When do we talk about diarrhoea?
We talk about diarrhoea when there are watery, loose and unformed stools at least three times in a day. It is often accompanied by crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever. The body loses fluid and minerals and nutrients are not absorbed.
How do we differentiate between acute and chronic diarrhoea?
Depending on how long the diarrhoea has persisted, a distinction is made between acute and chronic diarrhoea. Acute diarrhoea lasts for less than 2 weeks and is usually caused by an infection, but if the diarrhoea lasts longer than this, it is chronic diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoeal symptoms can have a number of different causes.
What can cause diarrhoea?
Acute diarrhoea lasting a few days is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. But even a course of antibiotics can easily cause diarrhoea due to an imbalance in the gut flora, especially if you are not taking a probiotic. Few people know that diarrhoea can also occur as a side effect of other medicines, such as certain beta-blockers and painkillers. Diarrhoea can also occur as a result of a digestive disorder, such as a malabsorption or food allergy. Chronic diarrhoea may be due to inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or even malignant lesions in the colon, but it may also be due to hormonal causes, such as hyperthyroidism. Therefore, chronic diarrhoea should always be thoroughly investigated. It is also not uncommon for diarrhoea to be caused simply by stress.
How to treat diarrhoea?
Replenish lost fluids and minerals
In the case of diarrhoea, the most important thing is to replenish lost fluids and minerals to prevent dehydration, to which children and the elderly are particularly susceptible. For this purpose, over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions are most suitable, as they contain sugar and minerals in the appropriate ratios. However, in a pinch, cold apple juice and pretzels will suffice; the most important thing is to get both sugar and salt into the system.
If possible, use a medicine that does not inhibit the elimination of pathogens
In cases of diarrhoea, it's important for the substances causing the diarrhea—and in the case of bacterial infections, the toxins produced by the bacteria—to leave the body as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is best to choose a medicine that does not "hold" the stool, i.e. does not act by slowing down the bowel movements, but by other means. An example of this is RACIBUM® 100 mg hard capsule, which is recommended for treating the acute symptoms of diarrhea in adults. It reduces excessive fluid and salt secretion but does not slow down bowel function.
Let's take probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial and capable of settling and proliferating in the human body, including the digestive system. In almost all cases of diarrhea—especially those of infectious origin—the balance of gut flora is disrupted. Restoring this balance can be facilitated by taking probiotics. However, for probiotics to be able to settle in the colon, prebiotics, or fibers, are also needed, as they serve as nourishment for the probiotic strains.
Diet if necessary
Contrary to old-fashioned beliefs, it's not always necessary to follow a strict diet, as it could further weaken the body. However, it's definitely worth avoiding dairy products for a few days.
When should you see a doctor?
If the symptoms do not subside despite home treatment, and the diarrhoea lasts for more than 7 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
However, it is crucial to consult a doctor urgently in cases where there is blood in the stool, if the stool is tar-black and has a tarry consistency, in case of severe abdominal pain or persistent high fever, or if there is a risk of dehydration and difficulties in rehydrating. Signs of dehydration can include scant urine, low blood pressure, and a high pulse rate.