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Diarrhoea is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhoea can be a sign of other problems. Diarrhoea is characterised by loose, water faeces occurring more than three times a day. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Diarrhoea is usually caused by a gastointestinal infection. Diarrhoea may have many different causes including a change in diet, food intolerance (e.g. lactose), inflammatory bowel disorder, medications (e.g. antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids), a bacterial infection (food poisoning) or a viral infection (e.g. rotavirus in children). Diarrhoea may also be caused by diet, for example, too much fruit or fruit juice. People with diarrhoea, especially the very young and the very elderly, are at risk of becoming rapidly dehydrated. |
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Seek medical advice if:You should seek medical advice if:
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Treatment:
If you are hungry, eat a little. There is no need to ‘rest the stomach’, but try bland foods initially, especially carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, biscuits, bread or potato. Avoid too much dairy food, alcohol, fatty or spicy food while recovering. |
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