Diarrhoea Causes and Prevention
There are a number of different things that can cause diarrhoea, and it is important to be aware of what these are so that you can try to avoid them.
Some of the most common causes include:
Food poisoning
This can occur if you eat food that has been contaminated with bacteria or other toxins. It is often the result of eating undercooked or spoiled food.
Infections
Diarrhoea can sometimes be caused by infections such as norovirus, Salmonella or E. coli. These are usually caught from contact with contaminated surfaces or food, or from contact with someone who is already infected.
Medications
Some medications can cause diarrhoea as a side effect, including antibiotics, laxatives and certain painkillers.
Medical conditions
Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome,Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
If you are experiencing diarrhoea, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. These include:
– Drinking plenty of fluids: It is important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhoea, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids such as water, clear soup or diluted fruit juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can worsen dehydration.
– Eating small, frequent meals: Large meals can trigger diarrhoea, so stick to small, frequent meals instead. Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas and toast.
– Avoiding dairy and high-fiber foods: Dairy products and high-fiber foods can make diarrhoea worse, so it is best to avoid them while you are experiencing symptoms.
– Taking probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. This can help to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea.
– Taking antidiarrhoeal medication: If your symptoms are severe, you may want to take medication such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate to help slow down your bowel movements and reduce the frequency of diarrhoea. However, these medications should only be used for a short period of time as they can cause constipation if used for too long.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe diarrhoea, it is important to see a doctor so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated. In some cases, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which can be serious. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help and contact True Medical if you experience any of the following symptoms:
– Diarrhoea that lasts for more than three days
– Blood in your stool
– Severe abdominal pain
– Fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher
– Signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry mouth or dizziness.
Diarrhoea can be unpleasant and inconvenient, but it is usually not serious. By knowing the possible causes and taking steps to prevent them, you can help to reduce your risk of developing diarrhoea. If you do experience symptoms, there are a number of things you can do to ease your discomfort and prevent the condition from getting worse. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated.