AyurvedGuru

All About Diarrhea/Dysentry
Dr. Preeti Dass

Diarrhea and dysentery are common during summer months. There are certain sanitation measures that we can adopt to avoid suffering from diarrheal infection. Certain easy home remedies can also help prevent diarrhea and cure it too.

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose and watery stools. Diarrhea often means more frequent trips to the toilet and a greater volume of stool. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than 3 times a day. Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amount of water and salts. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts for 1or 2 days, and resolves itself without any treatment. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, generally lasts longer than 2 weeks. It can be a sign of a serious disorder, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS). Chronic or recurrent diarrhea may cause poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption).

Dysentery is a disease caused by parasites like amoeba or bacteria like shigella. It is characterized by diarrhea with mucus and blood. Although dysentery is a relatively easy disease to cure, death rates are high, particularly among children.

Causes

There are many causes of diarrhea. Fortunately, in most instances, the change in bowel habits is short-lived and clears up on its own. The following are some of the many known causes:

· Food most people have diarrhea because of certain foods, like milk & milk product, or large amounts of fatty foods.

· Chemical Laxatives-Many people become dependent on laxatives like magnesium (Epsom salt), cascara (Nature’s Remedy) and phenolphthalein (Exlax, Correctol) early in life and use them on a daily basis. This chronic dependency can also cause diarrhea.

· Reaction to Medicines-In particular, antibiotics and cancer drugs are known to cause diarrhea.

· Infection-There are over 400 different bacteria that normally live in the large intestine. There are also many viruses and other infectious agents that find their way into our bodies. Some of these can infect the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Fortunately, most of the time, these infections clear up without any treatment.

· Traveler’s Diarrhea-The cause of traveler’s diarrhea is a toxic bacterium called E. Coli. It most often occurs in developing countries where sanitation is not good. The physician should be contacted before traveling to these countries to obtain more information on prevention and treatment.

· Diseases-Certain intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, and even colon cancer can cause diarrhea.

· Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-IBS is a problem that occurs when the intestines, especially the colon do not contract in a smooth, rhythmic manner. The contractions can be exaggerated in which case diarrhea occurs, or they may be sluggish and result in constipation. Sometimes there is alternative constipation and diarrhea. Emotional stress often aggravates these symptoms.

Symptoms

· Frequent, loose, watery stools

· Abdominal cramps

· Abdominal pain

· Fever

· Blood in the stool

· Bloating

In addition, other signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may precede diarrhea. Bacterial or parasitic infections sometimes cause bloody stools, possibly accompanied with fever.

Diagnosis

Medical history, symptoms and physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose diarrhea. Your physician may advise tests like:

· Stool culture-A sample of the stool is analyzed in a laboratory to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease and infection.

· Blood tests-Blood tests are helpful to rule out certain diseases.

· Fasting tests-To find out if a food intolerance or allergy is causing the diarrhea, the doctor may ask you to avoid lactose, carbohydrates, wheat, or other foods, to see whether the diarrhea responds to a change in diet.

· Sigmodoscopy-For this test, the doctor uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon.

· Colonscopy-This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it allows the doctor to view the entire colon.

· Imaging tests-These tests can rule out structural abnormalities as being the cause of diarrhea.

Treatment

The body needs adequate levels of salts, electrolytes, and minerals such as sodium and potassium, in order to maintain the electric currents that keep the heart beating. Depletion of the body’s fluid and mineral levels creates an electrolyte imbalance. Unless restored by replacing fluids and drinking an electrolyte mixture, this imbalance can become a serious problem.

Conventional System

Diarrhea caused by an infection can often be treated with antibiotics may benefits some adults with diarrhea. Diarrhea that is not caused by an infection is more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Long-term medication or surgery may be required in chronic cases of diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea, especially if you are dehydrated, you may require hospitalization to receive IV fluids and to be observed.

Your physician may recommend using over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). They may help some people with diarrhea but should be by-and-large avoided due to their side-effects. Antidiarrheal medications are not usually recommended for infants and children.

Tips

Poor sanitation can contribute to conditions which may result in diarrhea and dysentery. Remember, however, that intestinal diseases are usually spread through contact with infectious organisms which can be spread in human waste, by flies and other insects, or in improperly prepared or disinfected food and water supplies.

Boiling is the most certain way of killing all microorganisms. Water temperatures above 160 F (70 C) kill all pathogens within 30 minutes and above185 F (85 C) within a few minutes. So in the time it takes for the water to reach the boiling point (212 F or 100 C) from 160F (70 C), all pathogens will be killed, even at high altitude.

General chemical treatments: There are two types of chemical treatment: those using iodine and those using chlorine. There are a variety of products on the market, so follow the directions on the bottle. Be advised that many of the tablets have an expiration date and become ineffective after that point. Also, once the bottle has been opened, the tablets must be used within a certain period. Remember that chemical purification methods may only be partially effective, depending on the water temperature.

· The effectiveness of all chemical treatment of water is related to the temperature, pH level, and clarity of the water. Cloudy water often requires higher concentrations of chemical to disinfect.

· If the water is cloudy or filled with large particles, strain it, using a cloth, before treatment. Large particles, if swallowed, may be purified only “on the outside.”

· Add the chemical to the water and swish it around to aid in dissolving. Splash some of the water with the chemical on to the lid and the threads of the water bottle so that all water areas are treated.

· The water should sit for at least 30 minutes after adding the chemical to allow purification to occur. If using tablets, let the water sit for 30 minutes after the tablet has dissolved.

· The colder the water, the less effective the chemical is as a purifying agent. Research has shown that at 50 F (10 C), only 90 percent of Giardia cysts were inactivated after 30 minutes of exposure. If the water temperature is below 40 F (4 C), double the treatment time before drinking. It is best if water is at least 60 F (16 C) before treating. You can place the water in the sun to warm it before treating.

· Chemically treated water can be made to taste better by pouring it back and forth between containers, after it has been adequately treated. Other methods include adding a pinch of salt per quart or adding flavorings (e.g., Lemonade mix, etc.) after the chemical treatment period.

Iodine Treatment: Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle. It works best if the water is over 68 F (21 C). Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification. Persons with thyroid problems or on lithum, women over fifty, and pregnant women should consult their physician prior to using iodine for purification. Also, some people who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. If someone cannot use iodine, use either a chlorine-based product or a non-iodine-based filter, such as the PUR Hiker Microfilter, MSR Water Works, or the Katadyn Water Filter.

Generally, the procedure is as follows:

· Liquid 2% Tincture of Iodine

Add 5 drops per quart when the water is clear. Add 10 drops per quart when the water is cloudy.

· Polar Pure Iodine Crystals Fill the Polar Pure bottle with water and shake. The solution will be ready for use in one hour. Add the number of capfuls (per quart of water treated) listed on the bottle, based on the temperature of the iodine solution. The particle trap prevents crystals from getting into the water being treated. It is important to note that you are using the iodine solution to treat the water, not the iodine crystals. The concentration of iodine in a crystal is poisonous and can burn tissue or eyes. Let the treated water stand for 30 minutes before drinking. In order to destroy Giardia cysts, the drinking water must be at least 68 F (20 C). The water can be warmed in the sun before treating or hot water can be added. Refill the treatment bottle after use so that the solution will be ready one hour later. Crystals in the bottle make enough solution to treat about 2,000 quarts. Discard the bottle when empty.

· Potable Aqua This is an iodine tablets product. Follow the manufacture’s instructions for use.

· Chlorine Treatment: Chlorine can be used for persons with iodine allergies or restrictions. Remember that water temperature, sediment level, and contact time are all elements in killing microorganisms in the water.

· Do Not buy food, drinks, or ice from civilian vendors unless approved by medical personnel

· Wash your hands everytime after using the latrine or before touching food

· Food waste should be disposed of property (covered container, plastic bags or buried) to prevent flies from using it as a breeding area.

· Diet: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You may use oral- rehydration solutions which are available at any drug store.

· Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.

· Have a semisolid and low-fiber diet like crackers, toast, eggs, rice and chicken.

· Avoid certain foods, like dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.

· Do not eat food from street-vendors.

Home Remedies

Below are useful home remedies for dysentry which are very effective and gives quick relief.

· Consumption of carrot juice stops dysentry immediately, provides sufficient energy and helps in maintaining body fluids.

· Prepare lemon juice in warm water and add pinch of salt to it, consumption of this juice stops dysentry and lemon provides sufficient energy.

· Consumption of curd is very much recommended during this condition.

· Consumption of guava is very good for the patient, this fruit helps in reducing frequent stool passage.

· Boil raw papaya in water and then consume it, this helps in immediate stoppage of loose motions.

· Apply ginger juice over belly, this helps in getting quick relief from loose motions.

· Create paste of ash of green cardamom leaves with honey and consume it, this helps in getting quick relief from dysentry or diarrhea.

· Consumption of black grape, orange, sweet lime or sweet orange and pomegranate helps in maintaining body fluids and gives sufficient energy with presence of vitamin C.

Ayurvedic treatment

Major cause of Atisar (diarrhea) is Agnimandya, which leads to incomplete digestion and subsequent irritation of gut and dysfunction. Quite often whenever a patient gets diarrhea, anti diarrheal medicines are started to bring it to halt, but this also prevents the toxins causing diarrhea from leaving the gut. This is dangerous. Ample amount of fluid should be given to replace the electrolyte loss, but body should be allowed to dispal toxins, unless of course when the diarrhea is too severe or infants and old aged men/women affected. Langhana (fasting) is ideal at the commencement of the disease/ disorder. The patient who is suffering from pain in the abdomen, flatulence and excess of salivation should be induced to vomit by using Ayurveda medicine. When the doshas have given rise to flatulence, heaviness, pain and loss of movement of the abdomen then the use of pranada (Haritaki) restores the bodily functions, by clearing out the obstructed doshas, effectively. Nutmeg powder rolled into jiggery and ghee make an excellent home remedy. Drink water medicated with ginger and black salt.

One quarter spoon of kutuj or ativisha powder with honey also control diarrhea.

When the doshas are slightly increased, fasting is indicated. Water well cooked with either vacha or prativisha, musta and parpata or harad and nagara should be given to drink.

When weak hunger is felt patient should be given light foods, in little quantity, at the proper time; that undergoes digestion quickly and bestows taste, strength of digestive fire (digestive juices & enzymes) and of the body in general.

Commonly used Medicinal Ayurveda products

Decoction: Vatsakadi Kwath, Pathyadi kwath

Churna: Tryushanadi churn, Shunthayadi churn, Narayan churn

Avleh: Kutajavaleha

Bhasma:Kapardic, Shankha bhasma

Rasa: Agastisutaraj Rasa, Kanasunder Rasa, Karpur Rasa, Piyushvalli Ras, Shankhodar

Vati: Kutaj Ghan Vati, Jatiphaladi Vati

Parpati: Panchamrut Parpati, Vijay Parpati, Rasa Parpati

Arishtha: Kutajarishth, Baboolarishtha, Mustakarishtha

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