causes and cures for digestive illnesses

causes:

Diarrhea- Diarrhea commonly results from gastroenteritis caused by viral infections, parasites or bacterial toxins. In sanitary living conditions where there is ample food and a supply of clean water, an otherwise healthy patient usually recovers from viral infections in a few days. However, for ill or malnourished individuals, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and can become life-threatening without treatment.

It can also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as dysentery, cholera, or botulism, and can also be indicative of a chronic syndrome such as Crohn's disease or severe mushroom poisoning syndromes. Though appendicitis patients do not generally have violent diarrhea, it is a common symptom of a ruptured appendix. It is also an effect of severe radiation sickness.

constipation- the main causes of constipation include:

-Hardening of the feces

-Insufficient intake of dietary fiber

-Dehydration from any cause or inadequate fluid intake

-Medication, e.g., diuretics and those containing iron, calcium, aluminum.

Cures:

diarrhea- replacing lost fluid and salts is the only treatment needed. in very severe cases, using a drip is needed. Diet restriction may be used for 1-to-3 days. However, limiting milk to children has no effect on the duration of diarrhea. Medicines such lopermide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (as found in Peto Bismol and Kaopectate) may be beneficial, however they may be contraindicated in certain situations. Prescribed medications sometimes contain pain-killers, such as morphine or codeine, to counter the cramps that can accompany diarrhea.

constipation- the main intervention is to increase the intake of fluids (preferably water) and dietary fiber. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruits and whole meal bread, and pulses such as baked beans and chick peas and by adding linseed to one's diet.