Diarrhoea is defined as bowel movements that are loose, watery, and occur on a more frequent basis than normal bowel movements. This ailment can result from a variety of factors, including viruses, food intolerances, and digestive issues.
While unpleasant, most bouts of diarrhoea only last a few days and don’t cause lasting harm. In the event that it’s an ongoing issue, it can lead to more serious complications and effects, such as dehydration. The following are a few common causes of diarrhoea and how they’re typically treated.
Viruses and bacteria are among the most common causes of acute diarrhoea, which usually resolves on its own in one or two days. For example, food and water can become contaminated with norovirus, which will then contribute to diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach distress. Food and water can also become contaminated by bacteria like E. coli, which has a similar effect on the digestive system.
When infections are an issue, the best thing a person can do is to stay hydrated. You should also seek medical attention if symptoms last for two days or longer, as this can put you at risk of complications.
While acute diarrhoea only lasts a few days in most cases, food allergies can cause chronic diarrhoea that lasts up to four weeks or longer. With food allergies, the immune system reacts to harmless substances, which then leads to gastrointestinal issues. A variety of foods can cause allergies and intolerances, including dairy products, wheat, seafood, tree nuts, and soy.
To prevent ill-effects, you must determine what foods you’re allergic to. A doctor can perform testing to identify these foods, which will then allow you to eliminate them from your diet. You must also check food labels carefully to ensure an item doesn’t contain an allergen that you’re intolerant of.
Medical conditions that affect the digestive tract can also lead to chronic bouts of diarrhoea. Crohn’s disease is a disorder where the digestive tract becomes inflamed. While doctors aren’t sure what causes this condition, it’s believed to be an immune response to healthy bacteria in the digestive system. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also lead to chronic issues.
Crohn’s can be treated with medication, surgery, and bowel rest, which replaces food with nutrients administered via a tube that’s inserted into your stomach. As for IBS, doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a nutritious diet. Probiotic therapy can also be beneficial, as it can introduce good bacteria into the digestive tract to improve bowel function.
A variety of medications can cause unwanted digestive effects, including:
When it comes to prescription medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible side effects. If you do experience digestive issues related to a certain medication, your medical provider can adjust the dosage or recommend remedies. In most cases, the condition should stop occurring once the course of medication is complete.
While diarrhoea is not always harmful, you should receive medical attention when it’s accompanied by fever or severe stomach pain. You can avoid some issues by practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing. Be mindful of the food and water you drink if you have concerns about contamination. And if you do experience diarrhoea, bed rest and increased fluid intake are usually the best treatments.