What is Diarrhoea Causes and Symptoms?

Diarrhoea may have many different causes including a change in diet, food intolerance (e.g. lactose), inflammatory bowel disorder, medications (e.g. antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids), a bacterial infection (food poisoning) or a viral infection (e.g. rotavirus in children).

Diarrhoea in very young children is often caused by rotavirus. There is now a vaccine available that can prevent gastroenteritis (or reduce the risk of severe gastroenteritis) caused by rotavirus infection. The vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Diarrhoea may also be caused by diet, for example, too much fruit or fruit juice. People with diarrhoea, especially the very young and the very elderly, are at risk of becoming rapidly dehydrated. This requires immediate medical attention.
Causes

Common causes of diarrhoea include food poisoning, gastroenteritis, anxiety, excess alcohol, some foods and side effects of certain drug treatments.

Sign and Symptoms of diarrhoea?

•    Frequent, watery motions.
•    Loss of appetite.
•    Nausea, vomiting.
•    Stomach pains.
•    Fever.
•    Dehydration.

If the diarrhoea lasts more than three weeks, it is considered chronic.

Sign

•    Blood in the motions.
•    Pus in the motions (yellow mucus).
•    Inability to drink liquids because of vomiting.
•    Dehydration - symptoms include excreting small amounts of dark urine, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes and thirst. Dehydration as a result of diarrhoea is a particular risk for young children and the elderly.
•    Pronounced drowsiness due to dehydration or intoxication.
•    Acute diarrhoea in infants.
•    Acute diarrhoea in very old people.

Treatment

Water, clear soups and sugary drinks are ideal to replace lost water, salt and sugar.
Eat foods as usual, unless this makes matters worse. Sometimes bland foods such as bread, rice and potatoes are better tolerated.

Anti-diarrhoea medication is available from the pharmacist.

Ask the doctor for advice if there's mucus, pus or blood in the diarrhoea, severe stomach pains, no passing of urine over a 12-hour period, if the diarrhoea continues for more than four days or if there are signs of dehydration.

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