Diarrhea
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| Definition |
Diarrhea is the frequent passage of
liquid bowel movements.
|
| Causes |
Diarrhea is a very common condition
in ICU patients. The most common causes of diarrhea in ICU patients
are medications, tube feeding, and antibiotics. Occasionally a
certain type of colon infection caused by a germ called clostridium
difficle may develop in ICU patients. This condition may occur after
or while the patient is receiving antibiotics.
|
| Treatment |
The treatment of the diarrhea will
depend on the cause and severity of the diarrhea. If medications are
responsible for causing the diarrhea then they may be able to be
stopped or changed. Diarrhea caused by tube feedings may be very
difficult to treat. Changing the tube feeding formula, temporarily
decreasing the amount of tube feeding given, adding fiber to the
tube feeding, or stopping the tube feeding may be tried to stop the
diarrhea. If the diarrhea is caused by a clostridium difficle
infection then antibiotics will be necessary to treat the diarrhea.
|
| Comments |
Diarrhea may be a serious problem
for the ICU patient. It usually is difficult to treat and may result
in skin irritation and skin breakdown. If the tube feeding needs to
be stopped then intravenous feeding may be required.
|
| Related
Links |
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestion and Kidney Disease
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestion and Kidney Disease,
a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides the
consumer with excellent, easy-to-read information about
gastrointestinal bleeding.
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ICU Medical Conditions 
