Dehydration is the moast perilous complication of severe diarrhea. Therefore, its presence represents a risk that must be addressed.
Last update: December 3, 2024
Diarrhea is defined as the presence of liquid or very loose stools more than three times in the same day. If the episodes repeat daily, but do not exceed two weeks, it will be an acute condition; On the other hand, more than 14 days is persistent diarrhea and more than a month is chronic.
Though, the duration does not determine whether we are faced with a mild or serious situation. This is why the concept of explosive or severe diarrhea exists. This is a situation where bowel movements are violent and suddencomposed almost entirely of water and accompanied by the urgent sensation to go to the bathroom.
Generally, Explosive diarrhea occurs with other symptoms, such as fever, severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.Below we explain what the most common causes are and how to act to avoid dehydration.
Food poisoning
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Food poisoning occurs when food or drinks contaminated with microorganisms capable of causing illness are ingested. They can be bacteria, viruses or parasites.It can also happen that the toxins produced by these organisms are ingested and deposited in the products we eat or drink.
Salmonella, Escherichia coli Yes Campylobacter spp., They are species responsible for many of the food poisonings that cause severe diarrhea.For his part, the toxin Staphylococcus aureus It is indeed associated with common episodes in summer.
The foods that most frequently enough cause the problem are the following:
- Seafood.
- Raw or undercooked meats.
- Raw or undercooked eggs.
- Unpasteurized dairy products.
- Poorly processed canned foods.
- products that have not been stored at safe temperatures.
viral infection
Viral infections that cause explosive diarrhea are frequently enough transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Infection can also occur through direct contact between an infected person and a non-infected person.
Norovirus is a major cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms include watery diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
For his part, Rotavirus mainly affects infants and young children. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is associated with severe dehydration in children under five years of age.
The mechanism of action is that the viruses attack the cells of the small intestine and disrupt the normal absorption of fluids. This results in excessive outflow of water from the intestine to the outside.
Bacterial infection
Some bacteria produce enterotoxins that alter the function of the intestine,causing excessive secretion of liquids.Others invade the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and damage.
Among the main responsible we have the following:
- Vibrio cholerae: It is the causative agent
- Escherichia coli: especially strains called O157:H7, which can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Salmonella: associated with contaminated poultry, eggs and dairy products.
- Campylobacter: Explosive diarrhea is accompanied by fever and abdominal pain.
Side effects of drugs
Antibiotics can alter the normal intestinal flora, which are the benign bacteria that live within the digestive system. When the balance is broken, other harmful microorganisms grow, such as Clostridium difficile. diarrhea due to the latter is serious and challenging to treat.
On the other hand, laxatives are designed to induce bowel movements. Though, excessive use can cause explosive diarrhea.
It is also worth mentioning the similar side effect caused by magnesium-containing antacids and some chemotherapy drugs. Although less frequent, It is a reaction that can occur when the recommended doses of both groups are exceeded.
Malabsorption syndrome
Malabsorption syndrome can be caused by various conditions that affect the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, such as:
When unabsorbed nutrients (such as fats or carbohydrates) reach the colon, they cause an osmotic effect. That is to say, They draw water into the intestinal tract and leave the body as liquid feces.which can be plentiful.
In addition to explosive diarrhea, it usually causes malabsorption syndrome following consequences:
- Steatorrhea: They are yellow, greasy and smelly stools.
- Weight loss and malnutrition: despite adequate food intake.
Flatulence: increased gas production due to fermentation.
Inflammatory bowel diseases
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Its two most common forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
They can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, they tend to concentrate in the small intestine and colon.
Frequent diarrhea,which may be explosive,It is accompanied by abdominal pain,weight loss,and sometimes fever. Drops of blood or traces of mucus may also appear in the stool.
What to do if I have explosive diarrhea?
Explosive or severe diarrhea, with significant fluid loss, should be evaluated by your doctor. The professional will make a diagnosis and propose appropriate treatment.
In general, viral infections and food poisoning are self-limiting and do not require medications. It is indeed onyl necessary to maintain hygienic-dietary measures to avoid dehydration. Bacterial infections may require a prescription for an antibiotic, just as an adverse reaction to a medication might mean it needs to be stopped or changed.
On the other hand, malabsorption syndrome and IBD require long-term management. A combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and specific medications is needed to manage symptoms.
In any case, there are some general precautions that you can resort to, while waiting for your turn for the consultation:
- Rest to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid certain foods, such as fats, spicy foods and fried foods.
- Do not drink irritating drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol and carbonated soft drinks.
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace the lost ones. Opt for water, soups and oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
- Eat foods that are soft, astringent and easy to digestsuch as white rice, ripe bananas, toast and broth.
Should I take medication for explosive diarrhea?
Generally, It is not advisable to stop diarrhea episodes with
Therefore, antidiarrheal drugs are only useful if prescribed correctly. In this case, the most prescribed options are loperamide (4 mg at the beginning and 2 mg after each bowel movement, without exceeding 16 mg in 24 hours), bismuth subsalicylate (2 chewable tablets or 2 tablespoons of syrup per day ) and racecadotril (an initial dose of 100 mg, followed by 100 mg every 8 hours).
When to consult the doctor?
Although it is always advisable to consult a doctor, there are signs that will indicate the need to bring forward the appointment or urgently contact a health service:
- Your fever is above 38°C.
- You detect blood or mucus in your stool.
- Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours without enhancement.
- Lose weight quickly, within a few days.
- It is indeed not possible to retain liquids in the stomach due to vomiting.
- There are clear signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark urine, dizziness and weakness.
is it possible to prevent explosive diarrhea?
There are not always avoidable causes of this problem. For example, celiac disease or Crohn’s disease are not as preventable as food poisoning. However, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of severe diarrhea, such as the following:
- Drink safe water, especially when traveling to other areas.
- Disinfect surfaces in food preparation areas.
- Refrigerate products well to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cook food properly to eliminate pathogenic bacteria.
- Wash your hands oftenespecially before eating and after going to the bathroom.
- Avoid cross contamination, separate utensils and surfaces used for raw foods.
Additionally, distinguishing between a severe episode and a mild one can make a big difference. It will help you consult quickly to avoid one of the most serious consequences, namely dehydration. Thus, if you suffer from very soft stools that do not allow you to reach the toilet, or a family member is going through this situation, do not delay the consultation.
What are the signs that I need to seek medical attention for diarrhea?
10a79b4c-0 fxketF”>Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or oral rehydration solutions. Taking these precautions can assist in managing symptoms while awaiting professional medical evaluation and treatment. It is essential to address the underlying cause of explosive diarrhea to determine the most effective course of action. Remember, always prioritize consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.