Senior individuals frequently get diarrhea, which, if not treated appropriately, can develop into a serious illness. In this article, we are going to talk about the signs and symptoms of diarrhea, typical causes, and how to treat diarrhea in mature individuals. Understanding something as simple as this will go a long way in ensuring the best possible senior living experience for your loved one.
What Is Diarrhea?
Let us first take a quick look at what occurs in the body to cause diarrhea before discussing how to treat diarrhea in older people. The sign of another sickness, diarrhea is not an illness in and of itself. You experience recurrent watery, fluid, and runny bowel movements as a result of this illness. Stools, commonly referred to as bowel motions, are the waste byproducts of the body that are moved through the anus and rectum.
What remains after the digestive tract absorbs vitamins and liquids from whatever you drink and eat makes up your feces. Your stools would be soft and fluid if the liquids are not taken up by the body or if the digestive tract produces an excessive amount of fluids. While not usually serious, diarrhea may be highly painful and can happen at any age.
A common problem that typically only lasts just several days but may last longer is acute diarrhea. Diarrhea that lasts for a minimum of four weeks is considered chronic. If not addressed right once, diarrhea in older individuals can become a serious problem since it can also result in other problems including dehydration or nutrient deficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the early indications of diarrhea and receive the appropriate care as soon as possible.
Tips on Diarrhea Management
Speak with your loved one’s physician first to determine whether you require a prescription or over-the-counter medications. However, here is some health advice to assist your dear one recover from a case of diarrhea and replace lost fluids.
Ensure That Your Loved One Is Well Hydrated
Electrolyte beverages are crucial for keeping your loved one hydrated. You can employ an intravenous drip for this should they have trouble swallowing drinks.
Keep Tabs on Their Blood Sugar Levels
Keep an eye on their blood glucose levels, and if they go too low, contact their physician. If a diabetic vomits many times in one day, they could instead require a specific diabetic beverage instead of water.
Make Sure That the Rectal Region Is Kept Clean
The rectal area needs to be clean at all times. This may be achieved by cleansing the nether regions to get rid of any excrement that may have gotten caught there, as well as by wiping down after every bowel motion with disinfectant wipes or lukewarm water and soap. As a caretaker, you must take care to not omit this step since failing to wash the rectal area might result in bacterial infections that worsen existing medical issues. When a senior loved one has diarrhea, you need to know how to treat them. But as the saying goes, the greatest medicine of all is prevention.
