Diarrhoea

What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea, or “running stomach,” involves frequent bowel movements with loose, watery stools. It can occur for various reasons, including infections, diseases, and food intolerances. Acute diarrhoea typically lasts 1 to 2 days, often caused by viral or bacterial infections contracted through contaminated food or beverages. Chronic diarrhoea, on the other hand, persists for more than 3 to 4 weeks, with causes that may include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Conditions such as celiac disease that affect nutrient absorption
• HIV

What causes diarrhoea?

You might develop diarrhoea due to a variety of conditions or situations. Common causes of diarrhoea include:

• Viral infections such as rotavirus, norovirus, and viral gastroenteritis
• Bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli
• Parasitic infections
• Intestinal diseases
• Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance
• Adverse reactions to medications
• Previous gallbladder or stomach surgery

What are the symptoms of diarrhoea?

The primary symptoms of diarrhoea include frequent loose, watery stools and an urgent need for a bowel movement. Depending on the underlying cause, you may experience various additional symptoms. These can include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Frequent urge to defecate
• Passing a large volume of stools

Dehydration is a significant concern with diarrhoea as it can lead to rapid fluid loss. If untreated, dehydration can have serious consequences. Signs of dehydration include:

• Fatigue
• Dry mucous membranes (like inside the mouth)
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Increased thirst
• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth

How is the cause of diarrhoea diagnosed?

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of diarrhoea are crucial to prevent complications and facilitate a quicker recovery. When you visit your doctor with symptoms of diarrhoea, they will typically start with a thorough physical examination and review of your medical history to understand potential causes. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing and your medical background, your doctor might suggest additional tests to pinpoint the underlying cause:

• Laboratory Tests: Your doctor may request urine and blood samples to analyse for signs of infection or other abnormalities, particularly if your diarrhoea persists.
• Diet Elimination Tests: These tests help identify whether food intolerance or allergy contributes to your symptoms.
• Imaging Tests: These can include imaging of the abdomen to detect any inflammation or structural issues in the intestine that may be causing diarrhoea.
• Stool Culture: This test checks for bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens in your stool that could be causing infectious diarrhoea.
• Colonoscopy involves examining the colon using a flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope). It helps detect signs of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy but focusing on the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon), this procedure helps evaluate conditions affecting the lower intestine.

Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is particularly valuable for diagnosing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or severe and chronic diarrhoea. These tests allow your doctor to visualise the condition of your intestinal lining directly and may involve taking tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis. Early and accurate diagnosis based on these tests enables your healthcare provider to tailor an effective treatment plan, addressing the underlying cause of your diarrhoea and promoting recovery.

How can I prevent diarrhoea?

Although diarrhoea can stem from various causes, there are preventive measures you can take:

• Clean and sanitise cooking and food preparation areas frequently to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
• Serve food promptly after preparing it to minimise bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly to keep them safe from contamination.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth during the thawing process.
• To prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before meals.

What are the treatment options for diarrhoea?

Hydration plays a critical role in managing diarrhoea. Research indicates that the primary treatment involves replenishing lost fluids. This typically entails drinking more water or electrolyte-replacement beverages like coconut water to prevent dehydration. In more severe cases of dehydration, intravenous (IV) therapy may be necessary. If your diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

The specific treatment plan will be determined based on several factors, including your age, the severity and frequency of diarrhoea, the extent of dehydration, your overall health, medical history, and your ability to tolerate treatments or medications. Your doctor will also consider the expected outcomes and improvements in your condition.