Diarrhea is defined as an amorphous stool with an increase in the number of stools.
Although there are many causes of diarrhea, microbial diarrhea is the most important group, and summer diarrhea is also included in this group.
Microbial diarrhea is the second cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases and causes 2.5 million deaths per year.
Diarrhea-causing microbes are acquired orally in three ways: Food – Water – Human to human
Why does diarrhea increase, especially in summer?
1. The causative microbes multiply faster in hot weather.
2. It becomes difficult to deliver the food to the consumer in the cold chain.
3. Contaminated water is swallowed in pools and seas.
4. In parallel with the increasing water consumption in hot temperatures, water with microbes is consumed more.
What should be considered?
1. Tap water and water of unknown origin should not be consumed.
2. It should not be forgotten that drinks with ice can also be a source of infection.
3. Care should be taken in the consumption of salads and fruits prepared with raw vegetables.
4. Foods that can be peeled should be eaten by peeling, and those that cannot be peeled should be washed thoroughly.
5. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products should not be consumed.
6. It should be ensured that the food is delivered from the producer to the consumer in the required cold chain.
7. Personal hygiene should be paid attention and hands should be washed frequently.
8. It should be remembered that stomach acid is a very effective defense mechanism against oral microbes and stomach acid suppressing drugs should not be used unnecessarily.
The most important symptom is an increase in the number of defecations and a change in stool quality. Other symptoms appear as abdominal pain, a feeling of nasal congestion, nausea and, in inflammatory conditions, in addition to these, fever. Inability to fully relax after defecation may be another symptom. Dry tongue, loss of brightness and softness of the skin, collapse of the eyes in the orbit, and in severe cases, heart rhythm disorders, kidney failure and consciousness disorders may occur due to fluid loss.
How is it treated?
Fluid and blood salts (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) lost with diarrhea and vomiting should be replaced and diarrhea diet should be applied. If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, has a high fever, or is severely dehydrated, seek medical advice from the hospital.
What is the diarrhea diet?
People with diarrhea should take fat-free and fiber-free foods until they get better, because fatty and fiber-rich foods will cause the intestines to work harder. Therefore, salads, vegetables, fruits, nuts, chocolate and fried foods should not be consumed until diarrhea is resolved. Lean pasta, boiled potatoes and mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, boiled lean meat and chicken, lean grilled meatballs can be eaten. It is extremely important to replace the fluid lost with diarrhea and vomiting. For this reason, plenty of water and liquid foods (soup, compote, etc.) should be consumed.
