Diarrhoea - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Diarrhoea

DESCRIPTION: The frequent and excessive discharge of watery fluid fromthe bowel. Diarrhoea is really a symptom of disease rather than adisease itself.

CAUSE: Common causes include eating or drinking to excess, allergies tocertain foods or medications, side effect of antibiotics (alter thebalance of bacteria normally found in the gut), emotional stress orexcitement, food poisoning and a viral infection (gastroenteritis).More serious causes include a vast range of diseases such as bacterialdysentery, thyroid disorders, diabetes, bowel tumours, diverticulitis,ulcerative colitis and poisons.

SYMPTOMS: Frequent loose bowel motions, often associated with abdominalpains, nausea and vomiting.

INVESTIGATIONS: Faeces may be examined to determine cause, along withblood tests and sometimes colonoscopy and x-rays.

TREATMENT: Determine and treat the cause if possible. Mild attacks dealtwith by diet and fluids, more serious ones require medication to slowthe flow, and severe attacks may need fluids to be replaced by anintravenous drip.

COMPLICATIONS: Dehydration is the main problem, and the risk is muchgreater in children under five years of age.

PROGNOSIS: Depends on cause, but bowels can usually be controlled bycorrect treatment.