Diarrhoea, defined as loose or watery stools occurring more frequently than usual, is a common health issue that can range from mild to severe. While often temporary, it may signal an underlying condition if persistent.

Causes of Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can result from infections, dietary issues, or chronic health conditions. Understanding the cause is essential for proper treatment.

Infectious Causes

• Viral Infections: Such as rotavirus or norovirus, commonly causing acute diarrhoea.
• Bacterial Infections: From contaminated food or water, such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter.
• Parasitic Infections: Giardia and other parasites can lead to prolonged diarrhoea, particularly in travelers.

Dietary and Lifestyle Causes

• Food Intolerances: Lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity can cause diarrhoea after consuming trigger foods.
• Food Poisoning: Caused by consuming spoiled or contaminated food.
• Excessive Caffeine or Alcohol: Can irritate the digestive system, leading to loose stools.

Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Can cause alternating diarrhoea and constipation with cramping and bloating.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus.
• Celiac Disease: Autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and leads to diarrhoea.

Medication and Treatment-Related Causes

• Antibiotics: Can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to diarrhoea.
• Chemotherapy: Often causes diarrhoea as a side effect.
• Laxative Overuse: Can lead to chronic diarrhoea.

Other Causes

• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional distress can trigger diarrhoea.
• Hormonal Changes: Such as those during menstruation or pregnancy.

Diagnosing Diarrhoea

Diagnosing the underlying cause of diarrhoea involves assessing symptoms, medical history, and conducting tests if necessary.

Medical History
Your healthcare provider may ask about:

• Duration: Acute (less than 2 weeks), persistent (2–4 weeks), or chronic (over 4 weeks).
• Recent travel, dietary changes, or exposure to contaminated food or water.
• Accompanying symptoms, such as fever, abdominal pain, or blood in stools.
• Current medications or supplements.

Physical Examination
The doctor may:

• Check for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or low blood pressure.
• Palpate the abdomen for tenderness or bloating.

Diagnostic Tests
Tests may include:

• Stool Analysis: To detect infections, parasites, or blood.
• Blood Tests: To identify inflammation, anemia, or other abnormalities.
• Colonoscopy or Endoscopy: To investigate chronic diarrhoea linked to IBD or other structural issues.
• Hydrogen Breath Test: To diagnose lactose intolerance.

What Diarrhoea Could Be a Symptom Of

Diarrhoea can signal a wide range of conditions, from temporary irritations to serious illnesses.

Mild Conditions

• Food Poisoning: Often resolves within a few days with hydration and rest.
• Viral Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as the stomach flu, usually self-limiting.

Moderate Conditions

• IBS: Chronic but manageable with dietary changes and stress management.
• Celiac Disease: Requires strict avoidance of gluten to control symptoms.

Serious Conditions

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Can lead to severe complications like intestinal damage.
• Colon Cancer: Chronic diarrhoea may be an early warning sign, particularly if accompanied by weight loss or blood in stools.
• Severe Dehydration: Prolonged diarrhoea, especially in children or the elderly, can lead to life-threatening dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days in adults or 24 hours in children.
• Severe dehydration symptoms, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine.
• Blood or pus in stools, or black, tarry stools.
• High fever, severe abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss.

Preventing Diarrhoea

You can reduce the risk of diarrhoea by:

• Practicing good hand hygiene, especially after using the bathroom or before eating.
• Avoiding contaminated food and water, especially when traveling.
• Cooking food thoroughly and storing it properly.

Most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own with hydration and rest. However, chronic or severe diarrhoea warrants medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Book a consultation today for tailored advice and treatment.