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Diarrhoea
Medical Questions » Diarrhoea
| Name: Diarrhoea |
| Also known as: |
| The frequent and excessive discharge of watery fluid from the bowel. Diarrhea is really a symptom of disease rather than a disease itself. |
Causes of Diarrhoea
Common causes include eating or drinking to excess, allergies to certain foods or medications, side effect of antibiotics (alter the balance of bacteria normally found in the gut), emotional stress or excitement, food poisoning and a viral infection (gastroenteritis). More serious causes include a vast range of diseases such as bacterial dysentery, thyroid disorders, diabetes, bowel tumors, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and poisons. |
Symptoms of Diarrhoea
Frequent loose bowel motions, often associated with abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting. |
Tests for Diarrhoea
Faeces may be examined to determine cause, along with blood tests and sometimes colonoscopy and X-rays. |
Treatment for Diarrhoea
Determine and treat the cause if possible. Mild attacks dealt with by diet and fluids, more serious ones require medication to slow the flow, and severe attacks may need fluids to be replaced by an intravenous drip.
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Complications of Diarrhoea of its treatment
Dehydration is the main problem, and the risk is much greater in children under five years of age. |
Likely Outcome of Diarrhoea
Depends on cause, but bowels can usually be controlled by correct treatment. |
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