Unhygienic eating habits and overindulgence during the summer can easily lead to diarrhea. The direct manifestation of diarrhea is a churning stomach and uncontrollable, frequent bowel movements, which is extremely painful. In addition to medication, proper home care is more important, as it can alleviate the suffering of diarrhea and help to speed up recovery.
Diarrhea patients should usually pay attention to the following points:
1. Record the patient's condition before going to the hospital. Detailed records of the stool's characteristics, color, frequency, presence of pus or blood, and whether there is abdominal pain during bowel movements should be made to help the doctor with continued diagnosis and treatment. If it is the patient's first time visiting the hospital, a stool sample should be kept and handed over to medical staff for testing, so that the doctor can prescribe the right medication.
2. Pay attention to the dietary care of the diarrhea patient. The general principle is to eat nutritious, easily digestible, and low-fat foods, such as semi-liquid foods like congee and soupy noodles, to allow the patient's gastrointestinal tract to rest. Avoid irritating and cold foods to prevent加重 the burden on the stomach and intestines.
3. Pay attention to rest and warmth. Diarrhea patients should stay in bed to reduce physical exertion and the frequency of intestinal peristalsis. Additionally, the patient's abdomen should be kept warm, as catching a cold can worsen the condition.
4. Drink plenty of water during treatment. It is best to drink oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
5. Pay attention to anal care. For patients with frequent diarrhea, anal care is important. After a bowel movement, use a highly absorbent soft paper to wipe, followed by a warm towel to clean. If the patient's anus becomes red, a small amount of antibiotic ointment can be applied.
6. Maintain good home hygiene. Manage the patient's feces properly, and disinfect any utensils, toiletware, and bedding used by the patient to prevent the spread and outbreak of the disease within the family.
7. Pay attention to medication safety. Some patients use anti-diarrheal agents immediately after diarrhea starts, which is not a scientific approach. There are many types of diarrhea, and one must prescribe the right medicine based on their specific condition; otherwise, side effects may occur. Anti-diarrheal agents can be used as appropriate for patients with frequent, long-lasting diarrhea who show symptoms of dehydration.