Understanding Constipation and Diarrhea

Mayo Medical Center is the world's largest private medical system. It has eight medical institutions and five medical education schools. It ranks second in the U.S. News & World Report's survey of the best hospitals in the United States, and its medical quality is highly respected. Health Magazine has launched the "Mayo Clinic" column, where world-class doctors will help you improve your health quality.
Mayo Medical Center is the world's largest private medical system. It has 8 medical institutions and 5 medical education schools.
It ranks second in the U.S. News & World Report's survey of the best hospitals in the United States, and its medical quality is highly respected.
"Health Magazine" launches the "Mayo Clinic" column, where the world's top doctors will help you improve your health.

Constipation is a common problem, but it is also often misunderstood and improperly treated. From a scientific point of view, constipation is defined as having less than 3 bowel movements per week, and each time the stool is hard. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies greatly from person to person, ranging from 3 times a day to 3 times a week.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Many factors can slow the passage of food particles through the large intestine, including: insufficient fluid intake, an unbalanced diet, irregular bowel habits, age, lack of exercise, pregnancy, and illness. Many medications can also cause constipation.
Although constipation can be extremely annoying, it is usually not a serious condition in itself. However, if the problem persists, it can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

self care
To reduce your chances of developing constipation:
■ Eat regularly; eat more high-fiber foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
■Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water or equivalent beverages every day.
■Increase physical activity.
■When you feel the urge to defecate, you should do it immediately.
■Take fiber supplements such as Citrucel, Konsyl, Metamucil, etc.
■Don't rely on laxatives.

medical assistance
If constipation is severe or persists for more than 3 weeks, contact your doctor. In very rare cases, constipation may be a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as cancer, hormonal imbalance, heart disease, or kidney failure.

child care
Constipation is not usually a problem during infancy. A healthy breastfed baby may have a bowel movement as little as once a week.
Young children may occasionally become constipated because they neglect to take time to go to the toilet. Toddlers may also become constipated while learning to control their bowels and bladder because they are afraid or reluctant to use the toilet. But even as little as once a week may be normal for your child.
If constipation is a problem, have your child drink plenty of water to soften the stool. A warm bath can also help your child relax.Promote defecation.
Avoid giving your child laxatives unless advised by a doctor.

diarrhea
The average adult contracts diarrhea four times a year, an uncomfortable illness whose symptoms include loose or watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramps.
The most common cause of diarrhea is gastrointestinal infection by a filterable virus. Bacteria and parasites can also cause diarrhea. These organic substances cause the intestines to lose a lot of water and salt.
Diarrhea caused by infection may be preceded by nausea and vomiting, as well as cramps, abdominal pain, or other cold-like symptoms, such as a slight fever, muscle aches, cramps, and headaches. Bacterial and parasitic infections sometimes cause blood in the stool or a high fever.

Diarrhea caused by infection is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected people. Food and water contaminated by bacteria or parasites can also spread diarrhea.
Diarrhea can also be a side effect of medications, especially antibiotics. In addition, the sweetener sorbitol added to many chewing gums and sugar-free products can cause swelling and diarrhea in some people, especially when taken in excess. Chronic or recurring diarrhea may be a sign of other more serious conditions, such as chronic infection or enteritis.

self care
Although uncomfortable, diarrhea caused by infection usually heals on its own without antibiotics. Over-the-counter medications such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate can relieve diarrhea, but they will not speed recovery. During the recovery period, you can take the following steps to prevent diarrhea and relieve symptoms:
■Drink at least 8 to 16 glasses of water, including water, soda, juice and sports drinks containing electrolytes.
■ Gradually add semi-solid and low-fiber foods as bowel movements gradually return to normal.
For example, crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
■Avoid dairy products, greasy or heavy-tasting foods for a few days.
■Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages and nicotine.

medical assistance
If you have diarrhea for more than 1 week or become dehydrated (extremely thirsty, dry mouth, little or no urine output, very weak, lightheaded, or dizzy), see a doctor.severe abdominal painIf you have rectal pain, blood in your stool, a temperature above 38°C, or if you are dehydrated despite taking a lot of fluids, please seek medical attention.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to shorten the duration of diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites. Not all cases of diarrhea caused by bacteria require antibiotics, and antibiotics do not work against diarrhea caused by viruses, which are the most common type of infectious diarrhea.

child care
Diarrhea may cause dehydration in infants. If the baby has diarrhea for more than 12 hours, or if the following conditions occur, please contact a healthcare provider: ■ The diaper is not wet after 8 hours.
■Body temperature is higher than 38.8℃.
■Blood in the stool.
■Dry mouth or dry howling (crying without tears).
■Unusual sleepiness, lethargy, or slow response.