Almost everyone suffers diarrhoea occasionally. Most bouts last only a short time and go away by themselves with little or no treatment. In more severe cases, a doctor’s advice may be needed.
What is Diarrhoea?
In diarrhoea, the stools are loose or watery in consistency and are passed more frequently than normal; a common definition is three or more bowel movements per day.
- Acute diarrhoea begins abruptly and generally lasts no more than a week or so.
- Chronic diarrhoea is defined as frequent watery stools that persist for two weeks or more.
Diarrhoea Causes
Diarrhoea occurs when too little fluid is absorbed from the stools in the gut, or when too much fluid is secreted. The problem arises through damage to the gut lining, or when the stools move too quickly through the bowel.
Acute diarrhoea in adults is usually caused by infection with a virus (e.g. norovirus – well known as the cause of recent outbreaks of diarrhoea on cruise ships) or a bacterium (e.g. Campylobacter, Salmonella). Bacterial diarrhoea is often called "food poisoning", as the infection is contracted by eating contaminated food. Travellers’ diarrhoea is a not uncommon problem in people on vacation in exotic destinations.
Acute diarrhoea is sometimes a side effect of medications (particularly antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs) or may follow a bout of binge-drinking. Emotional stress can also lead to acute diarrhoea.
Chronic diarrhoea has various possible causes, including:
- infection
- chronic alcohol abuse
- laxative abuse
- lactose intolerance
- celiac disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease
- bowel cancer.
Diarrhoea Treatment
Acute diarrhoea in adults generally disappears by itself within a few days. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and eat a diet rich in starchy foods such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Drinks made with stock cubes, Bovril or yeast extract can help replace lost salts.
Anti-diarrhoea drugs such as loperamide can be bought over the counter from pharmacies. However, a doctor should be consulted if the diarrhoea persists for more than a few days, or in any of the following situations:
- dehydration develops (e.g. little or no urine is passed)
- blood is seen in the stools
- bouts of vomiting occur for more than a day or so.
Dealing with Diarrhoea
Although unpleasant, diarrhoea in adults is generally a mild, self-limiting condition of short duration. As with other changes in bowel habit, however, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice if the problem persists or concerns arise.
References
Thillainayagam AV. Diarrhoea. Medicine 2003; 31(2): 45–51.
NHS Choices. Diarrhoea. Accessed 09-10-09
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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