adminDr Tendai Zuze
Diarrhoea is loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Everyone will experience diarrhoea at some point and with the current rains there will inevitably be more cases. In most cases, diarrhoea lasts only a few days, if it lasts for weeks, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhoea may include: frequent, loose watery stools; abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, fever, bloating and sometimes blood in the stool.
If you’re an adult, you need to start worrying and possibly see your doctor if:
Your diarrhoea persists beyond 3 days
You become dehydrated — as evidenced by excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or light-headedness, or dark-coloured urine
You have abdominal or rectal pain
You have bloody or black stools
You have a temperature of more than 39º C
In children, diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration which is potentially fatal. You should get worried if a child:
Hasn’t had a wet nappy in three or more hours
Has a fever of more than 39º C
Has bloody or black stools
Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable
Has a sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes, cheeks or fontanel (nhova)
Has lost the elasticity of their skin
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Diarrhoea occurs when the food and fluids you ingest pass too quickly or in too large an amount through your intestines. A number of diseases and conditions can cause diarrhoea. Common causes of diarrhoea include:
Viruses that can cause diarrhoea include Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and viral hepatitis. Rotavirus is a common cause of acute childhood diarrhoea.
Bacteria and parasites. Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body; examples include salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli.
Medications. Many medications can cause diarrhoea. The most common are antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria, which can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines.
Lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Many people have difficulty digesting lactose and experience diarrhoea after eating dairy products.
Most cases of diarrhoea resolve within a couple of days without treatment. There are, however, drugs to stop diarrhoea but these are used only in some situations. Use an oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.
They’re also designed for easier digestion. Oral rehydration products are readily available in most pharmacies.
Begin giving fluids early in the course of an illness instead of waiting until the situation becomes urgent.
In an emergency situation where a pre-formulated solution is unavailable, you can make your own oral rehydration solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon salt, 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1 litre of safe drinking water. Be sure to measure accurately because incorrect amounts can make the solution less effective or even harmful. Whatever alternative you chose, be sure to give enough solution. Your doctor may suggest specific amounts, depending on your child’s age, weight and degree of dehydration, but a general rule of thumb is to keep giving liquids slowly until your child’s urine becomes clear in colour. When your child is vomiting, give small amounts of solution at frequent intervals — try a spoonful or so every few minutes. If your child can’t keep this down, wait 30 to 60 minutes and try again.
Room temperature fluids are best. Continue to breast-feed. Don’t stop breast-feeding when your baby is sick, but offer your baby an oral rehydration solution as well. If you give your baby formula, try switching to one that’s lactose-free until diarrhoea improves — lactose can be difficult to digest, making diarrhoea worse. Avoid foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fibre foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
Probiotic foods, such as yoghurt and cheese are generally safe to eat and may help.
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