Diarrhoea can be loose, watery stool that occurs three or more days a week. This can be very painful, especially for children and infants. If not treated immediately, it can cause dehydration. The doctor will order blood and stool tests to determine if it’s an infection. 

Diarrhoea can be caused by bacteria or viruses such as E coli and rotavirus, especially in countries with poorer water supplies. Parasites (especially Cryptosporidium and Shigella), hepatitis A and B, influenza, and colitis are also causes.

It is possible that some cases of diarrhoea may clear up by themselves. However, it is best to drink lots of fluids and avoid dairy products as they are hard to digest. As your symptoms improve, it is a good idea for you to gradually add low-fibre semisolid foods such as rice, bananas, toast, or soda crackers. Contact ClinicALL. You can take an antidiarrheal medication like loperamide (also known as Imodium) or bismuth-subsalicylate (also sold as Pepto-Bismol). However, you should consult your doctor first before taking any medication.

Keep track of other symptoms, such as a fever, nausea, rash, or weakness, and notify your healthcare provider when your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history, any medications that you take and what you ate recently. A physical examination will be performed, especially on infants and children.

It may be useful to keep any food containers or wrappers if you suspect that your diarrhoea was caused by a foodborne illness. This information will help authorities trace the origin of an outbreak.

Your doctor will examine the stools, perform a physical exam of your abdomen and back passage and may ask for a blood sample to check if you are dehydrated or have an electrolyte balance. They may also perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy depending on the cause.

Your doctor will help you control your symptoms if your diarrhoea has been caused by a short-term viral or bacterial infection. You will need to take care of your condition, and you may be referred to a gastroenterologist, if it is the symptom for a serious health issue, such as inflammatory colitis. Washing your hands often is important to avoid the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhoea. Washing your hands after changing nappies, using the toilet and before eating is all part of this. Use hand sanitizer. The best way to wash is with warm soapy water. Sanitise surfaces and kitchen equipment after touching raw meat or fish. Hand washing can reduce food poisoning risk by as much as 80%. Cleaning the cooking area after preparation and serving of food is important. Thawing frozen food in the fridge rather than room temperature will also help to reduce food poisoning.