GI part 2 diarrhea and constipation.txt

• loose, watery stool occurring more frequently than usual
• consequence of rapid passage of small intestinal contents through the large intestines leading to increased water and electrolyte losses
• may last for hours, days or weeks
• regardless of cause, results from either increased intestinal motility (peristalsis) or decreased water absorption by mucosal cells

• anxiety and stress
• intestinal infections
• food poisoning
• medications
• lactose intolerance
• fructose
• artificial sweeteners
• abdominal or gall bladder surgery
• other digestive disorders

• medications that decrease intestinal motility
• absorbents
• adsorbents

• opiates
• opiate-related drugs

• oral medications that absorb water in small and large intestines, making stools less watery
• ex - polycarbophils

• oral medications that coat wall of the GI tract to adsorb bacteria or toxins causing diarrhea
• ex - attapulgites (Kaolin + Pectin = Kaopectate)
• ex - Bismuth subsalicylates (Pepto-bismal)

• medications used to reduce bile-induced diarrhea in people who have had their gallbladder removed
• ex - colestipol
• ex - cholestyramine

used to treat bacterial-induced or traveler's diarrhea

bacteria used to help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines

used to treat severe diarrhea associated with certain intestinal tumors and AIDS

due to infrequent bowel movements, passage of hard and dry stools or straining during bowel movements

• bulk fiber in diet
• exercise
• proper hydration
• develop routine bowel habits

• osmotic laxatives (pull water into colon to increase fecal bulk and stimulate peristalsis)
• stimulant laxatives (irrittate nerve endings in intestinal mucosa and increase peristalsis)
• bulk-forming natural laxatives (promote water movement into the large intestines, increasing fecal bulk and peristalsis)
• emollient laxatives (lubricants used to decrease straining)
• cathartics (promote soft-to-watery stools - hyperosmotic solutions using salts and sugar alcohols)

• painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus
• result in increased pressure in the veins of the anus

• pregnancy and after childbirth
• straining during bowel movements
• constipation
• sitting for long periods of time
• anal infections

• anal itching
• anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
• bright red blood on the toilet tissue, stool or in the toilet bowl
• pain during bowel movements
• one or more hard, tender lumps near the anus

• corticosteroid creams
• lidocaine hemorrhoid creams
• witch hazel
• sitz baths
• stool softeners
• infrared coagulation
• rubber band ligation
• hemorrhoidectomy