Diarrhoea

Introduction: Why diarrhoea matters in Africa?

Diarrhoea, commonly called “running stomach,” is one of the leading health problems in Africa. According to the world health organization (WHO), diarrhoea is among the top causes of death in children under five, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Every year, millions of people suffer from it due to poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and food contamination.

While diarrhoea may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can be deadly if not treated properly. It leads to dehydration (severe loss of water in the body), malnutrition, and, in extreme cases, death. This article breaks down everything you need to know about diarrhoea in simple terms so you can prevent and manage it effectively.

What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea occurs when you pass loose, watery stools multiple times a day. It can happen suddenly (acute) or persist for a long time (chronic).

  • Acute diarrhoea: Lasts for 1 to 2 days. It is often caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated food and water.
  • Chronic diarrhoea: Lasts for more than 3 to 4 weeks and may be due to long-term health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or malnutrition.

How common is diarrhoea in Africa?

  • Africa has one of the highest rates of diarrhoea-related illnesses in the world.
  • Over 500,000 children under five dies annually from diarrhoea-related complications.
  • Poor sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, and food contamination increase the risk.
  • Rainy seasons and flooding make outbreaks worse, especially in urban slums and rural areas.

What causes diarrhoea?

There are several causes of diarrhoea, but the most common ones in Africa include:

  • Drinking contaminated water (from rivers, wells, or taps in areas with poor sanitation).
  • Eating spoiled or poorly cooked food.
  • Infections from bacteria and viruses, such as cholera and rotavirus.
  • Parasitic infections like amoebiasis and giardiasis.
  • Food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance (inability to digest dairy products properly).
  • Side effects of medications, especially antibiotics.

Symptoms of diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is more than just passing watery stool. It often comes with:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Abdominal pain and cramps.
  • Bloating and gas.
  • Frequent urge to use the toilet.
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness, and reduced urination.
  • In severe cases, bloody stools (which could be a sign of serious infections like dysentery).

Dehydration?

One of the most serious effects of diarrhoea is dehydration (when your body loses too much water and minerals). Signs of dehydration include:

  • Feeling weak or tired.
  • Dry mouth and lips.
  • Dizziness or light-headedness.
  • Less urination or dark-coloured urine.
  • Sunken eyes and extreme thirst.

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in children and older adults.

How is diarrhoea diagnosed?

If diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, or if you notice severe symptoms (bloody stool, dehydration, high fever), see a doctor. Diagnosis may involve:

  • Physical examination and medical history.
  • Laboratory tests (stool test to check for infections, blood test to detect dehydration).
  • Dietary tests to check for food intolerance.

Prevention: How to avoid diarrhoea?

While diarrhoea is common, it can be prevented with simple hygiene and food safety practices:

  • Drink clean water: Boil, filter, or treat water before drinking.
  • Wash hands regularly: Always wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating.
  • Cook food thoroughly: Avoid eating undercooked meat or food exposed to flies.
  • Store food properly: Avoid eating food that has stayed outside for too long.
  • Keep surroundings clean: Dispose of waste properly and prevent flies from contaminating food.

Treatment: What to do if you have diarrhoea?

The main focus of diarrhoea treatment is replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration.

Home remedies:

  • Drink lots of fluids: Clean water, coconut water, or homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORS is made by mixing:
  • 1 liter of clean water
  • 6 teaspoons of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • Eat light, soft foods: Rice, porridge, bananas, and soups are good choices.
  • Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks. They worsen dehydration.

Medical treatment:

  • If diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotics.
  • Anti-diarrheal drugs may help in some cases but should be taken under medical supervision.
  • Severe dehydration may require hospital treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids.

When to see a doctor?

Seek medical help if:

  • Diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days.
  • You have bloody stools.
  • You feel extremely weak or dizzy.
  • You show signs of severe dehydration.
  • A child under 5 years old has persistent diarrhoea.

Conclusion: Take diarrhoea seriously?

Diarrhoea is not just a minor inconvenience, it is a serious health issue, especially in Africa. With proper hygiene, clean drinking water, and food safety, we can prevent many cases of diarrhoea. If you or a loved one experience severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. Simple habits like handwashing, drinking safe water, and proper food storage can save lives!