Diarrhea Complications - Need for Immediate Attention

Posted on May 15, 2008 under Diarrhea |

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Diarrhea generally becomes more complicated when it leads to dehydration. Excessive loss of fluids and minerals from the body results in dehydration. Dehydration is common among both adult and children. Patient with acute diarrhea have large amounts of stool, and vomiting. Viral gastroenteritis or bacterial infection is the cause of dehydration among infants and young children.

Thirst and dry mouth are some of the problems which are experienced by the patients who suffer from mild dehydration. Severe weakness, acidosis, orthostatic hypotension with syncope, kidney failure, diminished urine output, shock, confusion, and coma are some of the problems which are experienced by the patients who suffer from Moderate to severe dehydration.

Electrolyte deficiencies may also occur when a person is suffering from prolonged or severe diarrhea. Sodium and potassium deficiencies are the most common mineral deficiencies occur in a person who is suffering from severe diarrhea. Person sometimes also feels irritation of the anus due to the frequent passage of watery stool containing irritating substances.

In case mild diarrhea it is not necessary to go to a doctor as it may automatically be cured in few days. The doctor should be consulted if a person is suffering from following conditions:

When a person is suffering from diarrhea with high fever.
If a person feels severe abdominal pain with bloody stool.
Diarrhea in persons with serious underlying illness like diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS.
Severe diarrhea that shows no improvement in 48 hours.
Diarrhea in case of pregnant women.
Diarrhea that occurs during or immediately after completing a course of antibiotics.
Diarrhea that develops in patients with chronic intestinal diseases.
Acute diarrhea in an infant or young child in order.