What is diarrhoea?

Sibusiso Macheso

Health Matters Definition

IT is s condition of having at least three or more loose liquid or watery bowel movements(stools) in a day and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss Common causes of diarrhoea

◆ Stress

◆ Anxiety

◆ Medications

◆ It can be a sign of under lying medical conditions.

Related conditions

At times diarrhoea can be a sign of under lying health conditions such as:

◆ Food allergy (very common) - abnormal of reaction by the immune system following consumption of certain foods. Symptoms may include, abdominal pain/ cramps, nausea and vomiting.

◆ Food poisoning (very common) - food borne illnesses resulting from consumption of contaminated or toxic foods. Symptoms may include, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

◆ Underlying medical conditions – these may include infections, some cancers, effects of some certain medications and treatment procedures

NB: It is very important to seek medical attention without delay if one experiences some of these symptoms:

◆ Persistent loose watery stools ◆Urgent need to have bowel movements ◆ Abdominal pains

◆ Abdominal cramps

◆ Fever

◆ Nausea

◆ Bloating

◆ Blood in stool

Treatment options

These may include, self - care, medications and fluids can be given through the vein in severe cases with dehydration,

Self-care

◆ Drink plenty of clean water. (boiled, treated or purified)

◆ Regular washing of hands with soap in running water to prevent infection and re infection.

◆ Oral rehydration solution or home prepared sugar and salt solution will help maintain balance of electrolytes (prevent one from dehydration and from feeling weak)

◆ Avoid milk and milk products as the may worsen the condition.

◆ Eat food while it is still warm, avoid reheating heating foods (especially chicken) and keep food covered.

◆ Avoid fatty foods

◆ Eat completely cooked food

NB: Please get medical advice from a health service provider without delay if yo have diarrhoea to prevent compications.

Complications of diarrhoea

◆ Dehydration – due to copious amounts of fluid and electrolytes lost in watery diarrhoea. Dehydration affects the functioning of almost every organ in the body, heart, the lungs, the brain and kidneys. It can lead to death

◆ Weight loss - can occur within hours or days of severe diarrhoea due to the loss of water and reduced food intake,

◆ Malnutrition - this can be due to reduced food intake or poor digestion and absorption compromised by the rapid movements of food in the gut/ This can lead to other illnesses with time or even death.