Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the condition of having frequent loose or liquid stools. It is usually a symptom rather than a disease, caused by infections of the gut by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, or by dietary factors, medications, or chronic conditions. Acute diarrhoea lasts a few days to a week and most cases resolve without specific treatment. Chronic diarrhoea persists for more than four weeks and may indicate an underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.

Symptoms typically include increased stool frequency, loose stools, abdominal cramps, and urgency. Dehydration is a common complication, particularly in infants, young children, and older adults, and may cause dry mouth, reduced urine, dizziness, or fainting.

Diagnosis relies on history and examination and may include stool testing, blood tests, and imaging to identify infection, inflammation, or malabsorption when symptoms persist.

Treatment focuses on preventing and treating dehydration with oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids in severe cases. Dietary management usually involves regular meals and continued feeding for children; zinc supplementation is often recommended for children. Probiotics may help in some cases. Antibiotics are used only for specific bacterial infections or severe illness, as they are not helpful for most viral diarrhoeas and may cause harm in others.

Prevention centers on hand hygiene, safe drinking water, proper food handling, sanitation, and vaccination against preventable pathogens such as rotavirus where recommended.