Diarrhea

Diarrhoea is a condition characterised by frequent and liquid elimination of stools. It can be caused by various reasons, including:

• Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections: Pathogens such as rotavirus, norovirus, Salmonella, E. coli and Giardia can cause diarrhoea.
• Food intolerances: Consumption of foods or drinks to which a person is intolerant, such as lactose or gluten, can cause diarrhoea.
• Eating contaminated food or water: Eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites can lead to diarrhoea.
• Reactions to medicines: Some medicines, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhoea as a side effect.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: Diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause persistent diarrhoea.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can affect the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhoea.

In general, diarrhoea is a reaction of the body to an infection or irritation of the digestive tract and is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes fever. In most cases, diarrhoea goes away on its own within a few days. However, if it persists or is severe, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

It is particularly important to prevent dehydration by drinking adequate fluids such as water, soups or isotonic drinks.