What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is a change in the volume and consistency of stool. It is associated with an increase in the number of daily ejections.
Is there more than one type of diarrhea?
Diarrhoea can be classified in different ways. It can be classified according to its mechanism (such as inflammatory diarrhoea, which accompanies inflammation of the intestinal mucosa) and can be categorised as acute or chronic, according to the time of evolution.
What differentiates acute diarrhoea from chronic diarrhoea?
Acute diarrhoea lasts less than two weeks and is a very common condition and is more easily treated. Chronic diarrhoea occurs for more than four weeks and can have a variety of causes.
How are cases of diarrhoea diagnosed?
The diagnosis of diarrhoea is based on the patient's medical history and the frequency of complementary diagnostic tests, such as:
- blood and stool tests
- Imaging tests
- endoscopic examinations, such as colonoscopy
The medical evaluation and the selection of complementary diagnostic tests to be carried out should always be individualized, taking into account:
- the duration/persistence of diarrhoea
- the presence of abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, or other warning signs
- the patient's clinical context, such as age or other associated diseases
What causes acute diarrhoea?
The causes of acute diarrhoea are variable, and it is essential to find other data, such as the history of recent travel, ingestion of potentially contaminated food and contact with individuals with similar symptoms. Common causes of acute diarrhoea are:
- food poisoning – from ingestion of contaminated food or water
- acute gastroenteritis – usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or protozoa
- antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (during or after antibiotic treatment)
- Excess alcohol intake
- abuse in the consumption of some foods (such as excessive consumption of fiber in the diet) and supplements/medications with a laxative effect (such as sugar substitutes and various medications used in weight management regimens)
What causes chronic diarrhoea?
Chronic diarrhoea can be caused by a number of things:
- irritable bowel syndrome, often referred to as "spastic colitis" or "nervous colitis"
- lactose intolerance
- coeliac disease
- inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Colorectal cancer
- chronic pancreatitis
- hormonal changes – diabetes or increased functioning of the thyroid gland
- some gastric and gallbladder operations
- Adverse drug effects
- Excessive consumption of foods and beverages with artificial sweeteners
In what situations should I see a doctor?
In most cases, diarrhea does not cause serious problems, but resolves within a few days. However, you should call SNS 24 – 808 24 24 24 – if you have:
- prolonged diarrhoea (lasting more than two weeks)
- severe pain in the abdomen
- fever above 39ºC
- blood in the stool
- signs of dehydration (thirst, dry mouth, little or no urine, weakness, headaches, or dark urine)
- slimming
Can diarrhoea be contagious?
yes. Diarrhoea can be contagious when it is infectious in origin.
If I travel abroad, am I at risk of diarrhoea?
yes. People moving abroad may have episodes of diarrhoea, which is called traveller's diarrhoea. This is usually caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites.
What is the treatment for diarrhoea?
Treatment will depend on its causes, but during diarrhea it is important to:
- Avoid dehydration – pay attention to hydration in the hottest months of the year, in the elderly population and in the chronically ill
- If necessary, electrolyte solutions can be used to correct any ion deficits. This evaluation and prescription should always be guided by a physician
- eating bananas in order to compensate for potassium losses
- Avoid some foods such as excess milk, fats and fiber
- redouble hygiene precautions, such as hand washing, in cases of infectious diarrhoea in order to avoid transmitting it to others
- Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if you have a severe infection
Is it possible to prevent the onset of diarrhoea?
yes. The main preventive measures are:
- hygiene precautions, such as frequent hand washing, particularly before meals and after contact with children or adults with symptoms of gastroenteritis
- Proper washing and cooking of food
Before traveling to a tropical or underdeveloped country (e.g. Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Haiti, etc.) it is important to carry out a the traveler's consultation, to know the preventive measures of infectious diseases.
What should I eat and drink when I have diarrhea?
The recommended diet depends on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical situation. In general, the following should be avoided:
- Foods rich in fibre (such as vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes and processed cereals)
- Fats
- milk and dairy products (yoghurts, cheeses, etc.)
- foods high in simple sugars (such as pastries) and sugary drinks.
Can diarrhoea in children be dangerous?
yes. Acute diarrhoea can have serious consequences on the newborn and child, and severe dehydration can occur after 1 or 2 days of diarrhoea, so in these cases, special attention should be paid to rehydration measures. The child should be observed urgently by the doctor if it is found:
- blood or pus mixed in the stool
- severe abdominal pain
- high fever or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and tongue
- absence of tears when crying
- sunken eyes or depressed fontanelle
- irritability