What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a loose, watery stool that occurs more than 3 times in 1 day. It is a common problem that usually lasts a day or 2 and goes away within 2 weeks without needing any special treatment. If your diarrhoea doesn’t go away, it can be a sign of other problems and it is important to see a doctor.

Severity can rangefrom slightly watery faeces and a brief abdominal discomfort to extremely watery faeces with abdominal camps and pain that lasts for some days. Most sufferers will have frequent and urgent need to go to the toilet.

Other common symptoms associated with diarrhoea include:

• nausea or vomiting

• a fever

• headache

• loss of appetite

• stomach pain or cramps

• bloating

• an urgent need to go to the toilet

• lack of energy

In adults, the symptoms of diarrhoea usually improve within 2 to 4 days.

What causes diarrhoea?

• virus, bacteria or parasitic infections

• food poisoning

• anxiety or emotional stress

• overconsumption of alcohol

• medications

• lactose intolerance

• coeliac disease

• food intolerances

• irritable bowel syndrome

• inflammatory bowel disease

• bowel surgery

• radiotherapy

When should I see my doctor?

Babies, young children and the elderly with diarrhoea are at a high risk of dehydration. They should be monitored carefully and see a doctor if show signs of dehydration.

Diarrhoea that lasts for more than a few days it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should see your doctor.

Babies under 3 months of age with diarrhoea should be taken to see the doctor.

You should see your doctor if you, your child or an elderly adult:

• has bright red blood or mucus in the diarrhoea

• has diarrhoea that is very dark, tar-like and smelly

• has diarrhoea that is pale or greasy with a foul smell that is difficult to flush

• develop a high temperature that does not respond to paracetamol

• has diarrhoea that is getting worse in amount and/or frequency or lasting longer than 48 hours in children

• is developing symptoms of dehydration (increased thirst, urinating less than normal or changing fewer wet nappies, dark urine, dizziness, lethargy in children)

• has associated vomiting and can’t keep anything down

• has diarrhoea as a result of taking medication

• has severe pain in the abdomen and can’t do anything because of the pain

• is losing weight

• has a chronic illness, such as diabetes

How is diarrhoea treated?

Diarrhoea often goes away without treatment after a few days, because your body fights the infection.

Rest at home. Don’t return to work or school until you have had no symptoms 24 hours or longer if advised by your doctor.

If your work involves handling food or looking after children, the elderly, or patients, do not return to work until 48 hours of showing no symptoms.

You can stay hydrated by doing the following:

• Drink fluids such as water or oral rehydration fluids

• Continue to breast or bottle feed your baby

• Severe dehydration will need hospitalisation for IV fluids

Antibiotics and Anti-diarrhoeal medicinesmay be prescribed by your doctor or recommended by a pharamcist.

Diarrhoea can cause dehydration which is particularly dangerous in babies, children and the elderly.

While suffering Diarrhoea

Eat regular meals that include plain biscuits, potatoes, rice or toast. Try and avoid caffeine, alcohol, fatty food, very sweet or high fibre foods. Dairy products may also aggravate the diarrhoea. Probiotic yoghurt may help with the diarrhoea by replacing the good bacteria in the bowel.

It’s very important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids. Ideally drink Re-hydration drinks from your local pharmacy. These drinks provide the correct balance of water and electrolytes.

If you are breastfeeding you should continue to breastfeed and make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. Maintain good hygiene.

Diarrhoea can affect the contraceptive pill making it less effective at preventing pregnancy. You should take extra care such as by using condoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can the spread of diarrhoea be prevented?

The best way to prevent diarrhoea spreading is to maintain good personal hygiene, especially if you are sick.

If you are travelling, eat hot, well-cooked food, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables. Drink only bottled water, soda, beer or wine and avoid tap water and ice cubes.