Experiencing persistent diarrhea, with only watery discharge, what should I do?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Frequent watery stools, where the bowel movements are entirely liquid, typically refer to diarrhea with loose or unformed stools. Diarrhea and loose stools are commonly caused by factors such as cold stimulation, indigestion, lactose intolerance, acute gastroenteritis, or irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions generally require medical treatment, including pharmacological and general supportive therapies. If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Constant watery diarrhea, where only water is passed, usually refers to persistent diarrhea with loose or unformed stools. This condition is commonly caused by cold stimulation, indigestion, lactose intolerance, acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other factors. Treatment typically involves medication and general supportive measures. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Cold stimulation: When the abdomen is exposed to cold, it may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora or trigger intestinal spasms, increasing bowel motility and leading to persistent diarrhea. Patients may also experience discomfort such as fever and chills. It is recommended to keep the abdomen warm and avoid cold exposure. Drinking hot water or warm porridge, or applying a warm compress to the abdomen using a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, can help relieve symptoms.
2. Indigestion: Indigestion may result from overeating, food allergies, or intestinal stress responses. These dietary issues can impair normal digestive function, causing persistent diarrhea and unformed stools. Patients may also experience bloating, nausea, and similar symptoms. It is advised to correct unhealthy lifestyle habits, avoid overeating, and adopt a regimen of eating smaller meals more frequently to maintain adequate nutrition.
3. Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of lactase enzyme in the body, which impairs the digestion and absorption of lactose, resulting in symptoms such as chronic diarrhea and unformed stools. Patients often experience ongoing bloating and nausea. It is recommended that patients avoid consuming lactose-containing foods, such as milk and lactose-based infant formulas.
4. Acute gastroenteritis: Acute gastroenteritis may be caused by consuming contaminated food or microbial infections. These pathogens irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and lesions that lead to persistent diarrhea and poorly formed stools. Patients often experience abdominal pain as well. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and take medications such as norfloxacin capsules, levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, or enteritis relief tablets for treatment.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS may be triggered by various factors including abnormal intestinal motility, imbalance of gut microbiota, high stress levels, anxiety, and chronic sleep deprivation. These factors can cause intestinal dysfunction, leading to alternating symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, and constipation. Patients are advised to take medications under medical guidance, such as loperamide hydrochloride capsules, smectite powder, or live bacterial preparations like Bacillus subtilis bivalent granules.
The causes of diarrhea and unformed stools are diverse, and treatment plans vary from person to person. If related symptoms occur, it is important to seek timely medical attention and receive proper diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
