Diagnosis
There is a huge number of possible diagnostic procedures for diarrheal diseases. However, most of them are very time-consuming and expensive. The most important part of the diagnosis is the patient survey.
Information on the frequency of symptoms, the nature of the diarrhea, other symptoms and previous illnesses can help the doctor to make a diagnosis. Other options include stool samples, blood samples and a colonoscopy. An examination for food intolerances can also be useful.
Other accompanying symptoms
The other symptoms depend on the underlying disease. People with irritable bowel syndrome often suffer from colicky abdominal pain and flatulence. Heartburn, nausea and problems urinating are also reported.
In chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, those affected also report abdominal pain and nausea. Since Crohn’s disease also affects the upper parts of the digestive tract, this also leads to inflammation of the stomach with nausea and heartburn, as well as inflammation of the oral cavity. In case of acute oxygen deficiency, for example due to an abdominal infarction, the diarrhea can also cause severe pain.
At first, patients report increasing pain and then a rest period, followed by more severe pain. In the case of cancer, bloody diarrhea occurs and those affected report fever attacks, weight loss and night sweats. In some diseases, in addition to diarrhea, fecal incontinence also occurs, which also occurs particularly at night.
Treatment/Therapy
Depending on the underlying disease, the treatment of diarrhea can be very different. In the case of food intolerances, in most cases it is sufficient to omit the respective food. In the case of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, the diet and water balance must first be balanced.
This includes replacement therapy with vitamins and certain nutrients. In the case of severe relapses, this substitute nutrition can also be given via the blood. Glucocorticoids are used medicinally, especially in relapses. Immunosuppressive drugs are used between relapses.Surgical removal of severely affected bowel segments and the placement of an artificial bowel outlet are also possibilities. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, a healthy diet with small meals often helps, and psychosomatic therapy can also provide relief for those affected.