Diarrhoea

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Diarrhoea means having more frequent bowel movements than usual with loose or watery stools. There may be associated abdominal pain.

What causes diarrhoea?

• Acute Gastroenteritis (see Acute Gastroenteritis pamphlet)
  • Viral, very common
  • Bacterial e.g. Salmonella infection
  • Food poisoning
• Stress related (Irritable Colon)
• Other conditions e.g. Cancer of colon
• Side effect of medication

What can be done for VIRAL Gastroenteritis?

The diarrhoea associated with this condition is usually mild and seldom lasts more than a few days.

Treatment consists of:

• Rest
• Drinking plenty of fluid
• Eating a diet of non-greasy, easily digestible food

Avoid:

• Milk and dairy products, fat, eggs, fruits, vegetables and medication such as aspirin

No specific drug treatment is usually required. (see Acute Gastroenteritis pamphlet)

See your doctor if:

• You do not get better in a few days
• Your symptoms are distressing
• You have repeated vomiting preventing fluid replacement
• The affected person is elderly or an infant
• There is blood in the stools
• You have a fever > 38.3 degree Celsius or > 101 degree Fahrenheit