What to do in case of diarrhoea?

Soothing the rebellious gut again

Estimated reading time: approx. 4 min.

Diarrhoea is quite unpleasant, especially if it occurs on the go. But most of the time, the diarrhoea disappears just as quickly as it came. You can read here how hygiene, rest and drinking can help you with diarrhoea.

 

The most important thing about diarrhoea in a nutshell

  • With diarrhoea, we have very soft or liquid bowel movements at least three times a day.
  • Diarrhoea is often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
  • Those who have diarrhoea lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes. If the balance is not restored, there is a risk of internal dehydration.
  • Careful hygiene, sufficient rest and plenty of drinking in case of diarrhoea promote well-being.
Woman With Diarrhoea Holding Belly

What is diarrhoea anyway?

Not every mushy or thin stool is the same as diarrhoea.
We speak of diarrhoea when:
  • we defecate at least three times a day
  • we have very soft or liquid bowel movements
  • the volume of stool is increased

Diarrhoea is often accompanied by abdominal pain and flatulence. As miserable as you feel, acute diarrhea often disappears quickly. But there is another way: In the case of severe or chronic diarrhoea, our body can dry out (dehydration) without appropriate treatment.

Triggers of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a non-specific symptom that occurs in connection with many different diseases and functional disorders. Depending on the cause, the stool can take on a conspicuous color or be bloody. Common causes of acute diarrhea include:

  • Infections with viruses or bacteria
  • Infestation of fungi or parasites
  • Food intolerances
  • Intestinal diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease)
  • Food poisoning
  • Inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis)
  • Systemic diseases (e.g. hyperthyroidism)
  • Taking medication (e.g. antibiotics)
  • Functional disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome)

What is the body lacking in diarrhoea?

Those who have diarrhoea lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes. More precisely, salts and water. The large intestine no longer absorbs mineral salts from food and no longer removes water from the stool. Then it is important to make up for this loss quickly. Otherwise, the body can literally dry out.

Diarrhoea diseases in babies and toddlers

In infants and young children, diarrhoea can quickly become dangerous. The high fluid loss can lead to clouding of consciousness or shocks. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor in any case when treating infants and young children. Encourage your child to drink as much as possible. Unsweetened chamomile or fennel tea are suitable for this. ORALPÄDON® can also be used for diarrhoea. Babies and toddlers can take one sachet of ORALPÄDON® drinking solution three to five times throughout the day.

Packshot Oralpädon®

ORALPÄDON®: Help with diarrhoea

  • Suitable for infants and toddlers

  • To compensate for salt and water losses in diarrhoea

  • Convenient powder for making a drinking solution

  • Available in 3 flavours: Neutral, Strawberry and Apple/Banana

  • ORAL PAEDON® contains glucose and electrolytes

Man Drinking Tea With Diarrhoea Disease

Help with diarrhoea: This promises relief

Diarrhoea can often be treated by a bland diet and a fluid balance. If these measures are not sufficient, various home remedies and electrolyte solutions can help. Read more about the right help for diarrhoea.

Drink plenty of fluids in case of diarrhoea

The top priority is to drink plenty of fluids. In case of diarrhoea, it is best to drink still water or even a diluted broth. This is particularly rich in minerals.

 

Suitable foods for diarrhoea

Rice, bananas, apples or rusks work wonders for diarrhoea. These foods are particularly rich in electrolytes and contain a lot of pectin. This binds water, which is retained in the body, so that the stool solidifies.

 

Thorough hygiene

In the case of diarrhoea, thorough hygiene is important to stop the further spread of pathogens. There is no way around regular and careful hand washing. Hygiene is also very important in the kitchen so that bacteria do not form.

 

ELOTRANS® for diarrhoea

In addition to water, the body also loses electrolytes during diarrhoea. This means that salt must also be replenished. This is where electrolyte solutions can help. The Elotrans® Powder compensates for salt and water losses caused by diarrhoea.

Packshot Elotrans® Pulver

Elotrans® Powder: electrolytes for diarrhoea

  • To compensate for salt and water losses in diarrhoea

  • Convenient powder for making a drinking solution

  • The Elotrans® powder contains glucose, potassium and sodium

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In case of doubt in case of diarrhoea, see a doctor

Sometimes, however, a serious illness is hidden behind the complaints, which makes a visit to the doctor necessary. If diarrhoea lasts more than three to four days, if there is blood in the stool, if there is a high fever, chills, severe convulsions or severe malaise, a doctor should be consulted. If toddlers have diarrhoea, a visit to the doctor can be useful after just 24 hours.