The Effects of Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea, the occurrence of loose watery stool, affects everyone periodically. Acute diarrhea describes a sudden onset that can occur due to viral infections, bacterial infections or parasites. Chronic diarrhea, defined by the Cleveland Clinic as three or more loose stools per day for more than one month, indicates the presence of a functional or inflammatory disorder of the bowel 1. Chronic diarrhea can cause effects in the body that can be serious and life-threatening.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Dehydration
If left untreated, dehydration can become serious. Signs of dehydration include:
- thirst
- less frequent urination
- dry skin
- fatigue
- dark colored urine
- as described by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 2
In children, parents can notice dehydration by the lack of tears when crying, a high fever, irritability and no we diapers in a 3-hour period. Mild dehydration can be treated with oral rehydration therapy that includes drinking plenty of liquids such as fruit juices, broths and rehydration solutions.
Electrolyte Imbalance
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The main electrolytes found in the body include:
- sodium
- potassium
- calcium
- magnesium
- chloride
- phosphate
- carbonate
A low level of sodium, known as hyponatremia, can cause
- confusion
- drowsiness
- muscle weakness
- seizures
- as described by the Merck Manual
Hypokalemia, a low level of potassium, can affect the level of sugar in the blood as well as cause muscle weakness, fatigue and confusion. To ensure electrolytes remain in balance, those with chronic diarrhea need to take in electrolytes by drinking the broth and juices instead of just plain water.
Malnutrition
The small intestine also functions to absorb nutrients. Malfunctions of the small intestine that result in chronic diarrhea can also cause malnutrition 5. The occurrence of chronic diarrhea has a cause and effect relationship with malnutrition, as described by research published by Kenneth Brown in “The Journal of Nutrition.” Conditions of diarrhea inhibit the absorption of nutrients resulting in malnutrition 5. In addition, malnutrition increases the susceptibility for infections leading to diarrhea 5. Signs of malnutrition include:
- fatigue
- weakness
- dizziness
- dry skin
- decaying teeth
- poor growth
- learning difficulties
Related Articles
References
- The Cleveland Clinic: Acute Diarrhea
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea
- MedLine Plus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Merck Manual: Problems with Electrolyte Balance
- “The Journal of Nutrition”: Diarrhea and Malnutrition
- Barr W, Smith A. Acute diarrhea. Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(3):180-9.
- Schiller LR, Pardi DS, Sellin JH. Chronic Diarrhea: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;15(2):182-193.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2016.07.028
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, diet, and nutrition for diarrhea. Updated November, 2016.
- Diarrheal Diseases – Acute and Chronic. American College of Gastroenterology.
- Minocha A, Adamec C. The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders (2nd Ed.) New York:Facts on File. 2011.
- National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. Diarrhea.
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Writer Bio
Stephanie Chandler is a freelance writer whose master's degree in biomedical science and over 15 years experience in the scientific and pharmaceutical professions provide her with the knowledge to contribute to health topics. Chandler has been writing for corporations and small businesses since 1991. In addition to writing scientific papers and procedures, her articles are published on Overstock.com and other websites.