Diarrhoea is experienced when one have frequent loose watery bowel motions. In most scenarios, the symptoms resolve on their own within a couple of days without the need for any special medication. Diarrhoea that lasts one or two days and goes away on its own is known as acute diarrhoea, which is mostly a common condition that affects people of all ages. Diarrhoea lasting four weeks or more (whether continuous or intermittent) is known as chronic diarrhoea, and can be a symptom of an underlying chronic disease or condition. Diarrhoea can eitherbe caused by bacteria and certain underlying disease conditions.
Causes
Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection of the bowels. Diarrhoea caused by any of these infections is referred to as gastroenteritis. The most common causes of chronic diarrhoea are underlying diseases or conditions, including:
- Gluten intolerance (e.g. coeliac disease )
- Lactose intolerance (dairy intolerance)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic bowel infection
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Bowel cancer
You should see your doctor if you are concerned that you might have any of these conditions. Chronic diarrhoea can also occur when taking certain medications, e.g. some antibiotics and cancer drugs.
Signs and symptoms
The following can be considered as the main symptoms of diarrhea: loose, watery bowel motion (stools, faeces) three or more times a day.
Accompanying signs and symptoms may include:
- Urgent need to go to the toilet
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Change in color of your stools
- Mucous, pus, blood, or fat in your stools
- Vomiting
- General body weakness and tiredness
Treatment
Diarrhoea, in most cases, tend to resolve on its own within a day or two, self-care to relieve symptoms is usually sufficient for treatment. The following treatment procedure should be encouraged in order to curtail the symptoms associated to any type of diarrhoea;
- Avoid caffeine, dairy products, and greasy, high fibre, or sugary foods
- Placing a hot water bottle or wheat pack on your stomach, or taking paracetamol (e.g. Panadol), may provide some relief from abdominal cramps
- Apply zinc and castor oil ointment or a barrier cream to affected areas if you, or your child, develops a rash (like nappy rash) from the diarrhoea
- Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac, for pain relief as these medications can cause diarrhoea
- Anti-diarrhoeal medications that slow diarrhoea (e.g. Imodium) should be avoided as these drugs prevent your body from getting rid of the bacteria or virus that may have caused the diarrhoea
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ideal liquids are clear thin broths or soups, diluted non-caffeinated sports drinks, and rehydration formulations (e.g. Gastrolyte) that are available without prescription from a pharmacy.
Prevention
One of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause diarrhoea is Hand washing. You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before meals. The following rules when preparing food can also help prevent diarrhoea:
- Always put foods that could spoil in the fridge
- Ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly
- Avoid eating raw meats, fish, and shellfish unless you are sure that they have been freshly prepared and are from a reliable source
- Never place cooked meet on surfaces or plates that have held raw meat
- Disinfect bench tops, stove tops, and chopping boards with a diluted bleach solution.