What is Diarrhoea?

Most of us will have felt the urge to rush to the toilet to relieve ourselves. Passing a bowel movement (aka ‘doing a poo’) is very normal, and will often vary in consistency (from hard to soft stools). However when you pass a loose, watery stool and your bowel movements increase to several times in a day, this is called ‘diarrhoea’ (or diarrhea)*. It can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but is very common. Diarrhoea can happen for a variety of reasons, and often comes out of nowhere. However, it usually only lasts a few days – and in most cases, will clear up on its own*. However severe diarrhoea can cause serious complications, and if it doesn’t go away, may be a sign of other health problems at play.

What causes diarrhoea?

Have you ever heard that saying ‘it’s better out than in’? Diarrhoea is caused when there is insufficient water absorption from your bowels or if extra fluid leaks into the bowels – creating watery stools. It’s your body’s way of expelling viruses, bacteria, or toxins from the digestive tract. So it is your body’s way of deciding, literally, that it is better out than in. In most cases, diarrhoea will occur short-term and go away in around 1-3 days without any intervention>. Diarrhoea can occur for a variety of reasons including:

Short-term or acute diarrhoea:

Short-term or acute diarrhoea:

• Food poisoning

• Stress or anxiety

• Viral or bacterial infection

• As a result of alcohol consumption

• After drinking coffee

• A food allergy

• Contaminated food or water (common when travelling in a foreign country)

• Appendicitis

• Gastroenteritis

• As a side effect of some medicines (e.g. antibiotics, antacids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants)

• Laxatives (normally used to help people experiencing constipation empty their bowels, and should be used under the guidance of a health professional)

• Medications (e.g. antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, and arthritis)

Chronic diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea (lasting longer than 4 weeks):

• Lactose intolerance

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Coeliac Disease

• Crohn’s Disease

• Hormone disorders (e.g. diabetes or hyperthyroidism)

• Malabsorption of food (poor absorption)

• Cancer

• And other inflammatory bowel conditions

Normally diarrhoea is a temporary issue and nothing to worry about – however for some people it can become an ongoing problem. If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhoea (lasting an extended period), or you are experiencing other bowel symptoms alongside it, it is important that you speak with your GP.

Is diarrhoea be easily spread?

Viruses are easily spread, and in most cases, acute diarrhoea is potentially infectious to others. It can be easily passed on through direct contact with a contaminated object, surface, or airborne particles1. If someone in your household has diarrhoea, the best way to help reduce the risk of getting infected or passing a virus along is to practice good hand hygiene, clean surfaces down with disinfectant, immediately wash any contaminated bedding or clothes, and avoid contact with others.

Types of diarrhoea

Not all diarrhea is the same. It can range in severity from slightly watery faeces with slight discomfort to longer-term, extremely watery faeces accompanied with severe abdominal pain. Many people will also have a frequent, urgent need to go to the toilet. Diarrhoea can be classified as>:

Acute diarrhoea

is the most common type of diarrhoea. It lasts around 1-2 days and will go away of its own accord, without any treatment.

Persistent diarrhoea

hangs around a little longer, generally persisting for two to four weeks.

Chronic diarrhoea

lasts longer than four weeks, or recurs regularly and over an extended period of time. It can be a sign of underlying illness, and is important you speak to your GP about this.

Symptoms related to diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can occur in isolation (with no other symptoms) however there’s often a number of common symptoms that may occur in conjunction with it. It’s important to be aware of your symptoms as severe or chronic diarrhoea can lead to more serious health complications.

Short-term diarrhoea

Short-term diarrhoea may result in:

• Urgent need to go to the toilet

• Stomach cramps

• Bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or upset tummy

• Lack of energy or tiredness

• Headache

Severe diarrhoea

Severe diarrhoea may result in:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Dehydration

• Severe pain

• Blood or mucus in the stool

• Pain around the anus

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, see your Doctor. In babies and the elderly, diarrhoea-related dehydration can be particularly dangerous and should be treated immediately.

How to treat diarrhoea

Most cases of mild or short-term diarrhoea will resolve quickly and be treated at home with some simple coping measures, such as:

• Hydrate to replenish fluids lost through diarrhoea. Aiming for 1.5L (or 6-8 cups) of water daily is recommended to help keep the body hydrated

• Eat bland, nourishing ‘safe’ foods such as soup, broth, and salty crackers. Slowly add in rice and bread

• OTC (over-the-counter) medications may help treat diarrhoea, such as Immodium (loperamide) or Buscopan for cramps, if needed. Speak to your pharmacist about what may be right for you.

• OTC rehydration or electrolyte drinks and products (such as icy poles) are available at pharmacy that provide the correct formulation of water, sugar and salt your body needs.

• Avoid sports and energy drinks as a rehydration option as they often have a high sugar content that can counteract hydrating you.

• An electrolyte icy pole may be useful for diarrhoea in babies and young children , however for very young children, it’s recommended you visit a doctor to avoid dehydration

• Have a warm shower or bath

• Apply petroleum jelly or haemorrhoid cream to your anus to ease any burning or discomfort

Some lifestyle and dietary adjustments that may also help might include:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks

• Avoid trigger foods such as those containing caffeine, sugar, fried and spicy food, diary products and artificial sweeteners

• Limit fatty, sweet, spicy or processed foods

• Increase starchy food intake (e.g. potato, banana, rice, bread)

• Take probiotics

• Practice good hand hygiene and always wash hands with soap and warm water thoroughly before eating or handling food

When to seek help

Diarrhoea is unpleasant but unavoidable at times. In most cases it shouldn’t be any cause for concern and can be self-managed at home. However if your diarrhoea is severe, accompanied with other worrying symptoms or doesn’t resolve, you should see your doctor so it can be investigated.

Our pharmacists are here to support you in managing your health. We have a range of products to assist with diarrhoea. Simply speak with one of our pharmacists about your symptoms, and we’ll suggest suitable products and medications tailored to your needs.

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.

Resources:

*:https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea
#:https://share.upmc.com/2015/05/causes-of-diarrhea/
^:https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-diarrhoea
>:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
1:https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diarrhoea