認識急性腹瀉 Know More About Acute Diarrhea
症狀 Symptoms
患急性腹瀉後通常會出現大便次數頻繁、並且大便為稀爛或水狀，亦有機會出現腹痛、及由氣體積聚引致的腹漲。嚴重者可能會出現脫水，甚至休克。
Acute diarrhea usually comes with stool of increased water content, volume, and frequency. Bloating and abdominal pain may also occur. Severe case may lead to dehydration and even
shock.
治療方法 Treatment
急性腹瀉一般會在一星期內自行痊癒。其實腹瀉是一種警號，屬人體防禦機制的一環，提醒自己腸胃系統出了問題，將體內的病菌及毒素排出體外。腹瀉一般會在 12 至 24 小時內情況就會有改善。所以輕微的腹瀉未必需要服用止瀉藥，讓病菌及毒素排出體外便可。
Acute diarrhea could usually be resolved within a week. Acute diarrhea could be regarded as an alarm to remind us that there are some problems with our digestive system. This normal defensive mechanism in our body helps clear the harmful and toxic bacteria from our body. Acute diarrhea usually improves in 12 to 24 hours. Therefore, it is not a must to take anti-diarrheal medications in mild cases.
隨著腹瀉排便的次數增加，再加上大便較為稀爛，使身體失去大量的水份及電解質，增加脫水的機會，所以最重要是補充水份及電解質，例如服用口服脫水補充液。飲食方面應避免油膩及難消化食物，雖然可能胃口較差，但亦應進食食物，並以清淡為主。
When frequency and water content of stool increases, huge amount of water and electrolytes are lost, increasing the risk of dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to replenish water and electrolytes, for example, by taking oral rehydration salt. Moreover, light food should be considered instead of oily and heavy food even with decreased appetite.
當然如果在某些情況下，如需要坐長途車又較難找到廁所、或較為嚴重如已經腹瀉數十次就可能需要使用止瀉藥如 Loperamide，減少腸道蠕動。此藥不適合 5 歲以下的兒童服用，副作用包括口乾及便秘等。另一常用藥為 Dioctahedral Smectite，能夠保護腸道黏膜，增強黏膜的抵抗能力，適合嬰幼兒使用。
In occasions like long-distance coach and having diarrhea for more than 10 times a day, anti-diarrheal medications may be needed. Loperamide is one of the examples. It works by inhibiting peristalsis but is not recommended for children less than 5 years old. Side effects of Loperamide include dry mouth and constipation. Dioctahedral Smectite works by protecting and strengthening the mucosal layer of digestive tract. It is safe for use in baby use.
其實人的腸胃內有大量細菌，可分為益菌及有害的細菌，這些細菌會互相競爭資源「爭地盤」，但當這細菌叢失去平衡時就可能會引起腸胃不適如腹瀉。這些腸道細菌主要寄居在腸胃的黏膜層，所以在腹瀉時可以考慮服用益生菌補充劑增加腸道內的益菌充當物理屏障，減低腸道受到的刺激。
The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by large amount of gut bacteria, which can be divided into “good bacteria” and “bad bacteria”. These bacteria compete with each for colonization. Imbalance of gut bacteria leads to gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea. Taking probiotics to supplement the good bacteria could be considered in diarrhea as they can form a physical barrier to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
如果出現發高燒、大便帶血及有黏液、嚴重脫水症狀如神志不清及心跳加速等，就應立即求醫，不應自行服藥。如果腹瀉是因細菌感染而且較為嚴重，醫生就可能會處方抗生素治療腹瀉。
You should consult doctor immediately if you develop symptoms like high fever, stool with blood and mucous, severe dehydration with rapid heartbeat and confusion. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for severe diarrhea caused by bacteria infection.
預防方法 Prevention
1. 保持個人衛生，如廁後及進食前記得徹底清潔雙手。
2. 精明選擇食物，要徹底煮熟食物（尤其是海鮮貝殼類）。
3. 食物要生熟分開，而且亦要確保食物存放於適合溫度。
4. 外遊時應避開不乾淨的水源，可選擇飲用樽裝水以確保水源乾淨。
1. Wash hands before eating and after toilet.
2. Choose food wisely. Only eat foods that are well
cooked and properly prepared, especially seafood.
3. Separate raw and cooked food. Keep food in
appropriate temperature.
4. Drink water only from safe sources or choose
bottled water when travelling.
屈臣氏藥劑師團隊
Watsons Pharmacy Team
