Diarrhea

Diarrhea is very common. On average, adults experience diarrhea once a year, and children more often.

Diarrhea is typically caused by a viral infection. It is primarily caused by noroviruses or rotaviruses. However, bacteria such as salmonella or campylobacter can also trigger a gastrointestinal infection (gastroenteritis).

In the case of normal diarrhea, it suffices to restore the balance of fluid and wait for the infection to pass. More severe or persistent diarrhea must be treated because it can lead to a dangerous loss of fluids and sodium depletion. This can be dangerous in small children and the elderly.

A gastrointestinal infection often begins suddenly with projectile vomiting or severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is characterized by a very soft or liquid stool, which occurs at least three times within a period of 24 hours.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps, as well as bloating. Symptoms can also include fever, and head and limb pain.

It is advisable to contact a doctor in the case of:

• no improvement after 48 hours
• high temperature/fever
• blood in the stool (red or black blood)
• mucus in the stool
• severe pain

There are a variety of causes of diarrhea. One of the most common causes is a gastrointestinal infection caused by very contagious noroviruses or rotaviruses. It occurs most frequently in small children and the elderly. In Germany, campylobacter and salmonella are common causes of bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Diarrhea can also occur when traveling. Depending on the country, unsanitary conditions can cause shigella, certain E. coli, or parasite infections.

Diarrhea is not only caused by infections, however. Other possible causes are:

• unfamiliar food, for example during (long-distance) travel
• food intolerances such as gluten or lactose intolerance
• a “nervous intestinal tract” (irritable bowel syndrome)
• chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• side effects from certain medications that can cause an imbalance in normal intestinal flora and sometimes trigger diarrhea; this is particularly the case with antibiotics.

Acute diarrhea typically lasts for a few days up to one week. Diarrhea is considered persistent if it lasts longer than two weeks.

In daily life hands often come in contact with viruses and bacteria. These pathogens (disease-causing microbes) can be transmitted via the stool, vomit, water, food, or contaminated objects, for example. They can also be spread by touching toilets, door handles or items of clothing – this is known as “smear infection”. An indirect infection may occur if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their hand to their mouth. To protect oneself and others, it is important to wash hands regularly and thoroughly. Hand sanitizer can also be useful during acute diarrhea. If a second toilet is available in the home, it is best if only the family member with diarrhea uses it until healthy again.

Clothing should be washed in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius). When preparing food, it is important to practice particularly good hygiene. A person suffering from acute diarrhea should avoid preparing meals for others if possible. This is not permitted in the food sector.

Here are a few tips for preventing traveler’s diarrhea: In subtropical or tropical countries, and depending on the hygienic conditions, it is best to avoid raw, non-peeled fruits and vegetables and to drink only bottled water. Fish and meat should be thoroughly cooked until well-done.

For infants younger than 6 months, the Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO) recommends vaccination against the rotavirus. This oral vaccination should protect children from infection for approximately two to three years.

More information about diarrhea and how you can prevent it can be found at gesundheitsinformation.de.

The doctor will ask:

• if the symptoms appeared suddenly or gradually.
• how long the diarrhea has lasted and how often it occurs.
• what the stool is like (appearance and consistency).
• if there are other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever.
• what was eaten before the diarrhea began.

It is also important for diagnosis:

• if any time was recently spent outside of the country.
• if and if yes, which medication was taken or is being taken.
• if allergies or intolerances are known.
• if a chronic disease such as diabetes exists.

A stool or blood sample may be necessary in the case of bloody or persistent diarrhea or diarrhea with mucus. This helps determine which pathogen caused the infection.

Diarrhea leads to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. It is important to restore the balance of fluid.

In the case of acute diarrhea, tea with sweetener and a salty cracker can help. Rice, bananas, or crisp bread (rusk) are gentle on the stomach and are also often recommended in the case of acute diarrhea.

Coffee, fruit juices, lemonade, alcohol, and fatty dishes irritate the intestines. Therefore, it can be a good idea to avoid these foods and drinks.

Acute diarrhea in children and adults does not require specific treatment. Treatment is necessary for young children and the elderly, and in cases of severe diarrhea. Such cases should be treated with a rehydration solution (electrolyte/glucose solutions) to restore the balance of fluids.

These are available in powder form at pharmacies or drug stores. The powder can be dissolved in water. These solutions contain salts, minerals, and dextrose.

If a rehydration solution is not available, for example while traveling, a substitute can be made. The following ingredients can be added to a liter of bottled or boiled water:

• 4 teaspoons of sugar
• ¾ teaspoon of table salt
• a glass of bottled orange juice

It is sometimes recommended that people eat food or dietary supplements with probiotic microorganisms (probiotics). However, studies also indicate that these are unlikely to reduce the duration of the diarrhea.

Depending on the duration and severity of the symptoms, other treatments may be considered:

• Medications such as racecadotril and loperamide calm the intestines. They can reduce the frequency of visits to the bathroom. Both medications should only be used for children following consultation with a doctor. Racecadotril requires a prescription for children and is not routinely recommended for children under 5 years old.
• Certain yeast tablets (Perenterol) are sometimes recommended. They accelerate elimination of the pathogen and support restoration of the natural intestinal flora. Yeast tablets are not suitable for the seriously ill or persons with compromised immune systems because the yeast itself may possibly also trigger an infection. Charcoal tables may similarly relieve symptoms. These are dissolved in water before being taken. However, there are no conclusive studies that sufficiently substantiate the risks and benefits of these treatments.
• Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses. Therefore, they are used to treat bacterial gastrointestinal infections only.

Some gastrointestinal infections are considered to be notifiable diseases. This means that a doctor or the local public health authority must be notified. For example, a substantiated case of infection with norovirus or rotavirus, salmonella or campylobacter infection must be reported.

In general, a gastrointestinal infection in children under six years who attend a community institution such as a daycare or preschool must be reported. If an infection is diagnosed by a doctor, the doctor must report it to the responsible public health authority within 24 hours. The child may only return to daycare or preschool once he or she is diarrhea free for two days. This prevents other children from becoming ill.

There is a Protection Against Infection Act in Germany. It is intended to prevent infectious diseases and their spread. According to this act, persons who work in the food industry and have a suspected or confirmed case of a gastrointestinal infection or have salmonella may return to work only after three samples of stool have been tested for and are clear of pathogens. As a precaution, particular importance should be placed on hand hygiene in the workplace for the following four to six weeks.