Managing Diarrhea As You Age
By Nancy Muller, PhD
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average adult in the US experiences acute diarrhea four times a year and the average child experiences four to 15 episodes by age 5 years. Infection, parasites, food intolerance and reactions to medications are some causes of diarrhea. Cramping, bloating, urgency, nausea and dry mouth are other symptoms that could be associated with diarrhea.
Impact in the Elderly
Because the elderly may be more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria, diarrhea is a major cause of increased incidence in disease for them. Elderly people are more likely to be in a setting where infection can spread quickly. Hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities are hotbeds for bacteria and infections. As people age they are on multiple medications for managing health conditions and disease, this increases the likelihood of side effects and reactions that involve the digestive system. In some cases, constipation could be mistaken for diarrhea. Impacted stool can mimic diarrhea by watery waste seeping around the blockage in the lower intestine. It is extremely important for an accurate diagnosis to be made so appropriate care can be given.
Diarrhea can lead to other health problems including dehydration. Older people are less mindful of replenishing fluid loss once dehydrated. Thirst, less frequent urination, dry skin, faintness, weakness and fatigue are signs of dehydration. Managing diarrhea by replenishing the body with fluids that contain electrolytes (potassium and sodium salts) and changing a person's diet may prevent this from happening.
Diarrhea Free Diet
For a diet that can help prevent diarrhea all together remember "BRAT," bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods have been recommended by healthcare providers for generations to combat diarrhea. If an allergy could be the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea, try eliminating gluten. Do this by cutting out any food that contains grains, including wheat. For people who have a bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), adding fiber to their diet should help. Apples, blueberries, almonds, black beans and broccoli are all high fiber foods.
Skin Care
Pay extra attention to the skin that is affected by diarrhea. Clean urine and stool from fragile skin with a mild pH-balanced cleansing agent, dry skin after cleansing and then use moisturizers. A listing of skin care products can be found here.
Young children and the elderly with diarrhea should be given immediate care and be under close watch. This is a high health risk in these two populations. Diarrhea can be very hard to manage and control. This should be taken seriously and care should take place immediately.
Be on guard against continuing symptoms after attempts to manage and ease symptoms fail to be fully successful. Reasons for chronic diarrhea need to be diagnosed by a healthcare provider willing to tackle the issue and may require referral to a specialist. Cancer should be ruled out, as underlying causal factors are fully addressed, not just symptoms.
About The Author
Nancy Muller, PhD, is the executive director of NAFC. She has served in this capacity since 2000. She recently received her doctorate degree in Health Services Research and Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University in the College of Allied Health in 2010.
