Diarrhoea

Name: Diarrhoea
SKU: 149
Price: 35.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £35.00

Suffering from Diarrhoea? Let us help you

What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a condition characterised by the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. It can occur as a symptom of various underlying conditions or as a standalone issue. Diarrhoea can be acute, lasting a few days, or chronic, persisting for weeks or longer. While it is often mild and resolves on its own, severe or persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and may require medical attention.

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What are the causes of Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, dietary choices, medications, and underlying health conditions:

Infections:

Viral Infections: The most common cause of acute diarrhoea, often referred to as “stomach flu.” Norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus are typical culprits.
Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, and Shigella can cause diarrhoea, often through contaminated food or water.
Parasitic Infections: Parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica can lead to diarrhoea, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.

Food-Related Causes:

Food Intolerances: Lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose, a sugar in dairy products) and gluten intolerance (e.g., celiac disease) can cause diarrhoea.
Food Poisoning: Consumption of food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins can lead to diarrhoea.
Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet, such as increased fiber intake, can cause temporary diarrhoea.

Medications:

Antibiotics: Can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines, leading to diarrhoea (antibiotic-associated diarrhea).
Laxatives: Overuse of laxatives can cause diarrhoea.
Other Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antacids containing magnesium, and some blood pressure medications, can cause diarrhoea as a side effect.

Digestive Disorders:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea (IBS-D).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which can cause chronic diarrhoea.
Coeliac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, leading to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Microscopic Colitis: An inflammation of the colon that causes chronic watery diarrhoea, often in older adults.

Other Causes:

Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen diarrhoea, particularly in individuals with IBS.
Traveler’s Diarrhoea: Often caused by consuming contaminated food or water while traveling, especially to regions with poor sanitation.
Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can speed up digestion, leading to diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of Diarrhoea?

In addition to loose, watery stools, diarrhoea may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause:

Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Common with many causes of diarrhoea, particularly with infections and IBS.

Bloating and Gas: Often associated with digestive disorders and food intolerances.

Nausea and Vomiting: Frequently accompany viral gastroenteritis and food poisoning.

Fever: May occur with infections, especially bacterial or parasitic infections.

Urgent Need to Defecate: A frequent symptom, particularly with infectious diarrhoea.

Dehydration: Severe or prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly. Signs include dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark urine, and dizziness.

Is there treatment available for diarrhoea?

Acute diarrhoea usually clears itself in a few days. The most common treatment is to replenish lost fluids with plenty of water and electrolytes. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections. Please see your regular doctor if diarrhoea is persisting for more than one week as you may require a stool test.