If your digestive system becomes irritated and goes into overdrive, then this can lead to water and nutrients moving too quickly through the intestines. The result? Watery, loose stools that we know as diarrhoea.
It’s not only unpleasant, but diarrhoea can be uncomfortable too, especially if you also suffer from gas-related symptoms such as bloating, cramps and wind.
The most common cause of acute or sudden diarrhoea is infection of the digestive system. Gut infections (gastroenteritis) can involve viruses, bacteria or parasites. There are other causes of short-term diarrhoea that are not infectious like changes in diet, food intolerances, stress and side effects from certain medications.
Whatever the cause of diarrhoea, you want to relieve the symptoms so that you can get back to your day with as little interruption as possible.
Symptoms of acute gastro can develop quickly but usually resolve in a couple of days. Diarrhoea that persists for longer than 4 weeks can indicate an underlying medical condition so it is important to speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
It’s very important to rehydrate if you have diarrhoea. If you find it difficult to keep liquids down, or if your diarrhoea persists, see a healthcare professional. Dehydration can quickly become an issue especially with young children so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
As water is lost from the body through diarrhoea, there is a risk of becoming dehydrated. This can happen quickly, especially in babies, young children and the elderly. Rehydration should be a priority for anyone who has diarrhoea.
Rehydrate Now!
Drinking water is top priority – to replace fluids, or prevent dehydration, a specially formulated oral rehydration solution is recommended.
It’s very important to rehydrate if you have diarrhoea. If you find it difficult to keep liquids down, or if your diarrhoea persists, see a healthcare professional. Dehydration can quickly become an issue especially with young children so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
If you have diarrhoea, you need to rehydrate. That’s because water and electrolytes are lost through diarrhoea.
Drinking water is top priority – to replace fluids, or prevent dehydration, a specially formulated oral rehydration solution is recommended.
Try to avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee or tea as they may increase bowel movements.
Some people think that they should avoid solid food when they have diarrhoea, but this is not always necessary. If you want to eat, it is best to avoid large, fatty, spicy or heavy meals as they can make diarrhoea worse. Try to have small light meals and stick to starchy foods such as banana, rice and bread.
If you find it difficult to keep liquids down, or if your diarrhoea persists, see a healthcare professional. Dehydration can quickly become an issue especially with young children so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
