Definition of Diarrhea
Diarrhea ek condition hai jisme patient ko frequent loose or watery stools hote hain (3 ya usse zyada per day). Isme water & electrolyte loss hota hai → dehydration risk badh jata hai. Acute (<14 days) aur chronic (>4 weeks) dono forms me ho sakta hai.
Types of Diarrhea
● Acute diarrhea
● Chronic diarrhea
● Infectious diarrhea
● Traveler’s diarrhea
● Osmotic diarrhea
● Secretory diarrhea
● Inflammatory diarrhea
Causes of Diarrhea
● Viral infection (Rotavirus, Norovirus)
● Bacterial infection (E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella)
● Parasitic infection (Giardia, Entamoeba)
● Food poisoning
● Lactose intolerance
● IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
● Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
● Contaminated water or food
● Malabsorption disorders
Risk Factors of Diarrhea
● Poor sanitation
● Contaminated water
● Improper hand hygiene
● Eating roadside food
● Weak immune system
● Young children and elderly
● Recent antibiotic use
● Travel to endemic areas
Pathophysiology of Diarrhea
● Intestinal mucosa me infection/inflammation hota hai.
● Water & electrolyte absorption decrease hota hai.
● Excess secretion + rapid intestinal motility → watery stools.
● Severe cases me dehydration, acidosis, aur electrolyte imbalance develop hota hai.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
● Frequent loose/watery stools
● Abdominal cramps
● Nausea, vomiting
● Bloating
● Urgency to pass stool
● Fever (if infection)
● Dry mouth, sunken eyes (dehydration signs)
● Weakness, dizziness
Severe symptoms:
● No urination
● Hypotension
● Altered consciousness
Complications of Diarrhea
● Dehydration
● Electrolyte imbalance (Na, K loss)
● Metabolic acidosis
● Acute kidney injury
● Hypovolemic shock
● Malnutrition (chronic cases)
Diagnosis of Diarrhea
● Stool routine & microscopy
● Stool culture
● Stool for ova & parasites
● CBC
● Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl)
● Blood urea, creatinine
● Hydration assessment
● If chronic: endoscopy
Treatment of Diarrhea
1. Medical Management
● ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
● IV fluids (severe dehydration)
● Antibiotics (if bacterial): Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin
● Antiparasitics: Metronidazole (Giardia, Amoeba)
● Probiotics
● Zinc supplementation (children)
● Antidiarrheals: Loperamide (ONLY non-infectious cases)
2. Dietary Management
● BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Apple, Toast)
● Avoid oily, spicy food
● Avoid milk (lactose intolerance risk)
● Drink clean boiled water
● Coconut water, ORS, soups
Nursing Management of Diarrhea
● Assess hydration status (skin turgor, urine output)
● Monitor input-output chart
● Administer ORS or IV fluids
● Monitor electrolytes and vital signs
● Encourage hand hygiene
● Maintain clean environment
● Educate about safe drinking water
● Provide easily digestible diet
● Observe for signs of complications
Prevention of Diarrhea
● Safe drinking water
● Proper handwashing
● Food hygiene (fresh, properly cooked food)
● Avoid street food
● Rotavirus vaccine (children)
● Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
● Maintain clean toilets
Summary of Diarrhea
● Diarrhea ek condition hai jisme frequent watery stools aur dehydration hota hai.
● Causes mostly infections ya food contamination hote hain.
● ORS sabse important treatment hai.
● Severe dehydration emergency ho sakti hai.
● Prevention hygiene, clean water, aur safe eating se hota hai.
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