Dehydration in case of diarrhea: what to do?
When you have loose or watery stools , it is called diarrhea . It is a very common health condition that usually resolves without intervention. However, it greatly increases the risk of dehydration and kidney failure , and can be accompanied by other illnesses. In this article, we will explain the causes and management of diarrhea.
1. What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea can occur for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from classic pathogens to hygienic reasons . Many pathogens can be responsible:
The most benign (for diarrhea only!) are the bacteria Salmonella spp . and Shigella spp ., as well as the parasite E. histolytica . For children, rotavirus and norovirus are particularly common. The most dangerous, most often leading to hospitalizations, are E.coli and cholera bacteria.
Water used and consumed is the most important vector for these pathogens. It is therefore essential to use and consume only clean, potable water in all situations. However, be careful not to neglect food and respect expiration dates before consumption.
Finally, if these diarrheas are repeated, it is possible to suspect particular foods, such as those rich in lactose, for which there is a risk of intolerance, or other related health problems.
2. What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
Diarrhea is therefore manifested by loose or liquid stools as mentioned above, accompanied by an increased frequency of trips to the toilet, often with an urgent need. It can be accompanied by a feeling of bloating , lower abdominal cramps and sometimes nausea.
In most cases, diarrhea is mild and transient , but it can lead to serious complications if it persists or is not managed properly. The main consequence of diarrhea is dehydration: a significant loss of water and an electrolyte imbalance with a loss of electrolytes such as sodium , potassium , and magnesium . These elements are important for vital bodily functions, and their imbalance can lead to complications, including kidney failure if fluid intake becomes insufficient.
It is then necessary to drink abundantly to compensate for these losses and prevent dehydration, even if this can be difficult.
Inadequate or delayed rehydration could worsen your overall health. To limit these risks, we recommend choosing electrolyte-rich drinks or oral rehydration solutions.
3. Why does diarrhea cause dehydration?
Due to the liquid nature of stools, diarrhea causes significant water loss from the digestive tract. When combined with other symptoms such as fever, vomiting , or excessive sweating, water loss is even greater, further weakening the body's overall condition.
However, the impact of diarrhea is not limited to water loss; it also causes a significant loss of electrolytes . Simply drinking water is not always enough to compensate for these losses, as the body needs these electrolytes to efficiently absorb water and restore its balance. This is why, in the case of diarrhea, the risk of dehydration is particularly high.
It is therefore essential to be attentive to the warning signs of dehydration, such as:
- A feeling of intense thirst and a dry mouth
- Dark or infrequent urine
- Dry skin or lack of elasticity (skinfold test)
- Marked fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or a feeling of general malaise
4. How to recover after a period of diarrhea?
4.1. How should diarrhea be managed in adults and children?
We recommend eating rice as soon as possible to facilitate intestinal transit and hydrating yourself generously with drinks rich in electrolytes . During this period, vegetables are not necessarily digestible, but gradually eating them can be useful. Without rushing the metabolism, it is important to gradually return to a normal diet after this episode.
When diarrhea is accompanied by many other symptoms, especially vomiting and nausea, it is right to suspect gastroenteritis, and to follow the associated recommendations .
If diarrhea episodes recur regularly, it is important to understand the cause of this disorder. It may be due to lactose intolerance (dairy products), a lack of fiber in the food consumed, or a bacteria/infection.
You can often find advice on home remedies online, including using apple juice , but be careful what you read. Trust reputable sources to avoid the risk of worsening diarrhea and dehydration.
In any case, seek advice from your healthcare professional if this symptom persists.
4.2. Rehydrating during and after diarrhea
After a diarrheal episode , it is essential to gradually restore the body's digestive and water balance. In both adults and children, eating rice as soon as possible can help slow intestinal transit thanks to its binding properties. Hydration remains a priority, ideally with drinks rich in electrolytes to compensate for losses.
Vegetables , although nutritionally interesting, can be difficult to digest at first; it is therefore advisable to reintroduce them gradually. Gradually returning to a normal diet helps avoid shocking the metabolism and promotes a smooth recovery.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are composed of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) and sugar (such as glucose) and are used to prepare a solution to treat dehydration. ORS is one of the WHO's essential medicines and is used in infants and young children to prevent severe dehydration during diarrhea. Thus, ORS “helps save millions of lives worldwide” and reduces “the need for intravenous solutions by 33%.” according to the WHO, which are used as a first-line treatment in hospitals to rehydrate and therefore lead to a reduction in hospitalization of children caused by diarrhea.
A convenient and enjoyable alternative for hydration is the use of Hydratis lozenges . These lozenges contain electrolytes and trace elements, optimizing water absorption while offering a variety of flavors to make the experience more enjoyable.
5. When should you call a doctor?
It is recommended to consult a doctor if diarrhea or vomiting persists beyond 48 hours. However, more rapid treatment is necessary in certain cases such as:
- Presence of high fever
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Black or bloody stools
- Signs of dehydration (intense thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, dark or scanty urine)
In vulnerable individuals, such as infants, young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems, it is important to seek medical help at the first sign of acute diarrhea , without waiting 24 hours. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and ensure adequate rehydration.
Diarrhea, although mild and short-lived most of the time, remains unpleasant and facilitates dehydration. To avoid it, drinking clean water and eating unspoiled, well-cooked food is essential. If it does occur, eat rice or high-fiber foods, and limit the risk of dehydration with rehydration solutions (ORS), such as Hydratis solutions. If diarrhea persists or presents unusual symptoms and signs, contact a doctor immediately. For children and the elderly, don't wait!
Bibliography
Ramlah, M., Wahyuningsih, N., & Hanani, Y. (2024). The Influence of Environmental Hygiene Factors and Water Consumption on Diarrhea: A Literature Review. Techno: Jurnal Penelitian . https://doi.org/10.33387/tjp.v13i1.7727.
