Diarrhoea

Loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual.

Diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus, or sometimes, contaminated food. Less frequently, it can be a sign of another disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

COMMON CAUSES

Diarrhoea can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include a liquid diet, food intolerance, stress, anxiety or use of laxatives.

For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.

Types of diarrhoea

There are three clinical types of diarrhoea: acute watery diarrhoea - lasts several hours or days, and includes cholera; acute bloody diarrhoea - also called dysentery; and. persistent diarrhoea - lasts 14 days or longer.

Prevention 

Interventions to prevent diarrhoea, including safe drinking-water, use of improved sanitation and hand washing with soap can reduce disease risk. Diarrhoea should be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS), a solution of clean water, sugar and salt.