Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is common viral infection or bacterial toxins that cause frequent watery and loose bowel movements. Most of the people are affected by the Diarrhoea during their lifetime. It is often accompanied by stomach pains, feeling sick and vomiting. This can be a symptom, disease, allergy, food intolerance or food borne. Diarrhoea depends on various conditions however some healthy people normally recover in  few days, but for many especially infants and children, it can lead to severe dehydration and can be life-threatening. Common types of bacteria that can cause Diarrhoea are E.Coli (Escherichia Coli) and Salmonella, both can be found in contaminated food or water.

Diarrhoea is a common problem with several types. One that comes suddenly and last from 1 to 2 days are Acute Diarrhoea. Other is over the period of time ranges from 2-3 weeks or months are Chronic Diarrhoea. It can be due to underlying health problem and can create devastating result if action is not taken on time. Another is with blood in stool, with or without mucus, is called Dysentery. It is very dangerous because of its ability cause anorexia, rapid weight loss, and damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Diarrhoea may also be caused by taking certain medications such as antibiotics, laxatives, drinking too much alcohol and eating spicy foods or large amounts of some fruits.

Symptoms

• Frequent, watery motions.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Stomach pains.
• Fever.
• Dehydration.
• Blood in the stool.
• Pus in the stool.
• Painful passage of stool.
• Inability to increase fluid intake.
• Reduced or absent urination.
• Fever (temperature greater than 38ºC).

Popular treatments and recommendations

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or apple juice.
• Take sugar-salt combination as a rehydration treatment (Dioralyte) to replace lost salts and sugars.
• Avoid eating food until Diarrhoea settled and then eat bland foods such as, dry toast or bread, boiled potatoes, rice and soup.
• Avoid eating spicy or fat containing foods.
• A sufficient intake of liquids when the urine becomes light yellow in color.
• Eat something containing salt, such as crisps or soup.
• Maintain good standards of hygiene foods and fruits.
• Eat normally as soon as your appetite returns. But if you have suffered from Acute Diarrhoea, avoid foods containing dairy products for couple of days.

Prevention

• Scheduled hygiene diets.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating or handling food.
• Do not leave food that needs refrigeration outside of fridge.
• Do not cross contaminate raw food while cooking with food already prepared.
• Mothers are advised to exclusively breast-feed their babies until they are six months old.

 References

• http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/diarrhoea.htm
• http://www.thehealthsuccesssite.com/Diarrhoea.html
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634.php http://www.keypharm.com.au/products/what_is_diarrhoea.php
• http://rehydrate.org/faq/what-is-diarrhoea.htm
• http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/diarrhoea.htm
• http://www.mdhil.com/diarrhoea/