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Diarrhea
- 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
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Triggers of diarrhea
- anxiety and stress
- intestinal infections
- food poisoning
- medications
- lactose intolerance
- fructose
- artificial sweeteners
- abdominal or gall bladder surgery
- other digestive disorders
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Treatments of diarrhea
- medications that decrease intestinal motility
- absorbents
- adsorbents
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Medications that decrease intestinal motility
- opiates
- opiate-related drugs
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Absorbents
- oral medications that absorb water in small and large intestines, making stools less watery
- ex - polycarbophils
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Adsorbents
- 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)
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Bile acid sequestrants
- medications used to reduce bile-induced diarrhea in people who have had their gallbladder removed
- ex - colestipol
- ex - cholestyramine
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Antibiotics for diarrhea
used to treat bacterial-induced or traveler's diarrhea
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Probiotics for diarrhea
bacteria used to help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines
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Somatostatin analogue
used to treat severe diarrhea associated with certain intestinal tumors and AIDS
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Constipation
due to infrequent bowel movements, passage of hard and dry stools or straining during bowel movements
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Nonpharmacologicals treatments for constipation
- bulk fiber in diet
- exercise
- proper hydration
- develop routine bowel habits
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Pharmacological treatments for constipation
- 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)
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Hemorrhoids
- painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus
- result in increased pressure in the veins of the anus
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Causes of hemorrhoids
- pregnancy and after childbirth
- straining during bowel movements
- constipation
- sitting for long periods of time
- anal infections
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Symptoms of hemorrhoids
- 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
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Treatments of hemorrhoids
- corticosteroid creams
- lidocaine hemorrhoid creams
- witch hazel
- sitz baths
- stool softeners
- infrared coagulation
- rubber band ligation
- hemorrhoidectomy
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