Diarrhoea consists of passing watery and loose stools more frequently than usual, often with little control, and sometimes attended by cramping in the stomach and a feeling of nausea. It is normally self-limiting, with patients recovering with or without the aid of medication. A recent survey found that 7 percent of a cross section of the UK population admitted to having had diarrhoea in the last 2 weeks.
What is the Symptoms of Diarrhoea?
Symptoms include having an uneasy, colicky, nauseous (flu-like) feeling in the stomach (abdominal cramps) coupled with an overwhelming frequency to pass faeces. These symptoms usually lead to the production of foul-smelling, watery stools. In all cases but particularly in children, a watch should be kept for the development of more serious symptoms, including steady worsening or signs of blood in the diarrhoea, an increase in stomach pain, any signs of dehydration and an increase in body temperature lasting for more than four days.
What is the Causes of Diarrhoea?
Bouts of diarrhoea that last a few days are called acute, with any lasting for more than 2 weeks called chronic. Acute diarrhoea may be caused by infection, diet, overindulgence in alcohol, or even be emotional in origin such as nervously anticipating an event like an examination or starting a new job. Chronic diarrhoea is often bacterial in origin and may have a cause such as food poisoning (campylobacter, salmonella). Diarrhoea can also be a problem during foreign travel, especially to parts of the world where hygiene levels are not high. It can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or polyps in the intestines.
What is the Treatment for Diarrhoea?
Initial treatment usually involves avoiding eating solids and taking plenty of fluids until the symptoms subside. Antidiarrhoeal preparations are also available over-the-counter, but persistent bouts, possibly as in the case of the food poisoning, may need a doctor's consultation and treatment with antibiotics. A stool check may be needed for persistent cases to rule out campylobacter and salmonella infection. Diarrhoea often takes its own course with symptomatic treatment being a replacement of salts and fluids.
Dr. A. Bose © Allcures.com January, 2012