5.4.4: Conditions of the Large and Small Intestines
- Page ID
- 89397
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Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder characterized by frequent passage of loose, watery stools. It can be a temporary and mild condition or a more serious and persistent one, depending on its underlying causes and duration. Diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying condition. Causes of diarrhea include bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, food poisoning, chronic conditions such as Crohn's disease, food allergies, stress or anxiety, and certain medications. In addition to frequent watery bowel movements, patients can experience abdominal cramps, dehydration, and fever. Treatment of diarrhea targets the cause and can include fluid replacement, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal drugs, rest, and avoiding trigger foods. It is important to note that infants, children, and elderly patients can become dehydrated much faster than healthy adults, so rehydration is paramount.
Constipation
Constipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often resulting in the passage of hard, dry stools. It can be a temporary problem or a chronic condition, and it can cause discomfort and impact one's overall well-being. Constipation can be caused by a low-fiber diet, insufficient fluid intake, a sedentary lifestyle, medications such as opioids, emotional distress, or ignoring the urge to defecate. Symptoms include difficulty passing stools, infrequent bowel movements, hard, dry stools, and abdominal discomfort. Treatment for constipation aims to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying causes. It includes increasing dietary fiber, adequate fluid intake, moderate exercise, and medications such as laxatives or stool softeners.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and damage to the lining of the digestive tract. The exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown but is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, fever, rectal bleeding, fistulas and fissures in the anal area, anemia, and nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption. Managing Crohn's disease aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and biologics. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the intestine and to treat complications like fistulas.
(Krueger et al., 2012).