Diarrhea is characterized for loose, watery stools that commonly occur in both children and adults at some point in their lives. An acute diarrhea is defined as an abrupt onset condition that can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections or parasites. As for chronic diarrhea, it is distinguished by three or more loose stools in a day that lasts for more than a month. Take note that this indicates a functional or inflammatory disorder affecting the bowel. Chronic diarrhea can cause certain effects in the body that can be severe and life-threatening.
http://youtu.be/smInP3O6yNs
Dehydration
It is important to note that the colon is part of the large intestine in between the cecum and rectum that is responsible for absorbing excess fluids from the partly digested food as it passes via the digestive tract. Certain disorders such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome that disrupt the absorptive capability of the intestines can cause chronic diarrhea. The fluid loss will lead to dehydration which is a condition that occurs on the body does not have enough fluids for proper functioning.
If dehydration is left untreated, it can be life-threatening. The indications of dehydration include diminished urination, extreme thirst, fatigue, dry skin and dark-colored urine. Among children, there is lack of tears when crying, irritability, high fever and no diapers were soiled in a 3-hour period. In mild cases of dehydration, the first aid measure is to provide oral rehydration therapy that involves drinking plenty of liquids such as broths, fruits juices and rehydration solutions.
Electrolyte imbalance
Once the intestines could not absorb fluids, minerals or electrolytes remain in the stool and flushed out during an episode of diarrhea. Always bear in mind that the body requires the right balance of electrolytes in order maintain the chemistry of the blood as well as support the organ functions.
The essential electrolytes present in the body include potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, carbonate and phosphate. If the level of sodium in the body is low, it is called as hyponatremia which can cause drowsiness, confusion, seizures and muscle weakness. If the level of potassium is low, it is called as hypokalemia which can affect the sugar level in the blood, thus resulting to fatigue, muscle weakness and confusion. In order to ensure the proper balance of electrolytes in the body, individuals who have chronic diarrhea should take in electrolytes by drinking juices and broth instead of plain water.
Malnutrition
It is important to note that the small intestines are responsible for absorbing nutrients. If the small intestine malfunctions, it results to chronic diarrhea that can eventually lead to malnutrition. The occurrence of chronic diarrhea has a cause and effect connection with malnutrition. The conditions of diarrhea will disrupt the absorption of nutrients, thus resulting to malnutrition. Additionally, malnutrition will increase the risk for susceptibility to infections. The indications of malnutrition include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and dry skin, poor growth, decaying teeth and learning difficulties.