Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passage of loose,watery stool three (3) or more times a day. It usually last for a few days

Diarrhoea can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea usually last less than a week while chronic Diarrhoea usually persists for weeks to months.

diarrhoea causes

The most common cause of diarrhoea is infections which include

1. Viruses: The common virus that causes diarrhoea is rotavirus which causes most of childhood diarrhoea. other viruses includes norovirus,viral hepatitis. The virus which causes coronavirus diesease (Covid-19) has been associated with diarrhoea.

• Bacterial: Bacteria like vibrio cholera, salmonella spp, Shigella,E.coli and others contaminate food and water which is then transmitted in the body

• Protozoal like amoebiasis also causes diarrhoea by contaminating food and water

• Medications: Some regular drugs has diarrhoea as it side effect. Eg antacids containg magnesium,laxatives,stool softeners,alcohol and some antibiotics

• Food intolerance

• Allergies

There are some conditions that causes chronic diarrhoea e.g. infammatory bowel disease(IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), malabsorption,HIV/AIDS

Diarrhoea symptoms

• Loose stool
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Fever
• Chills
• Stomach pains
• Vomiting
• Blood in stool

diarrhoea complications

Dehydration is the most common complications of diarrhoea. It can rage from mild to severe. severe dehydration is life threatening if not treated

Some signs of dehydration includes:

• Fever
• Dry mouth
• Dark coloured urine
• Decrease urine output
• Increase heart rate
• Dizziness
• Irritability/confusion
• Headache

diarrhoea treatment

Acute Diarrhoea usually does not need any treatment because most of it is viral and it goes away. Some over-the counter drugs help relieve Symptoms.

• Drink more fluids. To help avoid dehydration, drink water, juice and broth.
• Avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhea.Avoid fatty, high-fiber or highly seasoned foods.

Go to the hospital when symptoms persist.