Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of 3 or more loose or liquid

stools more frequently than is normal for the individual.
It is primarily a symptom of gastrointestinal infection.
Depending on the type of infection, the diarrhea may be
watery (for example in cholera) or passed with blood
(in dysentery for example).

Diarrhea due to infection may last a few days, or

several weeks, as in persistent diarrhea. Severe diarrhea
may be life threatening due to fluid loss in watery
diarrhea, particularly in infants and young children, the
undernourished and people with impaired immunity.

The impact of repeated or persistent diarrhea on nutrition and the effect of

malnutrition on susceptibility to infectious diarrhea can be linked in a vicious cycle
amongst children.

Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking water, or from

person to person as a result of poor hygiene.

Causes of Diarrhea:
This happens when:
• Feces are disposed of unsafely.
• Poor hygienic practices are adopted.
• Contaminated drinking water is
consumed.
• Infants are not breastfed.

Severe diarrhea leads to fluid loss and

may be life threatening, particularly for
young children (under five years), people
who are malnourished or those with
impaired immunity.
Signs and Symptoms
• Passage of watery stools at least 3x a day
• Excessive thirst
• Sunken eyeballs and fontanel

Immediate Treatment
• Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL), rice
soup (am) to replace lost body fluid.
• Continue feeding.

Protect Yourself
99 Drink water only from safe sources. If
unsure, boil water for 2 to 3 minutes or
do other water treatment options such as
using chlorine (seeking guidance from a
health personnel).
99 Eat only foods that are well cooked and
properly prepared.
99 Avoid eating “street vended food”.
99 Keep the food away from insects and rats
by covering them.
99 Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
with clean water before eating or cooking.
99 Use toilet when defecating.
99 Wash your hands with soap after using
the toilet, before preparing food or eating,
and before feeding a child.

If diarrhea doesn’t stop, go the nearest health center, clinic or hospital

and consult a doctor.
REFERENCES:
WHO Fact Sheet – www.searo.who.int
Department of Health – Health Advisory, www.doh.gov.ph
Key Health Messages for Emergencies and Disasters 2nd Ed, Department of Health 2013