Understanding Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a condition marked by frequent and loose bowel movements, often accompanied by an increased need to use the bathroom. It can range in severity, from mild to debilitating, and can persist for varying lengths of time.

Diarrhoea is classified into three main types. Acute diarrhoea lasts for one or two days and typically resolves on its own. Persistent diarrhoea lasts between two and four weeks. Chronic diarrhoea lasts for four weeks or more, with symptoms either continuous or recurring.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to diarrhoea, including:

• Infections: These are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and are often contracted through contaminated food or water. Poor sanitation and hygiene increase the risk.
• Medications: Certain medications such as antibiotics, antacids, NSAIDs, and chemotherapy drugs may trigger diarrhoea.
• Food intolerance: Lactose intolerance is a common example.
• Digestive disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease can lead to chronic diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea Symptoms

The symptoms of diarrhoea can differ from one individual to another, and may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, fever, blood or mucus in the stool, passing frequent, loose, or watery stools, an urgency in needing a bowel movement, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, dizziness due to fluid loss), and fatigue.

The severity of the condition varies. A mild case might involve only a few loose stools, while a severe case can result in frequent bowel movements, sometimes occurring as often as every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is essential to consult a doctor if you or someone in your care experiences the following:

• Severe or persistent diarrhoea (lasting more than two days in adults or 24 hours in children).
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, reduced urination, or dizziness.
• Severe abdominal pain or rectal pain.
• A fever of 38°C or higher.
• Blood, pus, or black stools.
• Persistent vomiting that makes it difficult to keep fluids down.
• Recent travel to areas with poor sanitation, which may increase the risk of infection.
• Existing health conditions such as a weakened immune system, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Diarrhoea in infants or young children, as they are more susceptible to dehydration.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosis

Diagnosing diarrhoea generally involves a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may be required to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment for diarrhoea varies depending on its cause and severity.

What to Eat After Diarrhoea

After a severe episode of diarrhoea, it is advisable to avoid dairy products for a few days. The following foods may help ease the transition back to regular meals:

• Bread products: Refined white flour products such as white bread.
• Pasta and cereals: White rice, pasta, cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes.
• Cooked vegetables: Carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and beets (all cooked before consumption).

Preventing Diarrhoea

Maintaining good food safety practices can help prevent diarrhoea. Key recommendations include:

• Avoid raw or unpasteurised milk.
• Thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables.
• Consume precooked or perishable foods promptly.
• Keep raw foods, particularly meat, fish, and poultry, separate from other foods.
• Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked food.
• Ensure meat, fish, and poultry are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Cook seafood thoroughly. Freezing can kill some harmful microorganisms, but cooking is more effective. “Sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade” raw fish are examples of seafood that has been frozen.
• Cook eggs until the yolk is firm.
• Refrigerate cooked food within two hours of cooking (or one hour if the temperature exceeds 32°C).

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you are concerned about symptoms of diarrhoea or have any other gastrointestinal issues, the dedicated and expert team of Gastroenterologists at Gleneagles Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding diarrhoea. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.