Diarrhoea - Acute Diarrhoea in Adults
 |
What is Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is the passage of many loose, watery, offensive bowel movements. It is a symptom, not a disease. It is usually associated with colic-type abdominal pain and vomiting. |
What are the Causes of Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea usually is caused by a viral or a bacterial infection. Most episodes last for such a short time that a search for the cause is not necessary. However, if it last for 12 hours or longer, medical attention is needed.
Uncommon infections to be excluded are typhoid and food poisoning as well as parasite infestations with Giardia lamblia and amoebae. If you have diarrhoea on returning from overseas, it must be checked out.
Other possible causes are acute appendicitis, rich food, alcohol, emotional upset and excess vitamin C.
What is the Treatment for Diarrhoea?
Rest
Your bowel needs a rest and so do you. It is best to reduce your normal activities until the diarrhoea has stopped.
Diet - How to Stop Diarrhoea
It is vital that you starve but drink small amounts of clear fluids such as water, tea, lemonade and yeast extract (e.g. Marmite) until the diarrhoea settles. Then eat low-fat foods such as stewed apples, rice (boiled in water), soups, poultry, boiled potatoes, mashed vegetables, dry toast or bread, biscuits, most canned fruits, jam, honey, jelly, dried skim milk or condensed milk (reconstituted with water).
Avoid alcohol, coffee, strong tea, fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, raw vegetables, raw fruit (especially with hard skins), Chinese food, whole-grain cereals and cigarette smoking.
On the third day introduce dairy produce such as a small amount of milk in tea or coffee and little butter or margarine on toast. Add also grilled lean meat and fish (either grilled or steamed).
Medication
Diarrhoea usually settles without the need for medicine. If it is socially embarrassing, kaolin-based preparations can help.
Antibiotics should be avoided unless directed by your doctor.
* Click here to learn more about Traveller's Diarrhoea.
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
Gastrointestinal Tract Absorption of Nutrients
Diarrhea Treatment, Learn what is Gastroenteritis, Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Heartburn or GERD
|
How a Gluten-free Diet can Improve your Chronic Illnesses
Healthy Diets for Optimal Health
|
Vitamins & Nutrients for a Well-functioning Immune System to Protect against COVID-19 & other Viral Infections
(Ref: Nutrients. 2020 Apr 23;12(4). pii: E1181. doi: 10.3390/nu12041181 Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections Calder PC1, Carr AC2, Gombart AF3, Eggersdorfer M4.
Robert Waldinger | TED Talks
- What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness
What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it's
fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist
Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of 75-year-old study
on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true
happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important
lessons learned from the study as well as some practical,
old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.
The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.