Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterised by loose, watery stools that occur more than three times a day. Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food poisoning, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
In most cases, diarrhoea is not serious and resolves on its own within a few days. However, in some cases, diarrhoea can be severe and lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other complications. If you have diarrhoea that is severe or does not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Symptoms of diarrhoea
The most common symptom of diarrhoea is loose, watery stools. Other symptoms of diarrhoea may include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
Causes of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infections: Diarrhoea is most commonly caused by infections such as viral gastroenteritis, bacterial gastroenteritis, and parasitic infections.
- Food poisoning: Diarrhea can also be caused by food poisoning, which is an infection of the digestive system caused by eating contaminated food.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhoea as a side effect.
- Underlying medical conditions: Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Treatment for diarrhoea
In most cases, diarrhoea is not serious and resolves on its own within a few days. However, there are several things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea and prevent dehydration. These include:
- Drink plenty of fluids. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, clear broth, and sports drinks are all good choices.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive system and worsen diarrhoea.
- Eat bland foods: bland foods, such as toast, crackers, rice, and bananas, can help bind the stool and relieve diarrhoea.
- Take over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, can help reduce diarrhoea.
If you have diarrhoea that is severe or does not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Prevention of Diarrhoea
There are several things you can do to help prevent diarrhoea, including:
- Wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs that can cause diarrhoea.
- Cook food thoroughly. Cooking food thoroughly kills any harmful germs that may be present.
- Avoid raw shellfish. Raw shellfish can contain harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhoea.
- Drink bottled water when travelling. Bottled water is a safe choice when travelling, as it is less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
By following these tips, you can help prevent diarrhoea and keep yourself and your family healthy.