Diarrhoea Definition Cause Symptoms Types Treatment And Prevention

Definition:

Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. Diarrhea is most commonly due to viral gastroenteritis with rotavirus. Diarrhoeal disease is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world.

Cause Of Diarrhea:

•  Viruses:

Norovirus is the most common cause of viral diarrhea in adults and  rotavirus is the most common cause in children under five years old.

•  Bacteria:

The bacterium Campylobacter is a common cause of bacterial diarrhea, but infections by Salmonellae, Shigellae and some strains of Escherichia coli (E.coli).

• Parasites:

Parasites do not often cause diarrhoea except for the protozoan Giardia, which can cause chronic infections.

• Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidismor Addison's disease.
• Malnutrition
• Poor personal hygiene
•  Unhygienic  Food
•  Fish and seafood from polluted water
• Some hormones (e.g., serotonin) can cause diarrhea if excreted in excess (usually from a tumor).

Symptoms Of Diarrhoea:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• An urge to go to the toilet, sometimes this may be sudden
• Vomiting or Nausea
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Loose, watery stools
• Thirst
• Restless or irritable behaviour
• Decreased skin elasticity
• Sunken eyes
• Shock
• Lack of urine output,
• Rapid and feeble pulse
• Low or undetectable blood pressure,
• Pale skin.

Types Of  Diarrhoea:

• Acute watery diarrhoea – lasts several hours or days, and includes cholera;
• Acute bloody diarrhoea – also called dysentery; and
• Persistent diarrhoea – lasts 14 days or longer.

Treatment:

Dehydration:

 With intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock and  oral dehydration salts (ORS) solution for moderate dehydration. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt and sugar, which can be prepared safely at home.ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces.

Zinc supplements:

 Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25% and are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume.

Nutrient-rich foods:

 The circle of malnutrition and diarrhoea can be broken by continuing to give nutrient-rich foods – including exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of children.

Medication:

Such medicines as loperamide may slow down bowel movements and may also increase the gut's water absorption. Do not give anti-diarrhea medications to children without checking first with a doctor. Do not take anti-diarrhea medications if there is blood in the stools or a fever.Antibiotics are beneficial in certain types of acute diarrhea, they are usually not used except in specific situations.

Prevention Of Diarrhoea:

• Access to safe drinking-water.
• Iimproved sanitation.
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
• Good personal and food hygiene.
• Health education about how infections spread.
• Rotavirus vaccination.