Diarrhoea is defined as loose, watery stool. It is a common affliction people experience multiple times throughout their life. Diarrhoea can be classified as being either acute, persistent, or chronic. Acute diarrhoea is the most common type of diarrhoea and typically lasts one to two days before resolving on its own. Persistent diarrhoea lasts two to four weeks while chronic diarrhea lasts for more than four weeks. Persistent and chronic diarrhoea may be a sign of a more serious problem and must be treated to prevent life-threatening complications.
When one has diarrhoea, one experiences an urgent need to have a bowel movement. This urgent need occurs frequently throughout the day (three or more times). Other symptoms of diarrhoea include the following:
Most cases of diarrhoea resolve within one to two days. One should seek a doctor if their diarrhoea persists beyond two days. One should also seek a doctor if there is blood in their stool, if they have a fever above 39°C, or if they show signs of severe dehydration.
Diarrhoea has a vast number of causes. The most common causes are described below:
Bacteria can enter the intestines through contaminated food or water and subsequently cause diarrhoea. Examples of bacteria that cause diarrhoea are Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella. The bacteria E. coli is the most common cause for bacterial diarrhoea.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is the name given to diarrhoea acquired when traveling to developing countries. It is the result of ingesting food or water that is contaminated with bacteria and/or parasites.
Diarrhoea is a side effect of many types of medicines, such as antacids containing magnesium, chemotherapy drugs, and antibiotics.
Those with lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance experience diarrhoea after ingesting dairy products or sweeteners, respectively. Likewise, diarrhoea can result for those with certain food allergies.
Diarrhoea is a side effect of many digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.
Medical attention is not required for cases of acute diarrhoea. It is the more serious cases of persistent or chronic diarrhoea that require medical intervention. In these situations, a doctor may conduct multiple tests to figure out the root cause of one’s diarrhoea. Diagnostic tests include the following:
A doctor may also ask what one eats and drinks. If the doctor suspects a food allergy or intolerance, they may ask the patient to change their diet. Other questions a doctor will ask may pertain to the patient’s medications and travel history.
If cases of persistent or chronic diarrhoea are not treated properly, the following complications may occur:
The most important goal for the treatment of diarrhoea is to prevent dehydration. Administering fluids is a major component for treatment plans. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a mixture of water, salt, and sugar. It is a highly extolled method of rehydrating a patient. Other methods of rehydration include breast milk and formula for babies and purified water, soups, juices, and sports drinks for adults.
Diarrhoea may also be treated by medication. Antibiotics are prescribed when diarrhoea is caused by bacteria or parasites. Other medicines can be prescribed if one’s chronic diarrhoea is caused by a thyroid or digestive disorder.
Infectious diarrhoea (diarrhoea caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites) can be prevented by practicing good hygiene. Wash one’s hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when necessary. In situations where it is suspected that the food or water may be contaminated, one should practice rules for food and water safety:
The most common cause for diarrhoea among children is the rotavirus. It is responsible for hundreds of thousands of childhood deaths each year. Thankfully, a vaccine is available to protect children from the rotavirus. It is important to talk to a doctor about getting this vaccine for any new-born children one may have.