Diarrhoea

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

Overview

What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is bowel movements (stool) that are loose and watery. Diarrhoea is a common condition and is usually not serious. Many people will have diarrhoea once or twice a year. It usually lasts two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.

Some cases need medical attention because diarrhoea can quickly eliminate water and salts that the body needs to function. Very young, very old, and very sick people may have difficulty replacing these lost fluids. Diarrhoea that lasts for several weeks or contains blood may mean that you have a serious illness. In these cases, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Can diarrhoea harm your health?

Persistent diarrhoea causes the body to lose large amounts of water and nutrients. If you have diarrhoea more than three times a day and you are not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. Dehydration is the loss of water from body tissues, which disturbs the balance of essential substances in your body. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it is not treated.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have persistent diarrhoea and have any of the following signs of dehydration:

• Dark urine
• Small amount of urine
• Rapid heart rate
• Headaches
• Flushed, dry skin
• Irritability
• Confusion

Causes

What causes diarrhoea?

The most common cause of diarrhoea is a virus that infects the bowel. The infection usually lasts for two days and is sometimes called "intestinal flu."

Diarrhoea also may be caused by:

• Infection by bacteria
• Infections by other organisms
• Eating foods that upset the digestive system
• Allergies to certain foods
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Malabsorption of food (poor absorption)
• Diarrhoea also may occur after constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of diarrhoea?

The symptoms of mild diarrhoea include:

• Bloating or cramps in the abdomen
• Thin or loose stools
• Watery stool
• A strong need to have a bowel movement
• In some cases, nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting

In addition to the above symptoms, symptoms of severe diarrhoea include:

• Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
• Weight loss or dehydration (lack of water)
• Fever
• Severe pain

Severe diarrhoea may be a sign of a more serious illness; if you have these symptoms, you should call your doctor. Contact your healthcare provider if the diarrhoea continues for a long time, or if you have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours. Also, see your doctor right away if vomiting prevents you from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids.

Treatment

How is diarrhoea treated?

If you have a mild case of diarrhoea, you can treat it with an over-the-counter medicine. These are available as liquids or tablets. Follow the instructions on the package.

Tips for managing diarrhea without medication:

Drink liquids frequently: Increase the amount to two to three litres or quarts daily as tolerated, or try sipping liquids in small amounts throughout the day. Choose diluted, pulpless fruit juices, broths, oral rehydration drinks, or sodas (without caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports drinks also are good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals.

Try these low-fibre foods: potatoes; rice; noodles; ripe bananas; applesauce; smooth peanut butter; white bread; chicken or turkey without the skin; lean ground beef; fish; yogurt; or cottage cheese.

Avoid the following: greasy, fatty, or fried foods; raw vegetables and fruits; strong spices; and whole-grain cereals and breads.

Limit food or beverages with caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, strong tea, and some sodas.

If you have cramping with diarrhoea, avoid foods and beverages that cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, beer, and carbonated beverages.

Diarrhoeal illness may cause temporary lactose (dairy) intolerance, so avoid these foods if they are making diarrhoea worse.

Certain antibiotics (clindamycin, ampicillin, cephalosporins) can cause Diarrhoea: Antibiotics can change the balance of bacteria normally found in the intestines, allowing certain types of bacteria like C. difficile to thrive. As a result, the colon might become inflamed.

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhoea can begin four to 10 days after taking the antibiotic. Discuss this side effect with your doctor.

If you are taking an antibiotic, add yogurt with active cultures to your diet. Call your healthcare provider if the Diarrhoea continues.

What can be done to relieve discomfort in the rectal area caused by Diarrhoea?

If your rectal area becomes sore because of frequent bowel movements, or if you have itching, burning, or pain during bowel movements, try sitting in a few inches of warm water in a bathtub. Afterward, pat the area dry (do not rub) with a clean, soft towel. Also, apply petroleum jelly or a haemorrhoid cream to the anus.

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