Adults can also experience acute diarrhea

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that occurs acutely within 14 days with large and loose stools. Acute diarrhea in adults is very dangerous if this condition persists, so the patient needs to know how to manage and take the correct dose.

1. Causes of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea, also known as infectious diarrhea in adults, is an intestinal infection. Bacterial and viral infections are the cause of acute diarrhea in adults. Sometimes germs cause illness from contaminated food (food poisoning). In some countries, contaminated water is also a cause of acute diarrhea in adults. Sometimes only one of these germs causes illness. The virus is easily spread from person to person through close contact, or when an infected person prepares food for others.
Some other causes are not common such as: drinking a lot of alcohol, side effects of certain medications or excessive anxiety. In addition, gastrointestinal diseases cause chronic diarrhea. In the early stages, it can be mistaken for acute diarrhea, such as diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis. Accordingly, infectious diarrhea in adults is divided into 2 groups:
Group 1: Acute non-invasive diarrhea accompanied by fever and bloody stools, caused by inflammatory enteritis caused by bacteria and parasites. Group 2: Acute non-invasive diarrhea without fever and bloody stools, common causes are viral infections, non-infectious causes, drugs, poisoning, stress. The stools are watery, large in number, rarely accompanied by abdominal pain, with little change in general condition.

2. Symptoms of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea in adults is characterized by diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting. Diarrhea is the passage of loose stools, usually at least 3 times a day. Stools can be bloody or mucusy in the case of certain bacteria. Abdominal pain is common. The pain may decrease with each bowel movement. Fever, headache, and limb pain are sometimes encountered.
If vomiting occurs, it usually lasts no more than 1 day, but sometimes longer. Acute diarrhea in adults usually continues after vomiting stops and usually lasts several days or more. Passing loose stools may last for a week or more before stools return to normal. Sometimes these symptoms last longer.
Diarrhea and vomiting can cause very dangerous dehydration, so when patients see these signs, they should quickly go to medical facilities for examination and treatment. Mild dehydration is common and is usually quickly reversed by drinking plenty of fluids. Severe dehydration can be fatal unless treated quickly. Because the organs in the body need a certain amount of fluid to perform their functions.
Symptoms of dehydration in adults include: fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, cramps, sunken eyes, little urine, dry mouth and tongue, weakness, and becoming irritable. Symptoms of severe dehydration include loss of consciousness, increased heart rate, coma, and very little urine. Immediate medical intervention is required if this occurs.
Dehydration due to acute diarrhea in adults often occurs in people: the elderly and weak, pregnant women. People with severe diarrhea and vomiting. Accordingly, it is necessary to see a doctor if the following symptoms are present:
Suspected dehydration. Vomiting repeatedly and not being able to maintain enough fluid in the body. Vomiting or passing blood. Severe abdominal pain. The more severe the symptoms appear, the worse the condition feels. Continuous high fever. The elderly or people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, intestinal infections, kidney disease, epilepsy. People who are immunocompromised due to chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroid therapy, HIV infection. Pregnant women.

3. Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults

3.1 Initial treatment when the cause of diarrhea cannot be determined Rehydration and electrolytes or fluids is one of the methods of treating acute diarrhea in adults. The goal is to help the patient avoid dehydration, or to treat if there is dehydration. Note that if severe dehydration is suspected, contact your doctor immediately.
Need to drink at least 200ml of fluid after each diarrhea. This replenished fluid will add up to your normal fluid intake. For example, an average adult should drink about 2 liters of water per day. The above recommended 200ml post-diarrhea amount is in addition to the normal amount you would like to drink. If vomiting occurs, wait 5-10 minutes, then start drinking again and drink more slowly. But still ensure enough fluid to compensate the body. However, electrolyte rehydration solutions are recommended by medical professionals for the weak, those over 60 years of age, or those with underlying medical conditions. They are packaged in powder form and can be sold in pharmacies. (These powder bags may also be available with a prescription.) Mix the powder in the sachet into the water. Electrolyte rehydration solutions have a balanced ratio of water, salt and sugar components. They are not effective in stopping or alleviating acute diarrhea in adults. However, when using small amounts of sugar and salt, water is better absorbed from the intestines into the body. Absolutely do not use salted sugar solutions at home, because the amount of sugar and salt must be absolutely accurate.

3.2. Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults when the cause is determined Some drugs are used to treat acute diarrhea in adults caused by invasive pathogens:
Severe Shigella infections: Use Ciprofloxacin 500mg - 2 tablets/day x3 days. Salmonella typhi infection: Use Ciprofloxacin 500mg - 2 tablets / day x 10 days. Amoxicillin 750mg - 4 tablets/day x 14 days. Cotrimoxazol 960mg - 2 tablets / day x 14 days. Samonella infection: Use Ciprofloxacin 500mg - 2 tablets / day x 10 days. Amoxicillin 750mg – 4 tablets/day x 14 days. Cotrimoxazol 960mg - 2 tablets / day x 14 days. Campylobacter infection: Use errythromycin 250mg - 4 tablets / day x 5 days. Clarithromycin 250mg – 4 tablets/day x 5 days. Yersinia infection: Use Doxycycline 200mg on day 1, then 100mg/day x 4 days. Cotrimoxazol 960mg - 2 tablets / day x 5 days. Ciprofloxacin 500mg – 2 tablets/day x 5 days. Amoebic dysentery: Use Tinidazol 2g/day x 3 days Metronidazol 750mg - 3 tablets/day x 5 days. Vibrio choleare infection: Ciprofloxacin 1g single dose Vibramycin 300mg single dose. Giardia infection: Use Tinidazol 2g single dose. Stronggyloides stercoralis infection: Use Albendazol 400mg - 1 tablet/day x 3 days. Ivermectin 150-200 mcg/kg single dose. Tiabendazol 25mg/kg – 2 tablets/day x 3 days, maximum 1500mg/dose. Pinworms: Use Mebendazol 100mg - 2 tablets / day x 3 days. Cryptorporidium infection: Use Paromomycin 500 - 1000mg - 3 tablets / day x 14 days. Azithromycin 500mg – 1 tablet/day x 3 days. Cyclospora infection: Cotrimoxazol 960mg - 3 tablets/day x 14 days Isospora belli infection: Cotrimoxazol 960mg - 3 tablets/day x 14 days. However, the above drugs are for reference only and should not be used arbitrarily without a doctor's prescription. Absolutely do not give children under 12 years of age anti-diarrheal medicine without a doctor's prescription, do not use it if they have bloody stools, or have a high fever. Therefore, you should carefully read the instructions for use of the drug to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

4. Measures to prevent acute diarrhea in adults

Some of the infections that cause acute diarrhea in adults are easily spread from person to person. If you are suffering from acute diarrhea, follow these steps to avoid spreading the infection to others:
Wash your hands properly after each use of the toilet. It is best to use hand sanitizer or soap. Dry hands completely after washing. Do not share towels and clothing. Clean the toilet regularly with a cleaning solution or soap at least once a day. Leave work, school,... until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhea and vomiting. Do not prepare or serve food to others. If you work with food or drink and develop diarrhea or vomiting, you must leave the cooking area immediately. In most cases, no other measures are needed, other than staying away from the workplace until at least 2 days after the last episode of diarrhea and vomiting. Some special cases require more rest. Specialist intervention may be needed for some uncommon causes of infectious diarrhea in adults. If in doubt, see a doctor.
If the cause of infectious diarrhea is known or suspected to be caused by a bacterium called Crystosporidium, you should not swim in a pool for 2 weeks after the last episode of diarrhea.
The above recommendations are mainly to help prevent the spread of germs to others. However, when not in contact with someone with infectious diarrhea; Proper storage, preparation and cooking of food, and good hygiene will help prevent infectious diarrhea in adults. Especially always wash your hands:

After going to the toilet. Before touching food. Hands should be washed between handling raw meat and cooked food (Some bacteria may be present in raw meat). After gardening. After playing with pets, clean hands and feet (healthy animals can carry certain harmful bacteria) The basic measure is frequent and correct hand washing with soap known as a means of reducing increased risk of infectious diarrhea in adults. You should also use other measures such as avoiding water and drinks that may be unsafe, avoiding washing food with dirty water,...
Through the article adults can also have acute diarrhea, hope to provide readers with useful information about acute diarrhea in adults. To help you and your loved ones effectively prevent this disease to always have the best health in life.

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