Many older people suffer from an occasional battle with diarrhea, without even knowing what caused it. Although this is usually just an uncomfortable irritation that lasts only one or two days, it can be a more serious situation when it ultimately causes incontinence.
Severe or chronic diarrhea causes anxiety and is a situation requiring medical attention. It may be a sign of colon cancer, diabetes, fecal blockade, infection, or other serious medical problems. Loss of fluid can lead to potentially life-threatening dehydration, so you need to pay close attention. Seek immediate medical attention from older people if diarrhea is accompanied by stomach cramps or fever.
The six most common causes of diarrhea include:
1. Your older one has too much diet candy or chewing too much diet chewing gum.
2. Food products such as apple and pear juice, or grapes, prunes, dates, figs and some nuts.
3. Drinking caffeinated products such as soda, coffee or tea. Some of the illegal antacids containing magnesium, as well as some of the remedies for a headache, can also cause diarrhea.
4. Some medicines, such as antibiotics. Some can cause an imbalance of “good” bacteria in the intestines.
5. Drinking milk, eating ice cream or other dairy products. While this usually applies to those who are not lactose intolerant, this is not always the case.
6. Some medical conditions, such as Chron's disease, overactive thyroid or ulcerative colitis.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, diarrhea in older people is not so unusual. When it lasts more than a day or two, it's time to think about contacting your doctor eld so they can explore further. And remember, if there is pain or vomiting that is present with diarrhea, make sure you consult your senior doctor. It can save a life.
