Symptoms,Causes And Treatments Of Diarrhoea

Symptoms of diarrhoea
Diarrhoeais having more frequent, loose, watery poo, which may be referred to as ‘stools’.
You may get diarrhoea after being in contact with someone else who has it, or you may get it from food poisoning – after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Diarrhoea that comes on suddenly and lasts for no longer than a couple of days is usually referred to as “acute diarrhoea”. Most people with acute diarrhoea recover on their own. Diarrhoea that lasts more than two weeks is thought of as “chronic diarrhoea”.
What causes diarrhoea?
* A virus, such as rotavirus, winter vomiting disease (Norwalk virus or norovirus), enterovirus, or a hepatitis virus.
* A bacterium, such as cholera (Vibrio cholerae).
* A parasite, such as those that cause giardiasis and amoebiasis.
Symptoms of diarrhoea
* urgent need to go to the toilet
* abdominal pain and cramping
* change in colour of your stools
* mucous, pus, blood, or fat in your stools
* vomiting
* general body weakness and tiredness.

Treatments of diarrhoea

* avoid caffeine, dairy products, and greasy, high fibre, or sugary foods
* placing a hot water bottle or wheat pack on your stomach, or taking paracetamol (e.g. Panadol), may provide some relief from abdominal cramps
* apply zinc and castor oil ointment or a barrier cream to affected areas if you, or your child, develops a rash (like nappy rash) from the diarrhoea
* avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac, for pain relief as these medications can cause diarrhoea
* anti-diarrhoeal medications that slow diarrhoea (e.g. Imodium) should be avoided as these drugs prevent your body from getting rid of the bacteria or virus that may have caused the diarrhoea.
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ideal liquids are clear thin broths or soups, diluted non-caffeinated sports drinks (e.g. Powerade or Gatorade), and rehydration formulations (e.g. Gastrolyte) that are available without prescription from a pharmacy.