Diarrhoea: what are the symptoms and causes?
Symptoms
Diarrhoea is loose, watery stools. Diarrhoea may be accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, an urgent need to use the bathroom, or loss of bowel control. Some infections that cause diarrhoea can also cause a fever and chills or bloody stools.
Causes
- Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhoea is usually related to a functional disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or an intestinal disease such as Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and coeliac disease often lead to diarrhoea.
- Several types of bacteria consumed through contaminated food or water. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E-coli).
- Many viruses cause diarrhoea, including rotavirus, norovirus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis.
- Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhoea include Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium(.
- Loss of electrolytes through dehydration affects the amount of water in the body, muscle activity, and other important functions.
- Diarrhoea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Some people have difficulty digesting certain ingredients, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products.
- Antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids containing magnesium can all cause diarrhoea( source https://doctor.ndtv.com)
Signs of dehydration in adults
- dark-coloured urine
- Fatigue
- dry skin
- less frequent urination than usual
- dizziness
- light-headedness
- Thirst
Supplements that may help
- Acidophilus encourage the restoration of friendly bacteria which may help resolve the diarrhoea and prevent new infections
- Charcoal Biscuits and tablets can be used to absorb gases and toxins
- Aloe Vera is a soothing digestive aid
- Potassium can be used to help with dehydration
- Manuka Honey is soothing and healing
- Bilberry is an astringent
- Raspberry Leaf in an astringent tea may ease diarrhoea
- Marshmallow is rich in mucilage to help inflamed surfaces
- Lspaghula psyllium) may assist in producing more solid stools
Recommended lifestyle changes to prevent diarrhoea?
- Avoid milk and milk products if you suffer from frequent diarrhoeas
- Include oat bran and yoghurt in your diet on regular basis
- Regulate bowel movements with plenty of fibre in your foods
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Until diarrhoea subsides, avoiding caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fibre, or sweet may lessen symptoms.
- Some people also have problems digesting lactose during or after a bout of diarrhoea. Yogurt, which has less lactose than milk, is often better tolerated.
- As symptoms improve, soft, bland foods can be added to the diet, including bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat ( source www.rush.edu).
