection is manifested by foamy liquid stools and fever above 38 degrees.

Infection most often occurs by the oral-fecal route with non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. Also, pathogenic bacteria can enter the body along with poor-quality foods or dirty water. Infection of the baby is possible through contact with carriers of the infection.

Other factors
In addition to infections and feeding errors, the causes of diarrhea in an infant can be various external and internal factors.

Causes of diarrhea include:

• dysbacteriosis- often loose stools are the result of taking antibacterial drugs that disrupt the normal composition of the intestinal microflora;
• mother's consumption of certain foods(when breastfeeding) - often diarrhea in infants occurs after cucumbers, beets, pears;
• teething- a disorder of the stool in such cases is called physiological diarrhea;
• lactase deficiency ( lactose intolerance) - manifested by diarrhea in newborns from the first days of life;
• cystic fibrosis(a disease that affects the organs that secrete mucus, including the intestines) - this pathology is characterized by abundant loose stools with a greasy sheen and a sharp unpleasant odor;
• helminthic infestations- accompanied by loose stools, which may alternate with constipation;
• acute respiratory diseases- in children under the age of one year, diarrhea often develops against the background of colds.

Why is diarrhea dangerous during pregnancy?

The degree of danger of diarrhea during pregnancy is determined by such factors as the cause that caused the syndrome, and the features of its course. Also of great importance is the gestational age at which this syndrome develops.

Impact of diarrhea in early pregnancy
Weak and short diarrhea at the beginning of pregnancy, which is accompanied by toxicosis, is a frequent occurrence. Bacteria and viruses that provoke it do not leave the intestines, therefore they do not pose a great threat to the fetus. In some cases, when diarrhea is caused by severe poisoning, intoxication of the female body and the penetration of toxins to the fetus are possible. So, mushroom poisoning is extremely dangerous when carrying a child. Poisons, penetrating the placental barrier, can cause various disorders in the development of the embryo.
The greatest danger in the first trimester of pregnancy is diarrhea, in which a woman visits the toilet more than 5 times a day. The danger of such a condition increases when a disorder of the stool is combined with vomiting.

The consequences of severe diarrhea are:

• the formation of congenital anomalies in the development of the fetus;
• spontaneous abortion;
• a decrease in blood pressure in a woman;
• renal failure in the expectant mother.

Danger of diarrhea in late pregnancy
Diarrhea at the 30th week of pregnancy is most often a symptom of late toxicosis, and not a viral disease. If the bowel disorder is accompanied by frequent bowel movements, a woman should see a specialist, as this can provoke intense uterine contractions and premature birth. In addition, severe diarrhea, as in the initial stages, can cause dehydration of the female body. Fluid deficiency can cause thrombosis ( blockage of blood vessels) and other dangerous conditions. In the third trimester of pregnancy, drugs are allowed that are contraindicated earlier. Therefore, a timely visit to a doctor will quickly eliminate diarrhea and its accompanying symptoms.
This syndrome is most dangerous in the period from 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. Diarrhea can cause the onset of labor, which will provoke the birth of a premature baby.

Another factor that causes this disorder is the pressure that the fetus puts on the digestive organs of a pregnant woman.

Regardless of the circumstances that caused diarrhea, the main danger lies in the rapid development of dehydration. At this time, the woman begins to move less, and the fetus needs a large amount of fluid. These factors, combined with diarrhea, provoke severe dehydration and the risk of various complications. The body of a pregnant woman ceases to supply the fetus with the necessary nutrients, resulting in starvation.
Doctors most calmly react to diarrhea that develops from 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, the syndrome occurs against the background of the normal state of a woman and indicates a natural cleansing of the body and an approaching birth.

How does chronic diarrhea progress?

Chronic diarrhea is manifested by stool disorder that lasts more than 3 weeks. At the same time, the patient is concerned about the frequent urge to defecate, in which the daily fecal mass exceeds 300 grams.

• pathological changes in feces;
• discomfort in the abdomen;
• nausea, vomiting;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• deterioration of the condition of nails, skin, hair;
• weight loss;
• depletion of the body.

The nature and intensity of these signs depend on the cause against which chronic diarrhea develops.

Pathological changes in feces
The color and consistency of the stool, as well as the number of urges to defecate in chronic diarrhea can be different. In diseases of the small intestine, the patient is disturbed by abundant watery or fatty stools. With pathologies of the large intestine, the mass of feces is not so abundant, and they may contain mucous, bloody or purulent inclusions. If the cause of chronic diarrhea is diseases of the rectum, patients experience frequent urge to defecate, while the mass of bowel movements is insignificant.

Other stool changes are:

• Watery stools- can be the cause of viral infections of bacterial or viral origin. The appearance of the stool may resemble a decoction of rice.
• Black liquid stool- the cause may be bleeding in the stomach, esophagus or intestines, caused by an ulcer, a tumor formation. The blood reacts with digestive enzymes, causing the stool to turn black.
• yellow chair- can develop against the background of taking a number of drugs. It is also very often observed in young children due to infections or diseases of the digestive system, as a result of which food is poorly digested.
• White feces- white feces can be a manifestation of chronic diarrhea, which develops against the background of pathologies of the gallbladder, jaundice. Certain medications can cause white stools.
• Green chair- feces of this color are most often the result of increased fermentation processes in the intestines due to dysbacteriosis, dysentery or other intestinal infections.

Discomfort in the abdomen
Patients with chronic diarrhea are concerned about discomfort in the abdomen, which can vary in type, duration, intensity, localization. With irritable bowel syndrome, patients complain of sharp twisting pains that become less after defecation. Painful cramps in the abdomen, both before and after a bowel movement, are observed in intestinal inflammation. Pain in the lower abdomen after eating is manifested by diarrhea with peptic ulcers. Pain that occurs intermittently on the right or left side is characteristic of Crohn's disease. Disorder of the stool in chronic pancreatitis occurs in conjunction with pain, which is localized in the upper abdomen and is of a girdle character. When chronic diarrhea develops against the background of putrefactive and fermentative processes in the intestines, it is accompanied by rumbling and bloating due to the intense formation of gases in the intestines.

Nausea and vomiting
Often chronic diarrhea caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient. When the infection enters, nausea joins the diarrhea, and the body temperature rises to 38 degrees.

Nervous System Disorders
Often this disorder causes sleep problems and other disorders of the nervous system.

Symptoms of chronic diarrhea are:

• insomnia at night;
• sleepiness during the day;
• irritability;
• frequent mood swings;
• increased fatigue;
• unreasonable anxiety;
• lethargy, apathy.

Deterioration of hair, skin, nails
Chronic diarrhea is often manifested by a deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair, nails. An increase in the activity of the sebaceous glands leads to an increase in oily hair and skin, the appearance of small acne. Against the background of a vitamin deficiency, hair may begin to fall out, nails may break or exfoliate.

Weight loss
In some cases, chronic diarrhea is accompanied by weight loss. This manifestation is typical for patients in whom the syndrome develops against the background of chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, or some pathologies of the pancreas.

Depletion of the body
Chronic diarrhea is manifested not only by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, but also by disturbances in the work of other body systems. Patients complain of general physical discomfort, which is most pronounced in the morning. The lack of appetite characteristic of this syndrome causes a decrease in the overall tone of the body. With diarrhea, the passage of food through the intestines decreases, as a result of which vitamins and nutrients do not have time to be absorbed. This, combined with malnutrition, fluid loss and other disorders, can lead to severe malnutrition.

Is diarrhea accompanied by fever?

Diarrhea may be accompanied by fever, but not in all cases. In children, unlike adults, diarrhea is almost always accompanied by an increase in body temperature ( sometimes even critical). Depending on the factors that caused diarrhea and the severity of the disease, hyperthermic reaction ( temperature increase) of the body manifests itself in different ways.

Diarrhea can be a symptom of a variety of diseases, such as lactase deficiency or hormonally active tumors. However, it does not always require the use of drugs. Sometimes you just need to exclude a certain product. With lactase deficiency, such products are dairy products, with celiac disease - products containing gluten, with phenylketonuria - products containing phenylalanine.

What foods can be eaten with diarrhea?

With diarrhea, you can eat those foods that do not provoke fermentation and decay in the intestines. Food should not irritate the digestive organs and require large resources for its digestion. Properly selected products will help to avoid dehydration and deficiency of substances necessary for a quick recovery of the patient.

Foods that can be eaten are:

• unsweetened fruits and berries;
• vegetables with a small amount of fiber;
• cereals from cereals;
• eggs;
• lean fish and meat;
• flour products.

In order for nutrition with diarrhea to bring a healing effect, a number of rules must be followed when preparing dishes. The amount and other features of eating recommended foods depend on the intensity and other characteristics of diarrhea.

Fruits and berries

• Banana- a product that can be eaten with any form of diarrhea. The potassium that is part of the fetus promotes rapid recovery, and a sufficient amount of moisture serves as a prevention of dehydration. In the absence of individual intolerance, it is recommended to consume bananas 1-2 pieces every 3-4 hours.
• Apples- contain pectin and a large amount of organic acids. These substances contribute to the removal of toxins, have an astringent and antimicrobial effect. Raw apples contain coarse fiber, which can irritate the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these fruits should be consumed in baked form. You can also make compote from apples.
• Quince- has astringent and fixing properties, therefore it is recommended for disorders of the digestive tract. Quince decoction has the greatest effect. To cook it, 200 grams ( medium sized fruit) ripe quince should be cut into small slices and pour 4 glasses ( liter) of boiling water. Hold for a couple of 15 - 20 minutes, then cool and drink the infusion every hour for 100 - 200 milliliters.

Useful for diarrhea are drinks made from berries that are rich in tannins ( tannins). Tannins stop the inflammatory process in the intestines and normalize the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract.

• persimmon;
• dogwood;
• black currant;
• bird cherry;
• blueberry;
• turn

In addition to compotes and decoctions from blueberries, black currants, bird cherry, you can cook jelly, which has not only a nutritious, but also a healing effect. The starch that is part of the jelly acts as a sorbent, absorbing harmful substances in the intestines. To cook jelly, 200 grams of berries need to be poured with 2 liters of water, brought to a boil. After that, you need to add 4 tablespoons of starch to the composition ( diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream). After 3 - 5 minutes, remove the jelly from the heat, cool and drink throughout the day.

Vegetables
In acute diarrhea, vegetables should be excluded from the diet. After 2 - 3 days, the menu should begin to gradually introduce vegetable dishes to prevent vitamin deficiency. The main rule is to choose crops with a minimum fiber content. Raw or half-cooked vegetables should not be eaten. The best option for heat treatment is boiling or steaming.

Vegetables that are easily tolerated with diarrhea are:

• carrot;
• potato;
• pumpkin;
• zucchini;
• cauliflower;
• asparagus;
• string beans.

From vegetables, you can cook vegetable soups, meatballs, casseroles. Due to the mushy consistency, mashed potatoes and soufflé prepared from vegetables are well absorbed in case of diarrhea.

Cereals from cereals
The most recommended cereals for diarrhea are buckwheat, oatmeal and rice. Dishes prepared from them are a source of carbohydrates that the body needs to fight diarrhea. In the early days of the disorder, cereals should be prepared from cereals with plenty of water. Subsequently, rice and buckwheat can be used as an additional ingredient for first courses. An effective remedy for diarrhea is a decoction made from rice, which has a complex effect on the body.

The effects of rice water are:

• enveloping and protecting the intestinal walls from irritation;
• normalization of peristalsis;
• thickening of feces due to fluid absorption;
• reduction of flatulence and reduction of bloating;
• replenishment of nutritional deficiencies.

To prepare a decoction, bring half a liter of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons of washed rice and keep on fire for 45 minutes. Next, strain the broth and take 50 milliliters every 2 to 3 hours.

Eggs
Eggs ( chicken and quail) contribute to the normalization of the consistency of feces. With diarrhea, it is recommended to consume no more than 2 eggs per day, which have undergone special heat treatment. Raw, fried or hard-boiled eggs can worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, steam omelettes or soft-boiled eggs should be included in the menu of a patient with diarrhea. You can also use egg white in the preparation of first courses.

Meat and fish
Meat and fish contain a large amount of protein, which the body needs for diarrhea. These products should be introduced into the diet 3-4 days after the first symptoms of the disorder appear. To reduce the load on the organs of the digestive system, meat should be cleaned of fat, films, tendons before eating. The fish must be cleaned of skin and bones.

• chicken breast;
• turkey fillet;
• veal tenderloin;
• pollock fillet;
• cod fillet;
• perch fillet.

Steam cutlets, meatballs, soufflés are prepared from meat or fish. Preliminary grinding facilitates the assimilation of the product, and steaming allows you to save all the valuable properties of the dish.

flour products
At the initial stage of the disorder ( first 2-3 days) you should eat bread made from wheat flour dried in the oven. With the onset of relief, the diet can be diversified with durum wheat pasta.

What diseases cause diarrhea with blood?

Diarrhea with blood is a symptom of inflammatory processes and other pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The color, consistency, smell and other characteristics of blood impurities in liquid feces are determined by the causes of its occurrence. The closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the lighter the color of the blood.

The causes of loose stools with blood can be:

• haemorrhoids ( dilation and inflammation of the veins of the lower segment of the rectum);
• anal fissures;
• intestinal polyps ( benign formations);
• inflammation of the diverticula saccular protrusions of the walls of the rectum or colon);
• chronic inflammatory diseases;
• infectious intestinal diseases;
• bleeding of the upper parts of the digestive system;
• dysbacteriosis;
• malignant tumors of the colon.

Haemorrhoids
The cause of diarrhea with blood may be damage to the hemorrhoidal cones during numerous acts of defecation. In this case, bleeding is manifested by drops of bright red blood, which can be in feces, on linen, on toilet paper. The scarlet hue is due to the fact that the damage is close and the blood does not have time to clot or react with digestive enzymes. When the node ruptures, a copious amount of blood is released, which can flood the toilet. In most cases, patients are not bothered by any pain.

Fissures in the anus
Loose stools with blood in fissures of the lower part of the rectum, accompanied by severe pain in the anus. Blood in a small amount of red color is released at the time of a bowel movement or immediately after it. At the same time, the blood does not form streaks or clots and does not mix with feces. Also, with this pathology, a small amount of mucus or its complete absence is found in the feces.

Intestinal polyps
The presence of blood in liquid feces can cause polyps in the intestines. Bleeding occurs when tumors are damaged or an inflammatory process joins. The blood in this disease is mixed with feces, in which mucus impurities are also found.

Inflammation of diverticula
Diverticulitis ( inflammation of the diverticula) and the accompanying diarrhea with blood most often develops in patients whose age is from 50 to 60 years. If diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, blood blotches have a bright red tint. With lesions of diverticula located in the right segments of the large intestine, the blood may be dark, sometimes black.

chronic inflammatory diseases
A symptom of a chronic disease such as Crohn's disease ( inflammatory processes in various parts of the digestive tract) often appears diarrhea with blood. Often this symptom indicates another chronic disease - ulcerative colitis ( purulent inflammation of the colon). A distinctive feature of these diseases is chronic diarrhea, which is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen and an increase in body temperature. The act of defecation is accompanied by profuse bleeding of scarlet color.

Bleeding of the upper digestive system
Diarrhea and blood in its composition can indicate damage to the stomach, esophagus, duodenum. The blood is black in color and smells bad. Stool with impurities of black fetid blood is called melena. Blood acquires color and smell due to a long stay in the digestive system, during which it is exposed to bacteria.

Diseases that provoke diarrhea with black blood are:

• cancerous tumors in stomach or duodenum;
• mucosal defects ( ulcers) stomach or duodenum;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;
• pathological changes in the structure of liver tissues ( cirrhosis).

Infectious intestinal diseases
Often, disorders in the form of diarrhea with blood are a manifestation of diseases caused by infection. At the same time, patients are concerned about bouts of acute pain in the abdomen and high body temperature. One of the most common infectious diseases is dysentery. The causative agents of the disease are bacteria of the genus Shigella, which affect the lower segment of the colon. With dysentery, the patient suffers from intense diarrhea with blood, in which the frequency of the urge to defecate can reach 30 times a day. Often the desire to void is false and is accompanied by intense discomfort. Often with dysentery, diarrhea becomes green. In addition to blood, clots of pus and mucus can be found in the feces.

Malignant tumors of the colon
Blood during bowel movements is one of the most frequently detected and constant symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the colon, which in most cases turn out to be cancerous tumors. Thus, bleeding preceding the stool or inclusions of blood in the feces occur in more than half of patients both in the early and later stages of the disease. The second most common symptom of colon cancer are stool disorders, which are often manifested by diarrhea. Bleeding is distinguished by its inconstancy and small volume. In later stages of cancer, mucus and pus may join the blood. This is due to the development of concomitant inflammatory diseases. Often, diarrhea with blood in cancer is accompanied by symptoms such as false urge to defecate, subfebrile temperature ( about 37 degrees), bloating.

Other causes of bloody diarrhea may include:

• proctitis ( inflammation of the rectal mucosa) - blood is found in the form of clots in the entire mass of feces;
• cryptite ( inflammation of the recesses in the anal canal) - characterized by bright-colored blood inclusions;
• ischemic colitis ( violation of the blood supply to the intestinal wall) - blood is released in small quantities and can be either dark or light in color.

How to treat diarrhea after antibiotics?

Treatment of diarrhea after antibiotics is carried out in a complex and is aimed at restoring bowel function. Also, the goal of therapeutic measures is to eliminate the symptoms and consequences of this disorder.

Treatments for diarrhea after antibiotics include:

• adherence to dietary nutrition;
• taking medications that correct the composition of the intestinal microflora;
• prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body.

Taking medications to correct intestinal microflora
To normalize the composition and properties of the intestinal microflora, patients are prescribed special drugs. Depending on the composition and effect, such drugs are divided into several categories.

The types of drugs are:

• probiotics– include cultures of live microorganisms;
• prebiotics- contain substances that stimulate the activity of beneficial microflora;
• synbiotics- combined preparations consisting of probiotics and prebiotics.

The therapeutic effect of these drugs is to create favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora and inhibition of the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The active components of these drugs are involved in the production of vitamins and create an environment for their effective assimilation. Also, the intake of such drugs contributes to a better breakdown of food and the removal of toxic substances from the body.

Probiotics
Once in the intestine, the microorganisms that make up this group of drugs multiply, which helps to restore all the functions of the microflora. According to the composition and mechanism of action, 4 categories of probiotics are distinguished.

The groups of probiotics are:

• First generation drugs monobiotics) - contain one type of beneficial bacteria that are part of the normal microflora. The most common living components for the production of these drugs are colibacilli, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli.
• Second generation drugs antagonists) - are made on the basis of bacilli and yeast fungi, which inhibit the activity of harmful microorganisms. Not being part of the microflora, the components of such drugs do not take root in the intestines and are excreted naturally.
• third generation probiotics polycomponent) - include several types of beneficial bacteria that begin to grow and multiply in the intestines.
• Fourth generation drugs sorbed) - consist of representatives of normal microflora, which are fixed on a special carrier ( sorbent). The use of a sorbent significantly increases the effectiveness of the drug.

Prebiotics
Prebiotics are made from substances that serve as food for beneficial microorganisms. Fiber, pectin, sorbitol, xylitol and other carbohydrates are used as components. Prebiotics are given in conjunction with probiotics.

Synbiotics
This category of products contains both live microorganisms ( probiotics), and ingredients for their favorable reproduction ( prebiotics). To date, synbiotics are considered the most effective treatment for diarrhea after antibiotics.

Compliance with the diet
The purpose of the diarrhea diet is to reduce the load on the digestive system and provide the body with the necessary substances for a speedy recovery. With severe diarrhea, it is necessary to use those products that do not irritate the intestinal mucosa and have a fixing effect.

• hard-boiled eggs;
• steam omelets;
• mucous porridges from semolina, buckwheat, rice;
• rice water;
• berry and fruit kissels;
• baked apples;
• white bread crumbs.

When preparing cereals, cereals must be strongly boiled and a sufficient amount of water must be used so that their consistency is viscous. For jelly, non-acidic berries and fruits should be used, diluting the juice with water if necessary.
After 2 - 3 days, the menu can include dishes made from lean meats and fish. It can be steam cutlets, boiled meatballs, soufflés, casseroles. After a few days, it is recommended to diversify the diet with vegetable dishes. To prepare soups, mashed potatoes and stews, you can use carrots, potatoes, cauliflower. It is undesirable to eat white cabbage, sweet peppers, legumes, mushrooms for diarrhea. Stimulate intestinal motility also black bread, carbonated drinks, coffee, spices. Therefore, such products can be introduced into the diet 10 days after the onset of complete recovery. In addition, for this period it is necessary to abandon fatty, salty, pickled foods. Gradually and carefully, dairy products should be included in the diet.

Fermented milk products enriched with live bacteria will help restore the composition of the intestinal microflora after diarrhea. Microorganisms are found in special kefir, yoghurts, starter cultures. The manufacturer indicates the presence of bacteria on the product packaging. Preference should be given to those brands that have a short shelf life. You can eat such products after the complete normalization of the stool.

Prevention of dehydration and intoxication of the body
In order to prevent poisoning and dehydration, a patient with diarrhea must drink enough fluids. You can drink green and black tea of ​​weak tea leaves, herbal decoctions, juices diluted with water. Lemon juice added to the drink in a small amount due to the antiseptic effect will improve the patient's condition. Compotes from quince, pear, blueberry, bird cherry are useful for diarrhea.

What are the folk remedies for diarrhea?

There are many folk remedies for diarrhea. They not only calm the "raging" digestive system, but also restore its normal functioning. Also, the positive side of folk remedies is their harmlessness in relation to the normal intestinal microflora. Thus, they rarely cause dysbacteriosis ( imbalance of intestinal microflora).
All folk remedies for diarrhea can be divided into several groups.

The main three groups of folk remedies that help with diarrhea are:

• specially prepared foodstuffs;
• medicinal drinks;
• infusions and decoctions from medicinal plants.

Specially prepared foods that help with diarrhea
When the patient suffers from diarrhea, he must observe a special diet. All food should be sparing, that is, it should not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Some "sparing" products also have medicinal properties and are used as folk remedies for diarrhea.

The main products that are used as folk remedies for diarrhea are:

• goat fat;
• fresh apples;
• bananas;
• millet groats;
• chicken stomachs.

Ways to prepare and use products as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Healing drinks for diarrhea
As folk remedies for diarrhea, various healing drinks are used that can be drunk all day without restrictions. They not only eliminate bouts of diarrhea, but also replenish the lost fluid from the body.

Products from which you can make drinks for diarrhea are:

• oatmeal and rye bread;
• blueberry fruits;
• black tea and onion;
• burnet herb;
• blackberry branches.

Methods for preparing and using drinks as a folk remedy for diarrhea

Herbal infusions and decoctions
As a folk remedy for diarrhea, various infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants and fruits are used.

The most commonly used herbs for diarrhea are:

• Oak bark;
• cherry fruits;
• pomegranate peel;
• walnut leaf;
• walnut partitions.

Infusions and decoctions as a folk remedy for diarrhea

How true is the statement that diarrhea can be taken as a sign of pregnancy? The body of a woman and its functionality throughout the entire period is constantly changing and it is quite possible that this affects the digestive system. Loose stools are a symptom of a special condition of a woman even before a delay in menstruation in approximately 10% of patients.

Can diarrhea be a sign of early pregnancy?

Diarrhea is a signal of changes in the body, whether it is food poisoning, allergies or pregnancy.

Is there diarrhea in the first days after conception? Toxicosis, nausea and vomiting are integral characteristics when a woman bears a “new life”.

This cannot be the only sign, nausea, vomiting and delayed menstruation are unconditional evidence of conception. But, you should always listen to the signals of the body!

Diarrhea itself as a sign of pregnancy is not a problem, but the condition it leads to can be dangerous. Intestinal upset is most often considered a side effect of toxicosis, and if concomitant conditions are present, immediate help is required.

Possible causes of loose stools

Diarrhea is an unpleasant disease, especially in the first months, when such indications as vomiting, nausea and discomfort in the lower abdomen are accompanied.

Is indigestion a sign of conception and what are the prerequisites? The reasons for this condition may be:

1. Failure and changes in hormonal levels.
2. The presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Increased progestrone, estrogen (slow down digestion).
4. Changes in the diet.
5. Reception of additional vitamin complexes.
6. The use of a large number of fermented milk products with bifidobacteria provokes diarrhea during pregnancy.
7. In girls in this position, stress or severe fear can cause loose stools.

Often, women note that there are frequent urges to go to the toilet before menstruation or during the onset of menopause. Regardless of the reasons for which there may be diarrhea, you should consult a doctor.

What are the risks for the pregnant woman and the fetus, when should I urgently see a doctor?

A small, short softening of feces at 1, 2 months of gestation is not a dangerous problem. In such a situation, in the first days of loose stools, it is necessary to follow a diet and it may be necessary to use a sorbent, and there will be no harm to either the mother or the fetus.

But there are several alarming symptoms that are prerequisites for visiting a doctor:

1. Frequent stools, more than 4-5 times a day.
2. Too watery stool.
3. Specific "aroma".
4. Severe pain during defecation.
5. Stool disorders last more than 3 days.
6. The presence of mucus.
7. Bloody discharge in feces.
8. Pus and remnants of undigested food.
9. Increased body temperature.

Strong, prolonged diarrhea as a sign of pregnancy before a delay can harm the child, during this period useful substances and trace elements are washed out of the body. Due to this, the composition of the blood changes, there is a significant loss of fluid, dangerous dehydration.

It is necessary to diagnose the causes at the beginning of pregnancy, because diarrhea can be caused by viruses or a bacterial infection. Therefore, toxins produced by microorganisms adversely affect the development of the child.

Important! Some pathogens of intestinal infections can cross the placenta, which will have an extremely negative effect on the child.

Severe spasms during bowel movements will lead to an increase in the tone of the uterus, this can cause a miscarriage.

Prolonged diarrhea as a sign of pregnancy leads to the washing out of vitamins, useful minerals from the blood, dehydration and exhaustion. If a woman guesses why diarrhea may be, it is necessary to immediately address the problem. After all, neither mother nor baby should suffer from a deficiency of vitamins necessary for growth and full development.

What to do with diarrhea and should I be worried?

Initially, you need to find out if there is really a conception. There are no problems with this today, you can purchase a test for or take an analysis for the level of hCG.

Diarrhea in early pregnancy is not the best help, so it is important to find out the cause of the disorder. After all, even the most insignificant infection (as a prerequisite for loose stools) could have a negative impact on development.

In rare cases, when the bowel disorder is protracted, amniotic fluid sampling will be required, a study on the protein components of the fluid. This will determine how much indigestion as a sign of pregnancy harms the mother or child and, together with a specialist, develop an effective treatment regimen.

Medical therapy

If diarrhea during pregnancy does not cause painful, uncomfortable symptoms, and is of a single nature, then nothing needs to be done, this condition will pass by itself.

But in the case when loose stools last more than 2-3 days, it is necessary to direct all efforts to improve the efficiency of the intestines.

Pregnancy is a period when certain strong drugs are prohibited, especially in the early stages of fetal development.

To eliminate the disorder in the first days of bearing a child, the following is prescribed:

1. Activated charcoal, which will remove toxins from the body, cleanse the intestines. Also, Enterosgel, Smekta can be considered good means of the sorbent group.
2. Medicines "Creon", "Mezim", "Pancreatin", which are based on enzymes necessary for the normalization of digestion, helping to eliminate the problem.
3. To replenish the fluid, to normalize the level of potassium, "Regidron" is prescribed.

Any other drugs should be prescribed by a doctor, only in emergency situations after a thorough examination of the patient.

The use of folk recipes

Pregnancy is the period in which it is best to be treated with alternative medicine. They not only do not harm, but also have a beneficial effect on the body of the mother and baby.

1. Pears have a good fixing effect, so many experts recommend that women eat baked fruits and a decoction of them.
2. Diarrhea in the first days of pregnancy is often a phenomenon in which a woman loses a lot of fluid. To improve the intestinal microflora and restore the water-salt balance, it is recommended to drink a decoction of field chamomile or rose hips.
3. The most effective and safe remedy, proven over the years, is rice water. Despite its specific smell and taste, which suits few, the recipe quickly eliminates diarrhea during pregnancy.
4. In such a situation, a simple abdominal massage helps well, which you can easily do yourself at home.

Nutrition

An upset stomach during pregnancy is a dangerous indication, in the complex of eliminating which an important aspect is the diet. In this case, restrictions in dishes and products will help improve the condition and stop the painful symptoms. To get rid of the problem, it is important to follow simple recommendations:

1. It is necessary to exclude from the diet foods with a specific taste and smell, exotic dishes that irritate the inflamed intestinal walls.
2. Eat rice or oatmeal, baked apples and vegetables, steamed sauté, lots of natural protein foods.
3. Diarrhea is a problem in which you need to exclude salty foods, fried foods, spicy spices.
4. It is not advised to eat borscht, soups and other first courses, they cause intestinal motility and it becomes more difficult to get rid of watery feces.
5. As a drink, choose healthy fortified compotes, kissels, fruit drinks, herbal infusions.

Diarrhea as a sign of pregnancy

The first signs of diarrhea with a delay in menstruation indicate that the fetus develops normally, the pregnancy proceeds without deviations. Many doctors even claim that this is the first positive sign.

Experts recommend keeping a diary of sensations, conditions, writing down the diet, all the changes that occur, and how one of the signs of pregnancy is diarrhea. In this case, during examinations, it will be easier for the doctor to take an anamnesis and collect a complete clinical picture of the health of the woman and the fetus.

This condition is not the only symptom of pregnancy, diarrhea, as part of toxicosis, proceeds for a maximum of the first trimester, and if there are no complications, it passes quickly enough.

When a woman sincerely wants to get pregnant and give the world a small miracle, she looks for all possible symptoms that would indicate a new "interesting situation".

Can diarrhea be a sign of pregnancy? Yes, it is possible, but without accompanying symptoms is quite rare.

During this period of life, it is necessary to be extremely attentive to the state of the body; at the first failures, be sure to see a doctor, especially if diarrhea lasts several days. Many women experience this symptom during early pregnancy, but those who suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should be extremely careful.

It is known that frequent urge to defecate in combination with obvious stool disorders (liquid consistency, strange color, etc.) can manifest itself in almost any problem with the gastrointestinal tract, be it a mild or some more serious disease.

In this article we will talk about such a phenomenon as. Are the symptoms of this disease different in children and adults? What signs will help to establish an accurate diagnosis and choose the most appropriate treatment? Below we will try to answer these and other questions in as much detail as possible.

Loose stools are a symptom of diarrhea.

With diarrhea, most patients, regardless of their age, show the same characteristic symptoms:

1. the need for frequent bowel movements (from four times a day, at a rate of one to two times);
2. (in the absence of gastrointestinal diseases, the normal consistency of feces can be called rather "mushy");
3. "unusual" color of feces or inclusions in it (white, black, dark cherry or even green);
4. the heterogeneous nature of the stool (in the process of defecation, water, foam, pieces of undigested food, etc., come out of the body);
5. fetid or sour smell of feces (or the complete absence of any characteristic odor during bowel movements).

It should be borne in mind that all of the above symptoms are "averaged". When making an accurate diagnosis, not only their presence or absence is taken into account, but also the frequency (duration) of each of the demonstrated deviations from the norm.

About the causes of the disease

Diarrhea is a violation of the digestive system.

In general, diarrhea cannot be called an independent disease. As a rule, this is just one of the symptoms of some more serious disorder in the digestive system of the body. What factors can provoke diarrhea and other stool disorders?

• Viral and bacterial infections.
• Diseases (chronic or concurrently occurring).
• enzymatic deficiency.
• Tumor growths (both malignant and benign).
• Intoxication (including food or chemical).
• The influence of various medications (most often strong antibiotics).
• Bleeding in internal organs related directly to the gastrointestinal tract.

How to find out what exactly caused the onset of diarrhea and choose the appropriate, effective treatment? As a rule, experienced doctors advise paying attention to other, less characteristic symptoms of this disease:

1. A high (from 37 degrees) body in a patient most often indicates that some kind of infection (viral or bacterial) has become the cause of diarrhea. This statement is equally true for patients of all ages.
2. Nausea is a completely natural way that the human body uses to get rid of harmful toxins and toxins on its own. Therefore, if the patient, in addition to diarrhea, also demonstrates these symptoms, most likely you are dealing with intoxication (that is, in other words, poisoning). Curiously, diarrhea accompanied by nausea or vomiting is much more common in young children. Adult patients, as a rule, complain only of severe abdominal pain. Although, of course, there are exceptions to this rule.
3. Regular and unpleasant (not to say “malodorous”) breath odor are sure signs of improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rule, such problems arise due to a lack of necessary digestive enzymes. Often it is this deficiency that is the root cause of diarrhea (poorly digested food begins to rot inside the intestines, poisoning the body and causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.).
4. Abundant watery diarrhea, in which the patient almost constantly feels a difficultly suppressed urge to defecate, as a rule, is a symptom of the most dangerous disease - cholera. The main threat to the patient in this situation is that it is quite difficult to diagnose such an infection. The disease develops very quickly and proceeds at the same time without additional characteristic symptoms such as fever. At the same time, cholera can be deadly (frequent diarrhea quickly leads to critical dehydration of the body) and, therefore, requires immediate treatment under the supervision of experienced doctors. For this and many other reasons, we strongly recommend that you do not try to treat diarrhea on your own, but seek qualified medical help at the first symptoms of this disease.

Thematic video will talk about the signs of diarrhea:

What can tell the color of diarrhea?

The color of your stool will help your doctor prescribe treatment.

The presence of a particular pathology in the body can be successfully judged by the appearance of the feces.

So, having assessed the color and consistency of the feces, an experienced doctor will be able to prescribe you a suitable treatment not only for the diarrhea itself, but also for the one that caused it.

However, you can get an approximate idea of ​​​​the nature of the problem that has arisen in the body on your own. What can one or another color of the patient's stool tell about?

• A green stool is observed, as a rule, in cases where the patient's body is affected by any infection (viral or bacterial origin). "Green" in this case is nothing but the result of the active reproduction of the coccal flora and, as a result, a huge accumulation of leukocytes fighting harmful microorganisms. That is why in many patients who complain of the above symptoms, one can also observe an increase in temperature and other standard signs that accompany most infectious diseases.
• Yellowness in the stool is a sure sign that the intestinal muscles are contracting more than ever (scientifically speaking, the patient demonstrates increased peristalsis). This condition is dangerous, primarily because, due to the accelerated passage of feces through, the body does not have time to fully digest the food received, which means it does not receive enough nutrients. Similar symptoms are often observed in young children whose digestion is not yet fully formed, and, in themselves, are not a cause for alarm. But when a similar clinical picture occurs in an adult, he should immediately consult a doctor.
• Black diarrhea indicates internal bleeding. As a rule, in this case, the patient can also observe tachycardia and hypotension. Of course, such symptoms are a strong argument in favor of immediately consulting a doctor. However, it should be taken into account that such a phenomenon may also be a consequence of the patient's use of certain foods (for example, blueberries and beets) or medicines (bismuth preparations, etc.).
• Bloody streaks in the stool indicate damage to the intestinal mucosa, which, in turn, occurs as a result of severe infections or tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Less commonly, a similar phenomenon can be observed after toxicological poisoning. In any case, such symptoms require the patient to immediately seek qualified medical help.
• White stool is a sure sign of squeezing or complete blockage of the common bile duct by stones or. Other characteristic symptoms will help confirm this serious diagnosis: specific yellowness of the skin (jaundice) and darkening of the urine.

And, of course, special attention should be paid to changes in the color or consistency of feces after the start of the treatment prescribed by the doctor for diarrhea. The appearance of clear mucus in the stool is a good sign, indicating that everything is going as it should and is bearing fruit.

But if such mucus has a brownish or even greenish tint, the chosen treatment is ineffective, which the patient should immediately inform his doctor about.

In the modern world, special tests help a woman find out about pregnancy. However, they do not give a reliable result immediately, they can be negative at the initial stage. In addition, not in every home they are in the first-aid kit. Many expectant mothers understand that conception has already occurred, their body helps in the early stages. There are a number of signs that indicate the onset of pregnancy.

Intestinal upset as a symptom of conception

Delay and absence of menstruation are not the only indicators that a woman has become pregnant. At an early stage, other symptoms associated with the characteristics of the ongoing processes in the body during this period can also signal pregnancy.

After conception, pregnancy does not occur instantly. It can take from 7 to 10 days until the embryo is fully attached to the uterus, and even after implantation, the female body will perceive it as a foreign body for some time. Therefore, he will try to reject it. All this causes poor health and a decrease in immunity. A woman is more prone to colds and SARS, as well as indigestion. Due to the proximity of the uterus and intestines, the expectant mother may experience diarrhea, loose stools, heaviness and pressure in the abdomen.

Diarrhea without other signs of pregnancy is not a symptom of pregnancy. Most likely, it is caused by other reasons:

• intestinal infection;
• poisoning;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• irritable bowel syndrome.

If diarrhea appears against the background of other first signs of conception and does not cause pain, this is usually associated with the onset of pregnancy.

Obvious signs include:

• breast swelling;
• increased sensitivity of the nipples;
• nausea;
• bleeding from the vagina.

Causes of loose stools during pregnancy

Diarrhea as a sign of pregnancy is common (more in the article:
This is due to the fact that along with loose stools, many nutritious and useful microelements that are so necessary for the unborn baby leave the body - their deficiency can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

What could be the reasons that provoke diarrhea or constipation in a pregnant woman in the early stages of bearing a baby? The main ones are:

• Hormonal reorganization. The main hormones, the intensive production of which occurs just during pregnancy, are progesterone and estrogen. They are responsible for ensuring that the fetus receives proper nutrition through the circulatory system, for which they contribute to slowing down the digestive system. As a result of an unusual mode of digestion of food, a woman experiences disturbances in stools. They become more frequent or rarer.
• Intestinal or viral infection. In pregnant women, this problem is rarely observed due to their compliance with all the rules of nutrition. Faced with the problem of diarrhea caused by such a cause, may be those who are not yet aware of their situation.
• Changes in the diet. Pregnant women carefully monitor their menu, enriching it with vitamins. Often in the diet, the amount of sour-milk products is increased, which can lead to loose stools.
• Psychological condition. Any stress, emotional overstrain, experiences can cause diarrhea in a pregnant woman.

Norm or pathology?

Whether a symptom such as diarrhea in the first months of gestation is a norm or a pathology depends on the quality, duration and causes of diarrhea. If a woman observes a slight stool disorder that does not cause her pain, this is not considered a pathological process in the body, but is considered quite normal during pregnancy. Such a deviation does not threaten either the fetus or the health of the mother.

Diarrhea is dangerous only when it is additionally accompanied by the following symptoms:

• frequency of bowel movements more than three times a day;
• the consistency of the stool is very watery;
• the presence of an unpleasant specific odor;
• the presence in the feces of mucus, blood, pus or pieces of food that did not have time to be digested;
• temperature increase;
• the presence of a gag reflex and nausea;
• the appearance of severe pain in the stomach;
• the duration of diarrhea exceeds three days without the onset of improvement.

With such symptoms, diarrhea is not a sign of pregnancy, but the result of an intestinal infection. In the case of pregnancy, the problem requires an immediate solution and medical attention.

Diarrhea after conception and negative pregnancy test

Diarrhea can be the first sign that conception has occurred, even if the pregnancy test is still negative. However, you should not consider loose stools as the only sign of the emergence of a new life. If there is no delay in menstruation and other symptoms do not appear, diarrhea may be due to many other problems that have nothing to do with the new position of the woman.

A negative test does not always give a reliable result of the absence of pregnancy. For a very short period in the urine there is an insignificant concentration of those substances that react with the test strip. Tests purchased at a pharmacy may be defective or expired. Also, there is always a human factor, and not all test conditions can be met, which will affect the reliability of the result.

For this reason, in order to confirm or refute suspicions of pregnancy, it is better to visit a gynecologist. It is he who will accurately determine the presence of the fetus, determine how long the woman is in position.

What to do?

Before taking any action to eliminate loose stools, you should accurately find out the cause that provoked the disorder. If a woman has suspicions about a possible pregnancy, she should wait until the time when her period should begin. In the event that there is a delay in menstruation and there is diarrhea, you need to do a test or take a blood test, which, before all methods, determines the presence of pregnancy.

With slight changes in the frequency and consistency of the stool, which do not cause discomfort to the woman, nothing is worth doing. Usually digestion works on its own. If improvement is not observed, treatment is required, depending on the diagnosis. However, no matter what caused the diarrhea, a woman should stick to her diet. Her menu should consist of:

• wheat crackers;
• rice porridge;
• fresh fruit;
• lean soups;
• baked apples and pears.

It is important to drink a lot. The daily minimum liquid must be 1.5 liters. Suitable ordinary or mineral water, decoctions and fruit drinks. If diarrhea continues for a long time, you should consult a specialist and do not self-medicate, especially while in position.

When does diarrhea in pregnancy go away?

When diarrhea is due to pregnancy, there is a delay in menstruation, other signs appear, this is quite normal and not uncommon. The stool becomes slightly watery and the number of trips to the toilet becomes more frequent. Without other disturbing symptoms characteristic of intestinal diseases, diarrhea can be left untreated. Over time, the uterus rises and reaches the level of the navel. This happens by 17-23 weeks. Then the chair will return to normal.

It is important to understand that non-intervention is possible only if diarrhea is associated precisely with the anatomical features and ongoing processes during pregnancy. Otherwise, treatment is required, since diarrhea is dangerous with serious consequences for both the health of the mother and the fetus.

Pregnancy often begins with diarrhea. This is due to the response of the body to a successful conception. Diarrhea in combination with toxicosis requires treatment.

Pregnancy is a long-awaited state. Sometimes the expectant mother may not be aware of what happened. Only some indirect signs can indicate successful fertilization. Diarrhea is a sign of pregnancy that appears before the menstrual cycle is delayed. The occurrence of diarrhea indicates a successful conception and is the body's response to upcoming changes. Therefore, toxicosis and diarrhea during pregnancy are justified phenomena. After all, pregnancy is a major restructuring of the body. Where nausea and diarrhea during pregnancy are caused by hormonal surges.

Diarrhea during pregnancy can be of three types:

• Acute, flowing up to two weeks. Such diarrhea is most often triggered by a virus or infection.
• Persistent diarrhea that lasts more than two weeks.
• Chronic, caused by an infection. The duration of this type of diarrhea is a month or more.

Not prolonged diarrhea in early pregnancy is not a concern. Although it is also necessary to treat it, in order to avoid dehydration of the body. Dehydration is a condition in which the blood thickens, which contributes to the formation of varicose veins and thrombosis. Insufficiency of placental nutrition, fetal hypoxia and the threat of miscarriage are possible consequences of dehydration.

Therefore, diarrhea, as a symptom of pregnancy, does not require medical treatment. Indeed, most often it acts as a component of early toxicosis. It is possible to use activated charcoal and increase the amount of fluid consumed. You can add sugar and salt to water for faster absorption.

Concerns are caused by vomiting, diarrhea and fever during pregnancy. In this case, an intestinal infection is most often observed. The treatment of which requires the immediate appointment of a doctor. Diarrhea caused by an intestinal infection is fraught with dehydration in a pregnant woman. The child in this case is actually not susceptible to infection. But he suffers from fluid loss, which can provoke fetal hypoxia. Treatment is complicated by the choice of drugs that are safe for the child.

Symptoms accompanying diarrhea: nausea, chills or fever, headache and dizziness, obsessive vomiting, dehydration. These signs are characteristic of diarrhea of ​​different periods of pregnancy and of any kind. Therefore, they often go unnoticed. But diarrhea at any stage of pregnancy requires treatment, especially if the following symptoms are present:

• the appearance of blood and mucus in the feces;
• a sharp increase in temperature;
• black diarrhea during pregnancy;
• persistent diarrhea during pregnancy for 7 days.

The first signs of pregnancy - diarrhea and early toxicosis should not frighten the expectant mother. After all, a stable emotional state is the key to a successful pregnancy. The main thing is a timely visit to a doctor, the necessary diagnosis and the appointment of adequate treatment.