Health
A Complication That May Arise From Diarrhea
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Diarrhea is a common ailment that plagues everyone from time to time. It can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection or may be a side effect of a medication. Diarrhea may also be caused by certain foods or can be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as a digestive disorder.
Typically, diarrhea clears up on its own within a few days and is not a cause for concern.
But severe or frequent diarrhea can be a sign of a bigger health issue that needs medical attention. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which comes with its own health concerns.
Signs of Dehydration From Diarrhea
The biggest and most clinically important complication of diarrhea is dehydration, which occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. When this happens, your body doesn’t have enough water or, frequently, electrolytes to carry out its normal functions.
Anyone can get dehydrated, but it is more common and more dangerous in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Excessive thirst
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Dry skin
- Tiredness
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Light-headedness or fainting
- Decreased skin turgor (when the skin is pinched and released, it does not return to normal right away)
These signs should also alert parents to possible dehydration in children, with additional signs including a lack of energy, no wet diapers for three hours, listlessness or irritability, and the absence of tears while crying.
Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Complications include low electrolyte levels, seizures, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure. Dehydration increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in hot weather.
In the most serious cases, dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs and may lead to shock, which can be life-threatening.
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