Diarrhoea Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Types of Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is categorised based on its duration:

• Acute diarrhoea: This common type causes loose, watery stools for one to two days and typically resolves on its own.
• Persistent diarrhoea: This lasts between two and four weeks.
• Chronic diarrhoea: This lasts over four weeks or occurs intermittently over an extended period. It may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

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Symptoms

The primary indication of diarrhoea is loose or watery stools. Other related symptoms are:

• Bloating or abdominal cramps
• A sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom
• Nausea or an upset stomach

Usually, these symptoms don’t necessitate medical attention unless they persist for more than a few days.

Symptoms of severe diarrhoea:

In some cases, diarrhoea may indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection that requires medical treatment. Consult a doctor if you experience diarrhoea associated with following events:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood or mucus in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss (which may suggest nutrient absorption issues)

Dehydration warning signs:

Symptoms in adults and children include:

• Headache
• Irritability or confusion
• Flushed, dry skin
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Persistent fatigue
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Dark urine, reduced urination, or no urination at all

Symptoms in infants and toddlers are:

• Less than six wet diapers per day
• No wet diapers or urination for eight hours
• Crying without tears

Causes

Acute diarrhoea causes:

The exact cause of sudden diarrhoea may not always be clear, but in many cases, it’s your body’s way of flushing out a stomach infection. This is a common reason for diarrhoea among children and adults.

One common trigger is food poisoning, which happens when you consume food or drinks contaminated with dangerous microorganisms, such as:

• Viruses – Norovirus, rotavirus
• Bacteria – Campylobacter, E. coli
• Parasites – Giardia

Food poisoning is particularly common when traveling to unindustrialised regions, where contaminated food or water can lead to traveller’s diarrhoea.

Other potential causes of acute diarrhoea involve:

• Anxiety
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Appendicitis
• Food allergies
• Radiotherapy that affects the gut lining

Chronic diarrhoea causes:

Long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea may result from:

• Medications, including magnesium-based antacids, cancer treatments, antibiotics, laxatives, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and statins.
• Post-surgical complications
• Digestive disorders, such as bile acid malabsorption (BAM), chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticular disease, some types of cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
• Food intolerances, including lactose intolerance
• Hormonal factors, such as PMS
• Emotional and neurological triggers, including anxiety, stress, and migraines

Diagnosis

Most diarrhoea cases don’t require medical testing. However, in more severe situations, your GP will help you identify the cause. They may ask about your family history, medical history, travel history, and any recent exposure to sick individuals.

To determine the underlying cause, they may recommend tests such as:

• Blood tests – To rule out underlying conditions that may cause diarrhoea.
• Stool analysis – To test for blood, bacterial infections, or parasites.
• Hydrogen breath test – To detect lactose or fructose intolerance as well as bacterial overgrowth.
• Endoscopy – To examine the upper and lower digestive system for structural abnormalities, such as ulcers or tumours.

Treatment

In most cases, diarrhoea can be managed at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as bismuth subsalicylate, help provide quick relief. However, if diarrhoea persists or occurs alongside severe symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider.

Depending on the cause, your provider may recommend:

• Antibiotics or antiparasitics to eliminate infection-causing bacteria or parasites.
• Medications for chronic conditions. Addressing treat underlying issues like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) may help control diarrhoea.
• Probiotics. These introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut to help restore balance. Always consult your provider before taking probiotics or similar supplements.

At-home remedies:

To help your body recover, take it easy for a few days and consider the following measures:

• Drinking plenty of fluids like water, diluted squash, or soup while avoiding sugary or carbonated beverages.
• Eating small, light meals and steering clear of spicy, fried foods.
• Managing pain and fever with pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.
• Gradually reintroducing solid foods. Once you feel ready, opt for easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, potatoes, boiled vegetables, and rice.
• Washing your hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection or reinfecting yourself.

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Conclusion

Using the bathroom or pooping is a normal part of life. That’s why diarrhoea can be disruptive, as it throws off your routine. In most cases, it’s temporary and clears up within a few days.

However, if diarrhoea persists or comes with severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a GP. There’s no need to feel ashamed—diarrhoea is a common issue that medical professionals deal with regularly. They can help you find the best treatment for quick relief.

For more information or to address any concerns, book an appointment with us today.