Symptoms:
- Frequent loose or watery bowel movements
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Nausea
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
Description:
- Diarrhoea is a common condition characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. It can be acute (lasting a few days) or chronic (lasting weeks to months).
Treatment:
- Fluid replacement: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration.
- Dietary adjustments: Avoid spicy, fatty, and high-fiber foods until symptoms improve. Stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).
- Over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrhoeal medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce diarrhea symptoms. However, these should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially in cases of bacterial or parasitic infections.
- Antibiotics: If diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Probiotics: These can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and alleviate symptoms, especially in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover and conserve energy.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if diarrhoea persists for more than a couple of days, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or fever, or if there are signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness.