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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when you have loose or watery bowel movements.

Most of the time, diarrhoea symptoms resolve quickly without treatment. However, severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration and need medical treatment.

It can be physically uncomfortable to have loose or watery bowel movements. And it can also make you uneasy about going out in public, if it’s a regular issue. Fortunately, diarrhoea medicine and natural treatments help most people feel better quickly.

What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is having 3 or more loose or watery bowel movements per day, or more often than usual.

It’s when your bowel movements (stools) increase in:

  • volume
  • wateriness
  • frequency.

This is not the same as frequently passing well-formed stools. The key difference is that stools are loose and/or watery.

The 3 clinical types of diarrhoea are:

  1. Acute watery diarrhoea (lasts several hours or days)
  2. Acute bloody diarrhoea (dysentery)
  3. Persistent or chronic diarrhoea (lasts 14 days or longer).

All types of diarrhoea indicate the body isn’t properly absorbing fluids. Essentially, it’s a sign that too much fluid remains inside the stool, for varying reasons.

What are the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea?

Signs and symptoms of diarrhoea can vary. The cause of diarrhoea impacts frequency and intensity, making each experience unique.

The most common diarrhoea symptoms are loose and watery stools, as well as an urgent need to go to the toilet. You may also experience:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • headache
  • bloating
  • flatulence
  • stomach ache
  • abdominal cramps
  • low appetite
  • weakness
  • dehydration.

Dehydration is a major concern in people with diarrhoeal episodes, especially children.

This is because the body loses large amounts of vital minerals and salts during diarrhoea. If they’re not replaced, life-threatening dehydration can develop.

Signs of dehydration to watch for:

  • Fatigue
  • Low urine output
  • Dry mouth
  • Sunken eyes
  • Poor coordination
  • Irritability
  • Excessive thirst or unable to drink properly
  • Pinched skin moves back very slowly.

In babies and young children, look for a dry tongue, crying without tears, having a dry diaper for 3 hours, and being more upset than usual.

What are the causes of diarrhoea?

There are many causes of diarrhoea. Some of them have a rapid onset and abate quickly, while others make diarrhoea a chronic problem. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of diarrhoea to ensure treatment is effective.

The most common causes of diarrhoea are as follows.

Short-Term Causes

Infections

  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Waterborne parasites
  • Food poisoning (bacterial infection)

Diet & Lifestyle

  • Sudden diet changes
  • Food allergies and intolerances, e.g. FODMAPs, gluten, lactose
  • Food ingredients, e.g. xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol
  • High acid diet, e.g. eating lots of processed and pre-packaged foods
  • Excess alcohol intake
  • High caffeine intake
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty foods
  • Stress
  • Medications

Long-Term Causes

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Coeliac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

There are also times when the cause of diarrhoea can’t be identified. Provided it passes within 2 days, there is usually nothing to worry about.

What are the best treatments for diarrhoea?

The most important treatments for diarrhoea involve rest and replacing fluids to prevent dehydration. You could use:

  • Electrolyte replacement drinks or tablets
  • Electrolyte-infused water
  • Coconut water
  • Fresh fruit juices
  • Clear soups and broths (preferably homemade)
  • Chamomile tea.

Diarrhoea medicines can also help control symptoms.

Over-the-counter medicines, like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol, may be used only if your diarrhoea is not bloody. But, it’s essential you discontinue these if your symptoms get worse or persist longer than 2 days.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics if your diarrhoeal episodes are caused by bacteria or pathogens. If this occurs, it’s best to follow up with a quality probiotic to support gut health.

Alternative medicines, like Naturopathy and Ayurveda, can help treat regular diarrhoea, as well as other digestive symptoms.

Avaana can help you find a trusted health expert in your area

How is diarrhoea diagnosed?

It’s important to visit a medical professional if you’re worried bowel changes. They’ll do the following to investigate whether a diagnosis of diarrhoea is appropriate for you.

  1. Case History. You will be asked about your current symptoms, health concerns and medical history.
  2. Medications. A complete list of the medications you’re using will be noted.
  3. Physical Exam. A basic checkup will be performed. This will probably include palpating your abdomen and taking your blood pressure.
  4. Testing. Blood tests or a stool test can check for bacteria, viruses, parasites and other diseases. If necessary, an endoscopy or colonoscopy may be ordered.
  5. Diet Changes. You may be asked to stop eating certain foods to see if your tummy troubles disappear. Common foods to avoid include gluten, dairy, spicy foods.

FAQs

What are the stages of diarrhoea?

  • Mild: When you have 3 diarrhoeal episodes in one day.
  • Moderate: Relates to having more than 3, but less than 10, diarrhoeal episodes in one day.
  • Severe: Defined as having 10 diarrhoeal episodes in a 24-hour period.

What is the difference between diarrhoea and diarrhea?

Nothing, they are exactly the same condition. To explain, diarrhoea is Australian spelling a the condition relating to loose bowel movements, whereas diarrhea (without the o) is an American spelling.

How long is too long for diarrhoea?

Diarrhoeal episodes are common and usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, if your loose bowels lasts longer than 2 days it’s important to see a health professional.