Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common condition that involves the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It is usually a symptom of a bowel infection (gastroenteritis) which can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Causes

Diarrhoea can be caused by many factors, including:

• Infection: This is often the result of a gastroenteritis virus, or a bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella, or shigella. Parasites like giardia can also cause diarrhoea.
• Food intolerance: Some people are sensitive to certain types of food which can cause diarrhoea.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This chronic condition can cause bouts of diarrhoea.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause diarrhoea.
• Coeliac disease: An adverse reaction to gluten can cause diarrhoea.

Symptoms

The main symptom of diarrhoea is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Other symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Fever

Treatment

Treatment for diarrhoea typically involves:

• Staying hydrated: It's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Eating light: It can help to eat a light diet until the diarrhoea subsides.
• Over-the-counter medication: Anti-diarrhoeal medication can help reduce the symptoms.

In severe cases, or if diarrhoea persists for more than a few days, it's important to seek medical advice.

Prevention

Prevention measures for diarrhoea include:

• Practicing good hygiene: This includes washing hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before preparing or eating food.
• Safe food preparation: This includes cooking food thoroughly, especially meat and eggs, and avoiding raw shellfish.
• Avoiding certain foods: If you have a food intolerance or sensitivity, avoiding those foods can help prevent diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea Resources
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