Diarrhea occurs whent there is an increase in the number of bowel movements or bowel movements are more water and loose than normal. When the intestines push stools through the bowel before the water in the stool can be reabsorbed, diarrhea occurs.

Viral. Diarhea can be idiopathic, caused by disease, and is often caused by stomach flu or food poisoning. Drinking untreated water, not washing fruits/vegatables properly, using untreated ice for drinks, or unpasteurized dairy products can cause viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

E. coli.

Other bacterial pathogens that can cause diarrhea are Campylobacter jejuni, salmonella, shigella and vibrio.

What class of antibiotics are most commonly used to treat bacterial diarrhea?

Quinolones, although there is growing resistance. Azithromycin is another option.

non - absorbing drug rifaximin (Xifaxan): 200 mg TID x 3 days. It is a derivative of refampin and, like refampin, is a strong inducer.

For parasitic diarrhea infections, which parasite is the most common cause?

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Metronidazole (Flagyl) 250 - 500 mg QID.

Prophylaxis with antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea (TD) is not recommended, except perhaps for short - term travelers who are high - risk (such as those who are immune - compromised) or who are takig critical trips during which even a short bout of diarrhea could impact the purpose of the trip.

Do not self-treat if high fever or blood in stool; see physician if no improvement in 2 days (sooner for young children/infants)

How should patients redhydrate when experiencing moderate - severe fluid loss from diarrhea?

accomplished with orah rehydration solution (ORS), which are available  at stores and pharmacies (Pedialyte, Infalyte &c.). Gatorade or similar products may be used as alternatives.

Caution with Imodium and Lomitil if a decrease in intestinal motility may be due to infection from Shigella, Salmonella, and toxigenic strains of E. coli - toxic megacolon (usually due to E. coli or severe IBS) may occur.

If fever/cold symptoms are present, ____ can cause Reye's Syndrome in children and is avoided except under a doctor's care (it may rarely be used in a child with a heart condition, where benefit may outweigh risk). For fever or mild pain, the mother can treat the child with acetaminophen or ibuprofen but should not exceed recommended daily amounts of acetaminophen (10  - 15 mg/kg Q 4-6 hrs, maximum of 5 doses/24 hrs), or ibuprofen (10 mg/kg Q 6 - 8hrs).

combination cough and cold products should not be used in children. Any combination product may contain additional amounts of _______ or _____ - the patient must be counseled to count all sources.

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Regarding diarrhea; RULE OUT: lactose intolerance as a cuase of diarrhea by stopping use of diary products. Physicians can confirm lactose intolerance by tests.