Diarrhea due to colds in adults and the elderly

Can a cold be accompanied by diarrhea?

Colds can be diagnosed due to their pronounced symptoms. Rarely, they are indicated by indigestion - severe diarrhea and vomiting. The reaction of the gastrointestinal tract to a respiratory disease is caused by the penetration and active activity of viruses that disrupt the functioning of the esophagus, nasopharynx, penetrate into the blood, and cause an acute inflammatory process.

If vomiting and loose stools occur as a result of a cold, intestinal poisoning is possible. The medical condition is called intestinal flu or viral diarrhea. The diarrheal virus has no connection with weather conditions. Young children are at greatest risk of infection. A child swallows microorganisms by putting dirty hands into his mouth after playing with strangers, street toys, or touching dirty surfaces.

A person with weak immunity experiences swelling of the mucous membranes, fever, vomiting, snot, and diarrhea.

The danger of diarrhea during ARVI

A respiratory infection that causes disturbances in the functioning of the intestines threatens severe poisoning of the body. Intoxication occurs due to waste products of the virus. Once in the blood, they cause symptoms leading to dehydration. The condition is dangerous for a weakened body; a violation of the water-salt balance undermines the immune system. Due to a lack of fluid, blood circulation is impaired, causing damage to the quality of brain activity, the health of the heart and the central nervous system.

Diarrhea in severe acute respiratory infections is observed less frequently in adults than in children. The reason for the high rate of infection in younger patients is an underdeveloped immune system. Infection for an unformed body is dangerous due to the rapid development of dehydration. The lack of fluid occurs rapidly within a few hours. Complications in newborns and young children threaten developmental delays and possible death.

It is important to start treatment on time. The patient must be examined by a doctor, and in cases of complications, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out.

Causes and symptoms of diarrhea due to colds

Medicine knows many types of colds, but the beginning is the same:

• coughing;
• prostration;
• increased body temperature;
• nausea;
• runny nose.

When the disease gains momentum and passes the initial stage, the severity of symptoms increases, which suggests a possible respiratory virus. Colds are viral in nature. Treatment is prescribed depending on the type of pathogen.

Flu

The type of disease has distinctive characteristics. Diarrhea with the flu is a common symptom. The infection enters through the respiratory tract, colonizes the stomach and actively multiplies in a favorable environment, poisoning the body. The pathogen is tenacious and difficult to eliminate using simple methods.

Symptoms increase quickly. After a few hours, the state of health worsens, the patient experiences:

• general malaise;
• chest pain;
• nasal congestion;
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes;
• redness of the eye membranes;
• body temperature up to 40 degrees;
• headache;
• dry cough;
• diarrhea.

With dangerous respiratory viruses, swine and bird flu, in addition to loose stools, symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea are observed.

Feces and vomit have a specific appearance. Flu diarrhea contains water, but bile and blood are never detected.

Adenovirus

Those infected believe that the cold virus can only infect the nasopharynx area. The infection has the ability to penetrate the body, linger anywhere, and cause acute inflammation. The disease manifests itself with symptoms:

1. Headache.
2. Body temperature up to 38 degrees.
3. Redness of the throat.
4. Weakness.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes.
6. Cramps in the abdominal area.
7. Loose stools up to 4-5 times a day.

Infection occurs by airborne droplets or oral-fecal transmission through dirty toys, surfaces, and water. Outbreaks occur in hospitals, summer camps, kindergartens, and schools.

When combined with adenovirus and diarrhea, complications develop. Inflammation of the meninges, cystitis, and bacterial complications are observed.

Fever

Elevated body temperature combined with diarrhea indicates inflammation as a result of an intestinal infection. The digestive system reacts sharply to the penetration of a microorganism and tries to cleanse itself of toxic secretions through diarrhea. The condition is dangerous if a person’s body is weakened by exacerbation of chronic diseases. The severity of the condition is influenced by pregnancy and childhood.

Bacteria and viruses enter the body through unwashed fruits, vegetables, water from open sources, and animals.

A bacterial or viral type of infection triggers the immune system, but while the force is activated, the activity of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. Treating it yourself is dangerous; you can get the wrong type of pest. Call a doctor at home.

Diarrhea is a sign of intoxication of the body. The longer it goes untreated, the more serious the health consequences.

Fever and diarrhea may be accompanied by nausea, fever, vomiting, and weakness. There is mucus and blood in the stool, and a color change may occur.

Rotavirus

The virus manifests itself as diarrhea. The disease affects the body quickly and is transmitted through the air, shared objects and the fecal-oral route. Affects the respiratory tract and intestines.

The outbreak occurs during the warm season.

Symptoms:

• abdominal pain;
• cough;
• nausea and vomiting;
• runny nose;
• temperature up to 38 degrees.

Flu diarrhea

Influenza infection differs from other types of colds in that it leads to severe intoxication of the body. In particular, this process adversely affects the children's body. A cold usually affects only the respiratory tract. But with the flu, the human body suffers as a whole. In this case, the disease begins quite acutely, and the symptoms develop at enormous speed. Once the flu enters the body, after a few hours it begins to rapidly manifest itself.

The main symptoms are generally considered to be the following.

• Temperature rises to 39-40 degrees.
• The appearance of nasal congestion.
• Manifestation of severe pain in the head.
• Watery eyes.
• The cough is debilitating and dry.
• The occurrence of painful sensations behind the sternum.
• Redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

If a patient develops swine or bird flu, other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur. In this case, vomit and feces are watery in nature without any admixture of blood or bile.

Treatment of diarrhea during ARVI

Respiratory diseases weaken the body and require restorative measures to improve health and eliminate acute symptoms. It is important to provide support and activate internal reserves to suppress the infection. Inpatient treatment is carried out in extreme cases; home treatment is more often prescribed.

Medication

To eliminate the dangerous consequences caused by excessive loss of fluid, drugs are prescribed to restore the water-salt balance - Regidron or Gastrolit. They will eliminate the main symptom, but will not cure it. It is necessary to supplement the use with sorbents that remove toxins and dangerous microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract. Enterosgel, Smecta, Polysorb, and Activated carbon have a high therapeutic effect.

To suppress the activity of the virus or infection, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug or antibiotic.

Due to the ingestion of dangerous microorganisms, the intestinal microflora is disrupted. For recovery, medications with bacteria are prescribed - Bifiform, Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Enterol.

At first, for better absorption of food in the inflamed stomach and intestines, enzymes are prescribed - Mezim, Pancreatin, Creon, Festal.

Non-drug treatment

For a speedy recovery, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. It is desirable that the water be clean, mineral, but not carbonated. Helps remove toxins faster. In case of severe vomiting, take small sips. Can be replaced with herbal unsweetened infusions. Coffee and tea are prohibited!

Diet food. Helps stop diarrhea without putting strain on the digestive system. It is forbidden to eat smoked, salted, dairy, fatty, fried foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits are not allowed. Take food in small portions in several doses. Drink half an hour after eating.

It is allowed to eat porridge with water, without salt and oil. The diet necessarily contains meat and fish broths, boiled meat, crackers, boiled potatoes, and stewed vegetables.

To stop diarrhea during ARVI, rice water is prescribed. Take small amounts until vomiting and diarrhea disappear. If you have severe nausea, you need to drink and eat some permitted foods.

Nutrition for diarrhea and ARVI

Nutrition during ARVI should be based on diet, especially if the infection is accompanied by loose stools. Both adults and children should adhere to dietary nutrition. It is imperative to exclude foods that irritate the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and increase peristalsis: smoked, fatty and fried foods, canned food, spicy, hot and cold foods, chocolate, confectionery and flour products, milk, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits. eat only bananas; the rest are recommended to be eaten after heat treatment. The usual portions should be reduced by at least half, but the amount of food consumed per day should be increased. It is better not to drink food right away, so as not to burden the stomach. Fluids should be taken half an hour after meals. If you have diarrhea, you should eat porridge with water - rice, buckwheat, oatmeal without adding salt or oil. It is recommended to prepare meat or fish broths as a source of protein. It is allowed to eat boiled meat and steamed fish, preferably pureed, boiled potatoes, baked or stewed vegetables, crackers, and cottage cheese casseroles. You should stick to the diet until the symptoms of diarrhea disappear completely. It is necessary to return to your usual diet gradually, over the course of a week.

Possible complications

Loose stools are rarely a concern for patients. Many believe that it is a reaction to poor-quality food or medications taken in the fight against ARVI, and wait for the symptom to go away on its own. The attitude increases the risk of complications. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you should seek medical help. When bowel movements are accompanied by mucus, blood, and the stool is green or black.

Prolonged loss of fluid threatens general weakening of the body, impaired water-salt balance, poor blood circulation, and dehydration. Conditions lead to pathologies of the heart, brain, and central nervous system.

Infections and viruses that have entered the body cause poisoning, and if left untreated, cause acute intoxication. Vital organs and systems suffer.

In the case of small children, sick and elderly people, death cannot be ruled out.

Catching a cold is unpleasant, but does not threaten serious health complications. Simple hypothermia can cause a sore throat, cough, and runny nose. The danger is posed by colds that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Signs of acute viral or infectious infection requiring immediate treatment aimed at suppressing the activity and eliminating dangerous microorganisms. Do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.

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Causes and mechanisms

Diarrhea can have different origins. If a child’s stool appears more often than usual and becomes liquid, then the reason is hidden both in the intestine itself and outside it. The general mechanisms of this phenomenon are associated with hypersecretion of fluid by the cells of the small intestine, impaired absorption of nutrients, or accelerated peristalsis. They are also involved in situations where diarrhea is observed against the background of a cold. But there are some nuances here.

Let us first consider cases that do not cause alarm. For example, if your baby is teething, symptoms typical of a cold may appear: snot and a slight increase in temperature. The secretion of saliva increases, which sometimes causes vomiting and even loose stools. But these phenomena are not observed in all children; they are short-lived and disappear completely after teething.

But diarrhea often becomes a sign of an infectious pathology, which requires a more serious attitude towards the child’s health. When diarrhea is combined with a cold, you most often have to think about the following conditions:

• General intoxication syndrome.
• Rotavirus infection.
• Enterovirus infection.

We should not forget that increased frequency of stools may even be a separate symptom that has nothing to do with catarrhal phenomena in the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, the likelihood of concomitant conditions should also be considered. Colds are often combined with diarrhea in infants due to changes in diet. But it is extremely important to exclude other diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract:

• Infections (salmonellosis, dysentery, yersiniosis, etc.).
• Enzyme deficiency.
• Dysbacteriosis.

Diarrhea can also occur with food allergies, and at an older age you should think about a chronic pathology, for example, Crohn's disease. And in adults, it is also necessary to exclude pancreatitis, liver and gallbladder diseases. So the range of conditions requiring exclusion is quite large. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis, so parents should seek medical help at the first alarming symptoms.

The development of diarrhea due to a cold is a fairly common phenomenon. But the connection between the two conditions still needs to be confirmed.

Causes of diarrhea

Not every respiratory viral infection provokes loose stools. Diarrhea during ARVI occurs if the following viruses become the causative agent of the cold:

• intestinal flu;
• adenovirus;
• flu;
• rotavirus;
• enterorvirus.

With ARVI in adults, diarrhea may develop when a cold is accompanied by high temperature and severe fever.

Features of diarrhea with influenza

Diarrhea due to colds in adults has its own distinctive characteristics. During a respiratory infection, the human body experiences severe intoxication. Diarrhea only makes the situation worse.

Influenza infection begins with vivid symptoms, the intensity of which increases at high speed. In just a few hours, a person’s well-being sharply deteriorates.

With influenza infection, diarrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• headache;
• temperature rise up to 40 degrees;
• nasal congestion;
• redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• dry cough;
• chest pain;
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.

Acute respiratory viral infections such as bird or swine flu are accompanied not only by diarrhea. The condition can be serious. ARVI is accompanied by:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• abdominal pain.

Feces and vomit are watery and contain no admixtures of blood or bile.

Features of diarrhea due to rotavirus

During rotavirus infections, loose stools are always present. The disease spreads quickly, especially within children's groups. The infection is transmitted through the fecal-oral, household and airborne routes. Rotavirus affects not only the respiratory tract, but primarily the intestines.

The outbreak period of the rotavirus pathogen occurs at the end of summer, most often in August - September. Rotavirus is accompanied not only by loose stools, but also by the following symptoms:

• temperature rise to 38 degrees;
• nausea and vomiting;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• cough and runny nose.

The stool is yellowish in color and has a runny consistency. This disease can also occur in infants, but adults tolerate it much more easily.

If at least one person in a family gets sick, there is a high risk of infecting other family members. It is important to be especially careful about hygiene and to treat surfaces and utensils with high-quality hygiene products. It is important to boil glass products. You should wash your hands frequently. It is advisable to quarantine the sick person.

Rotavirus infection does not require any special treatment. It is important to help a person restore water-salt balance. It is necessary to provide the patient with sufficient water.

For viral infections, it is useless to take antibiotics. Such drugs do not help with viral diseases.

It is important to know how to treat viral loose stools. Diarrhea is not relieved with Levomycetin or Loperamide. When diarrhea is accompanied by a cold, sorbents are taken. They help remove toxic compounds from the body and there is a chance that the patient’s well-being will improve faster.

The following drugs are suitable:

1. "Enterosgel".
2. "Smectu".
3. "Activated carbon".

In addition to using sorbents, the patient should drink a lot of water. This promotes the rapid elimination of toxins and rapid recovery.

Features of diarrhea due to adenovirus

Contrary to popular belief that adenovirus affects only the nasopharynx, this infection can linger anywhere in the body and cause inflammatory processes. During colds caused by this pathogen, the following symptoms are possible:

• temperature up to 38 degrees;
• malaise;
• swelling of the tonsils;
• soreness of the lymph nodes;
• headache;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• weakness;
• redness of the throat;
• runny nose;
• abdominal cramps.

You can become infected with adenovirus in the following ways:

1. Through common items.
2. By airborne droplets.
3. Oral-fecal route.

A respiratory disease with diarrhea caused by an adenovirus can also cause more serious complications. In some, the disease progressed to inflammation of the meninges, conjunctivitis and cystitis.

Diarrhea with adenoviral enteritis

Adenoviral infection can affect any area in the body, so this disease is characterized by various symptoms. If diarrhea during a cold in an adult is caused by the activity of adenoviruses, then other symptoms are observed.

1. Increasing temperature indicators to 38 degrees.
2. Enlarged and painful lymph nodes.
3. Manifestation of pain in the head.
4. Weakness and general malaise.
5. Abdominal pain and diarrhea.
6. Redness and swelling of the tonsils.
7. Severe runny nose.

In addition to all this, adenovirus can cause cough, conjunctivitis, cystitis and inflammation in the brain. Most often, this infection occurs in children under six years of age, and infection occurs through airborne droplets, household and oral-fecal routes.

Treatment of diarrhea in respiratory diseases

After ARVI, recovery measures may be required. It is not always enough to neutralize the infection itself. It is important to help the body cope with the consequences. Even when diarrhea is acute, home care is often quite effective. Inpatient treatment is extremely rare.

Viral diarrhea is treated based on the symptoms that appear, as well as what pathogen caused the disease.

Regardless of what infection caused the viral respiratory disease, treatment is based on several principles:

• replenishment of water volume;
• use of sorbents;
• decrease in body temperature;
• bed rest;
• use of antiviral drugs;
• diet, restoration of microflora and enzyme therapy.

ARVI and diarrhea are conditions that often accompany each other. In order for a person to quickly return to a full life, it is important to provide him with quality assistance.

How much water to drink

It is important that the body does not lack fluid. During diarrhea and vomiting, the body loses a lot of water and nutrients. In order for toxic compounds to be eliminated more quickly, a person needs water. In case of intense vomiting, water should be drunk in small sips after each gastric emptying. The same applies to diarrhea.

For these purposes, clean water, Regidron solution, and unsweetened herbal tea are suitable. Do not give sweet drinks or coffee.

What sorbents are suitable

When choosing a drug, it is important to consider the patient’s age. Adults can use “White Coal” or “Filtrum”. “Smecta” is suitable for children.

When using the drug for the first time, it is better to consult a pediatrician.

When to lower the temperature

Some parents make the mistake of starting to use antipyretic drugs as soon as the thermometer exceeds 37 degrees. This should be done only after the body temperature reaches 38.3 degrees.

Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen are used. It is important to monitor the dosage, since there are special instructions when using the product by children.

Why is bed rest necessary?

Both with acute respiratory diseases and with diarrhea, the body loses a lot of strength. To make it easier for him to cope with the infection and recover, it will be better if the patient remains in bed for 5-7 days.

In a calm state, the patients' temperature dropped faster and relief came. In this way, you can protect yourself from the development of complications.

Are antiviral drugs needed?

These medications will be effective when the disease is caused by a virus. Only a doctor can determine exactly what became the source of the disease.

Antiviral drugs help suppress the reproduction and activity of pathogenic microorganisms and thereby help activate the internal forces of the body.

What kind of diet is needed?

Although the cause of diarrhea during viral infections is usually not a malnutrition, it is better to follow some recommendations to restore the intestines. It is better to avoid these products:

• milk;
• meat and fish;
• vegetables and fruits;
• chocolate;
• bakery;
• alcohol.

In addition to dietary restrictions, you should take medications containing beneficial bacteria. It could be "Linex" or "Bifiform". In order for the digestive processes to be restored more quickly and valuable compounds to be better absorbed, enzymes are needed. Doctors often recommend Festal or Mezim.

Attentive attention to your well-being, adherence to bed rest and timely restoration of water balance will contribute to a speedy recovery. If severe symptoms appear, for example, too high a temperature, it is better to call a doctor rather than self-medicate. This way you can maintain your health in order.

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Treatment

ARVI and diarrhea are frequent companions of each other. You can choose a treatment system for a disease by identifying the causes and causative agents of the pathology. Observing symptoms of a viral infection with abnormal bowel movements requires visiting or calling a doctor. A specialist usually prescribes home treatment, prescribing a list of medications and bed rest.

Home methods to combat pathology include a list of important actions:

• drinking large volumes of liquid. In addition to water, rice water and rosehip drink are also suitable. A popular and effective remedy is Regidron solution. Sweet liquids are contraindicated. Drinks should be consumed in small sips after each bowel movement;
• take sorbents. If a child has diarrhea, you can drink, for example, Smecta;
• drink an antipyretic at a temperature above 38 degrees. Effective remedies are Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen;
• use of antiviral medications. Prescribed by a doctor only if the cause of the disease is viruses;
• bed rest. Calm treatment is most effective for adults and children. With such a regime, there is less load on the body, which focuses on the fight against pathogenic infectious agents;
• getting rid of diarrhea in adults and children requires a strict diet;
• take medications containing enzymes;
• drink probiotics;
• take medications that restore intestinal microflora.

Treatment of childhood diarrhea

Children are the most vulnerable category to infections and viruses. Frequent cases of infection in children are oral-fecal. The disease poses a particular danger to newborn babies. Diarrhea in infants due to ARVI is accompanied by severe dehydration. Infants should not be given increased amounts of liquid.

Treatment of diarrhea in a young child involves the following steps:

1. Give your baby small, frequent portions of water. The liquid must be clean and boiled.
2. Call a doctor.

Important! Never give your baby adult medications.

Treatments for diarrhea and ARVI rarely include antibiotics. The most popular drugs are those that contain a minimum of side effects. These include: Pancreatin, Mezim, Bifiform, Oralit, Derinat, Laktovit-Forte. Self-prescribing medications for children is contraindicated. Even taking usual medications requires a reduced dosage.

Therapy for diarrhea in adults

Colds in adults caused by viruses are quite severe. The likelihood of contracting an infection is high through airborne droplets. There is a clear loss of strength and apathy. The patient must remain in bed for several days (from three to a week).

Recognizing cold symptoms requires medical attention. Self-medication can make the situation worse. Treatment of ARVI with diarrhea requires complex measures. For adults, the range of medications is wider than for children. Sorbents are often prescribed similar to children's treatment. In rare cases, antibiotics are prescribed.

A strict diet involves, first of all, avoiding alcoholic beverages and hard-to-digest, heavy foods. In adults with a cold, diarrhea usually goes away 3-4 days after the start of therapy.

We recommend: What and how to properly cause diarrhea at home?

Causes

Diarrhea does not always occur with a cold. Abnormal bowel movements occur under the influence of provoking factors. In most cases, loose stool occurs during ARVI in a child, since children's immunity is much weaker than an adult's.

Causes of diarrhea during ARVI:

• adenovirus;
• intestinal flu;
• rotavirus infection;
• common flu;
• enterovirus.

The symptoms are unclear, since, in addition to disruption of intestinal functionality, a cold develops. The pathological condition may be a consequence of infection or the result of poisoning. To determine the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is necessary.

Diarrhea is also common with adenovirus.

How to distinguish viral diarrhea from poisoning

Viral diarrhea is similar to poisoning in a number of ways: nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, loss of appetite. However, the disease can be differentiated not only by laboratory tests, but also by careful analysis of the patient’s condition.

The characteristic differences between poisoning and diarrhea due to viruses are reflected in the table.

The danger of both types of disease is dehydration, which can lead to negative consequences. To avoid complications, treatment should begin at the initial stages of the manifestation of pathological processes.

Important! It is important to differentiate the disease, since drugs prescribed for diarrhea that occurs with ARVI harm the body and cause complications.

Treatment for adults

The basis of therapy for diarrhea during an acute viral infection is diet. It is recommended to give preference to light and liquid foods. You should also constantly drink small amounts of liquid. Decoctions of chamomile or rose hips, still mineral water or tea with lemon slices are useful.

Rice water can help treat diarrhea

Helpful information! To prevent diarrhea, drink rice water and eat thin oatmeal porridge for breakfast.

Medicines for diarrhea during ARVI in an adult:

• sorbents (Polysorb, Enterosgel);
• rehydrants (Citroglucosolan, Gastrolit);
• lacto- and bifidobacteria (Bifiform, Laktovit).

If after four days of taking medications and observing dietary restrictions, the patient’s condition does not improve, then you need to visit a specialist. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the stool; if streaks of blood are detected, contact a medical facility immediately.

You can take sorbents, for example, Polysorb

How to treat adults?

If you have diarrhea after an acute respiratory viral infection, you should switch to light, dietary foods and increase your fluid intake in small portions. It can be plain water, still mineral water, rosehip and chamomile infusions, weak tea with lemon.

During the period of illness, you need to completely avoid juices, coffee, and alcohol. If there is no appetite, warm rice water or liquid oatmeal may be sufficient during this period.

In adults, diarrhea due to ARVI is treated with the same sorbents and rehydrating agents as in children.

For recovery, products with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli will be useful: Linex, Laktovit, Bifiform for a course of up to 2 weeks.

Usually, if treatment is started on time, diarrhea after acute respiratory viral infection goes away on the fourth day, well-being and appetite return to normal. If this does not happen and the high temperature persists, attacks of nausea with vomiting and repeated loose, mucous stools streaked with blood, you cannot do without a doctor’s examination.

Treatment of children

If a child develops diarrhea during ARVI, self-medication is not recommended. First of all, it is necessary to diagnose and determine the cause. Diarrhea threatens the child's body with severe dehydration already in the first day.

In order not to bring the child to a serious condition, if the child has a fever, you should immediately give Paracetamol and give him liquid every 10 minutes (in small portions).

To prevent dehydration in children, solutions of Regidron, Reosolan or Trihydron are used. Plain water, lemon tea or mineral water (still) are also suitable.

Since toxins accumulate in the body during diarrhea, sorbents are necessarily prescribed. Their action is complex and promotes the simultaneous removal of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Regidron will help restore the water-salt balance

Medicines against diarrhea in children

Children take medications with the permission of a doctor. Comprehensive therapeutic measures include taking medications to prevent diarrhea and restore intestinal microflora.

Medicines for children against diarrhea:

• Smecta - can be taken for any type of diarrhea from birth, course - 5 days;
• Filtrum is a sorbent of natural origin (active ingredient is activated carbon), recommended from birth, course – 5 days;
• Enterodes – antidiarrheal sorbent based on povidone, course – 7 days;
• Enterosgel is a medicine from the group of sorbents containing methyl silicic acid, has an effect on the intestinal walls and prevents diarrhea, recommended from 1 year, course - 2 weeks.

Anti-diarrhea medications are taken from the first day. The interval between taking each medication should be at least two hours.

In addition to drug treatment, children should follow a diet for diarrhea due to ARVI, excluding the intake of harmful foods and sweets. It is recommended to give children binding products.

From this video you will learn about the signs and prevention of intestinal infections:

How to treat a child?

If the cause of diarrhea is an acute respiratory viral infection, then it is not the symptoms that should be eliminated, but the cause. To prevent intoxication from worsening, before being examined by a doctor at a high temperature, give the child Paracetamol in the recommended doses. To prevent dehydration, drinking is the best cure for vomiting and diarrhea. This can be plain water, teas, weak, non-concentrated and unsweetened compotes or juices, a few sips every 10 minutes.

To replenish fluids, the following medications can be included in home treatment:

• Regidron.
• Cyctoglucosolan.
• Hydrovit forte.
• Reosolan.
• Trihydron.

Sorbents can be used to relieve inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. They help the body remove viruses, microbes and toxins, envelop and protect the walls of the stomach and intestinal mucosa. List of drugs approved for the treatment of diarrhea in children with acute respiratory infections:

1. Smecta powder. Indicated for children from the first months of life. Treats acute and chronic diarrhea of ​​any origin (infectious, allergic, medicinal). The drug can be added to semi-liquid foods. Analogues: Diosmectite, Neosmectin. Course of treatment: up to 5 days.
2. Filtrum. A new generation natural sorbent that works more effectively than activated carbon. Allowed from the first months of life. Course of treatment: from 3 to 5 days.
3. Enterodesis. A drug based on a low molecular weight polymer, povidone, binds tightly to toxins and removes them from the intestines. Course of admission: up to 7 days.
4. Enterosgel. Sorbent based on methyl silicic acid. Envelops, prevents erosive changes in the mucosa, regulates peristalsis and acts as a stabilizer of the immune response. Approved for the treatment of children after one year of life. Course of therapy: from one to two weeks.

Any of the sorbents can be prescribed from the first hours of diarrhea with an interval between taking other drugs and food for about 2 hours.

The further treatment program for the child is prescribed by the pediatrician.

Prevention

Acute respiratory viral infection is a common form of the disease that often occurs in children and adults. Preventing infection is difficult. However, experts recommend several preventative measures:

• eat well;
• avoid mass gatherings during an epidemic;
• periodically take antiviral drugs;
• take vitamins regularly.

If, despite prevention, infection still occurs, you should begin to take measures from the first symptoms. If you have diarrhea in children, it is advisable to visit a doctor who will determine an individual treatment regimen and give the necessary recommendations.

If your child has cold symptoms with diarrhea, be sure to call a doctor.

Treatment of diarrhea should not end after stool restoration. Intestinal dysfunction may recur if you abruptly return to your previous diet.

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ARVI - what is it, what diseases are included in ARVI

ARVI is a group of colds that arise as a result of respiratory pathogens entering the body. Among them are reovirus, rhinavirus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, rotavirus and others. The negative impact of the virus is aimed primarily at the respiratory system. It manifests itself through inflammation of the mucous tissues and intoxication, and has various additional symptoms and complications. The virus spreads primarily through airborne droplets, and slightly less frequently through household transmission (through the patient’s everyday items). In this regard, if the slightest signs of illness are detected, the person should be placed in a separate well-ventilated room. He should have his own personal items, to which no family member will have access during the illness, to minimize the risk of infection.

Coming into contact with mucous membranes, the virus begins to actively spread, expanding the affected area deeper. Infected tissues swell and become inflamed, as a result of which the patient develops a cough, pain and sore throat, a runny nose and a rise in body temperature. Given the close proximity, the effect of the virus extends not only to the respiratory tract, but also to the mucous membranes of the digestive system, which often leads to nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. Discomfortable symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract during acute respiratory viral infections occur as a result of the toxic effects of the vital activity of viruses on the body.

What is ARVI?

ARVI is a fairly large group of viral diseases, which is characterized by inflammatory damage to the upper respiratory tract. The development of the disease is provoked by influenza and parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, RS virus, rhinovirus, bocavirus and others. It is believed that an adult suffers from ARVI on average 2-3 times a year.

The mechanism of transmission of infection is airborne. Microorganisms are released by an infected person while talking, coughing, or sneezing. People's susceptibility to ARVI is very high. This means that contact with a sick person will most likely lead to infection of the interlocutor. The peak incidence occurs in the autumn-winter period.

Viruses that cause acute respiratory viral infections infect the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Here, an inflammatory process occurs in the underlying tissues. Very quickly the virus penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body. This is how intoxication of the body develops. By and large, acute respiratory viral infections manifest themselves in the same way, regardless of which virus caused the development of the disease.

The main symptoms of acute respiratory infections are:

1. Increased body temperature;
2. General weakness, headache, body aches;
3. Nasal congestion;
4. Runny nose (mucous clear discharge from the nose);
5. Pain, sore throat;
6. Redness of the throat;
7. Cough;
8. Tearfulness, pain in the eyes.

Diarrhea during ARVI can sometimes actually occur. But this is an atypical manifestation of the disease, but rather a nonspecific reaction - a consequence of severe intoxication of the body. At the same time, it is known that adenoviral and bocavirus infections can occur, including damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the person is simultaneously bothered by complaints from the respiratory and digestive organs.

Thus, adenoviral infection begins acutely. A person is worried about chills, a moderate increase in temperature, and body aches. Already from the first day of illness, nasal congestion (quickly replaced by a profuse runny nose), sore throat and cough occur. Conjunctivitis often develops, manifested by redness of the mucous membrane of the eye and pain in the eyeballs. Abdominal pain and diarrhea soon follow. Diarrhea with a cold is observed in the first days. The duration of the disease is one to two weeks.

Symptoms and signs of ARVI in adults and children

When a respiratory infection enters the body, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is the first to suffer; under the influence of the virus, its tissues swell. In this regard, the onset of the disease makes itself felt through a runny nose and nasal congestion. During the first days of the disease, mucous discharge from the nose (snot) is colorless and has a liquid consistency. If treatment is not started on time, they acquire a greenish tint and become thicker and more viscous. The appearance of these symptoms indicates the development of a bacterial disease against the background of a viral infection. The immune system fights pathogens, trying to bring a person back to normal. This is a natural protective reaction of the body, which must be able to independently overcome the adverse effects of viruses. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to take antipyretic drugs if the temperature during a cold does not exceed 38.5 degrees.

During the course of ARVI, the following symptoms are also possible: lacrimation (less commonly, conjunctivitis), headache, discomfort in the throat, thirst, plaque on the walls of the nasopharynx, increased fatigue, weakness, aches in the limbs and muscles, enlarged lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting, liquid chair.

Symptoms

Each disease begins to be diagnosed with clinical symptoms. To do this, the doctor conducts a survey, paying attention to information received from the parents and the child himself. Complaints are detailed and supplemented by physical examination data: examination, palpation of the abdomen. And based on the information received, a preliminary conclusion is made.

General intoxication syndrome

Intoxication in children most often has a viral-bacterial origin, but the chemical nature of the changes cannot be ruled out. The body reacts to the entry of a foreign agent into it by activating its defenses, which can manifest itself in different ways. In particular, there is nausea and vomiting, increased intestinal motility (diarrhea).

General intoxication syndrome is very often observed with respiratory diseases, such as influenza. This is an infection that affects not only the respiratory tract. The virus has a pronounced toxic effect on the nervous and vascular system. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease will be the following:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Aches in the body (muscles, bones).
• Redness and puffiness of the face.
• Dilatation of scleral vessels (injection).

Catarrhal phenomena are also present. At first the nose is stuffy, but then watery mucus comes out of it. The throat hurts infrequently, but a dry cough is typical. Damage to the respiratory tract can result in bronchitis or pneumonia. But the toxic effect on the body in a number of patients is manifested by pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, and glomerulonephritis.

Rotavirus infection

Most often, when diarrhea appears against the background of cold symptoms, they think about rotavirus infection. The disease affects the digestive tract, which is why it is nicknamed “intestinal” or “stomach” flu. The infection is transmitted by the fecal-oral route (with food, water) or by airborne droplets. First, a prodromal period occurs, in which there will be the following signs:

• Cough and runny nose.
• Redness of the throat mucosa.
• Fever.
• Weakness and malaise.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Young children become capricious and lethargic and refuse to eat. The virus then enters the intestines, where it multiplies, causing damage to the digestive system. Diarrhea is observed due to increased cellular secretion and bloating. The feces become grayish-yellow in color, and the urine darkens. The illness lasts about a week.

The so-called intestinal flu is a very common cause of diarrhea that occurs against the background of cold symptoms.

Enterovirus infection

Another infection that fits the description is enterovirus. It is most often caused by the Coxsackie and ECHO viruses, which are transmitted through food, water or household items. The disease in adults and children can have a lot of variations and corresponding clinical manifestations. Among them it is worth noting the following:

• Fever.
• Pharyngitis with tonsillitis.
• Herpetic sore throat.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dyspepsia (nausea and vomiting, diarrhea).
• Meningeal syndrome.
• Skin rash (exanthema).

Enteroviral diarrhea most often affects young children. The onset of the disease is acute. The first symptom is fever with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The abdomen is swollen, peristalsis is increased. Stools become more frequent up to 5–7 times a day; they become profuse, watery, and greenish-yellow in color. With great consistency, signs of damage to the upper respiratory tract are detected: redness of the soft palate, arches and uvula, pharyngitis.

Causes of diarrhea during ARVI, why does diarrhea occur with the flu?

Colds are easily recognized by snot and cough, but their frequent symptoms are digestive disorders - vomiting and diarrhea, severe diarrhea (frequent loose stools). The reaction of the stomach to a respiratory infection is caused by the active activity of viruses that disrupt the functioning of the nasopharynx and esophagus, penetrate into the blood and poison it, causing inflammation. If cold symptoms are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, this indicates the presence of intestinal poisoning resulting from the harmful effects of a virus, also called viral diarrhea or intestinal flu. Infectious diarrhea is not tied to the time of year or weather conditions. Most often it is diagnosed in children. Children often introduce the virus into their bodies by touching dirty surfaces, toys, picking up objects from the floor and, of course, putting dirty hands in their mouth. The virus can be found on fresh vegetables and fruits that we pick up before purchasing or preparing food. In this regard, a prerequisite for their consumption raw or for use in cooking is treatment with disinfectant solutions or scalding with boiling water.

When a virus enters the body of a child or adult with weak immunity, severe intoxication almost immediately occurs, accompanied by snot, swelling of the mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Less often, the infection makes itself felt only with slight discomfort in the intestines, without clearly manifesting itself. However, it can develop and have serious complications if the body is weakened by hypothermia or exposure to a draft.

Why is viral diarrhea dangerous for adults?

As a result of acute respiratory viral infections, a person may experience intestinal dysfunction caused by severe viral intoxication, diarrhea and diarrhea appear. Poisoning by the waste products of the virus provokes increased sweating, nausea and vomiting, loose bowel movements, and an increase in body temperature. These signs in various combinations lead to dehydration, which weakens the body and disrupts the water-salt balance. This process causes great damage to the immune system. Given the lack of fluid in the body during dehydration, blood circulation occurs incorrectly, which directly affects the quality of brain activity, the functioning of the central nervous system and heart.

Complications of ARVI, especially those resulting from improper or delayed treatment, include bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, sinusitis, shortness of breath, pharyngitis, tracheitis.

ARVI in children

These diseases occur much more often in children than in adults. The reason for this is the developing immune system, which does not have fully formed defense mechanisms. If a child is integrated into society, attends kindergarten, school or non-educational institutions, the risk of getting the virus from others increases significantly. The younger the child is, the less stable his immunity is. In this regard, young children, in particular preschool age, suffer from colds with all the discomforting symptoms that accompany them: cough, snot, high fever, nausea, vomiting and digestive disorders.

The activity of viruses provokes inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, due to which disturbances in the processes of digestion and assimilation of food are observed, which are externally manifested through diarrhea. If the infection has a toxic property, the patient experiences a nauseating sensation, followed by a gag reflex. A slight increase in body temperature is considered normal and indicates the body is fighting the virus that has penetrated it. Taking into account the energy costs following these processes occurring during the disease, the child’s body is weakened and dehydration develops. At an early age, it can cause developmental delays. The most serious danger of fluid loss is for newborns. It can be fatal to a small child within a few hours. Repeated acute respiratory viral infections in childhood lead to vulnerability to various allergens, or contribute to the occurrence of pathologies of the nasopharynx and chronic diseases - pyelonephritis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

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Dangerous consequences in children

The appearance of diarrhea in a child should always be a reason to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The fact is that during diarrhea the body loses fluid, as well as minerals. This leads to the development of dehydration, which develops especially quickly in young children. Signs of dehydration in children include:

1. Thirst;
2. Dry skin, mucous membranes and tongue;
3. Retraction of the fontanelle;
4. Severe drowsiness;
5. Sunken eyes;
6. Lack of urination;
7. Lack of tears;
8. Increased breathing and heart rate.

Dehydration in young children is a very serious condition and can be fatal if left untreated.

Around the world, about 450,000 children under the age of five die every year from rotavirus infection! Therefore, diarrhea requires timely medical attention.

Treatment options for adults and older people

The above short-term infectious diseases occur quite easily in adults with strong immunity; as they say, rest at home for a day or two and go to work.

A special risk group consists of older and older people, with a very worn-out body, and with inappropriate treatment or its absence, death is possible. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, the mortality rate among older people in the world due to exposure to viral infections is 3.5%.

For rotavirus and adenovirus infections (symptoms similar to sore throat), complete rest is recommended, warm drink - tea, chamomile decoction two to three glasses a day, to cleanse the intestines and prevent constipation you should drink activated charcoal in the amount of a tablet per ten kilograms of weight, as variant of smecta, polyphepan. If medications cause attacks of nausea, then you should cleanse the gastrointestinal tract with an enema or drinking plenty of water with the urge to vomit.

Do not lower the temperature to 39ºC if it promotes recovery, since these viruses die at high temperatures. If the need arises, it is better to give up pills that irritate the inflamed stomach and cause loose stools, and use cold compresses and rubbing.

To get rid of severe sore throat, as with a sore throat and runny nose, it is better to use traditional methods - rinsing with soda, potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction. Grammidin will relieve a sore throat well, rinsing with Chlorphilipt will get rid of germs. If this does not help, you will have to start taking antibiotics, but first consult your doctor; usually, the same drugs are used to treat a sore throat as for a sore throat. For a severe runny nose, use oil-based nasal drops. You can administer special solutions intravenously to remove toxins (specialists only).

A little about nutrition during the recovery period after illness

As the body begins to recover from the effects of colds and diarrhea, proper nutrition should be given special importance.

At first, you need to exclude dairy, meat and caffeine products, baked goods, fruits and vegetables from your diet.

After the cessation of cough, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, low concentration chicken broth, stale bread, and potatoes can be introduced into the diet. If the condition improves, you can try eating boiled chicken, fish and bananas.