DIARRHOEA

Warning signs
Blood in the motions.
Pus in the motions.
Inability to drink liquids because of vomiting.
Dehydration - symptoms include:
Excreting small amounts of dark urine, drowsiness,
dry mucous membranes and thirst.
Dehydration as a result of diarrhoea is risk for young
children and the elderly.
Acute diarrhoea in infants.
Acute diarrhoea in very old people.

What can be done?

In cases of acute diarrhoea it would be wise
to drink more fluids (3-4 litres a day),
preferably containing sugar and salts.
Eat something containing salt, such as crisps
or soup.
Maintain good standards of hygiene.
Eat normally as soon as appetite returns but
if have suffered an acute attack of diarrhoea,
avoid foods containing milk for a couple of
days.

When should the doctor be consulted?

When one of the warning signs outlined
above is present.
When the diarrhoea has occurred during or
following a trip abroad - TRAVELLERS' DIARRHOEA.
When the diarrhoea has lasted more than
one to two weeks.

How is diarrhoea treated?

Diarrhoea can usually be treated safely 'at
home' and normally goes away by itself
within a week.
Treatment with antibiotics is therefore rarely
needed, and may cause side effects, such as
chronic diarrhoea.
Antidiarrhoeal agents, such as loperamide
may be used, except in cases where there is
blood or pus in the motions or if the diarrhoea
is accompanied by high fever.

During visits abroad, boil all drinking water, or

drink water from sealed bottles only.
In addition, only eat vegetables that have
been boiled or peeled and avoid ice-cream
and salads (which may have been washed
with unclean water).