Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea — loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day — 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 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.

Follow the links below to find information about diarrhoea.

Reviewed September 2011

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Related HealthInsite Topics

Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Diarrhoea

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to summaries of systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for diarrhoea.

17 Resources Found

Results 1 to 17 displayed.

Title:   Bowel motions
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Faeces, also known as poo or bowel motions, can be affected by many illnesses. Blood, mucus or other changes in bowel motions should be reported to your doctor straight away. Babies' poo can be affected by the foods they eat.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Travelling with children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Travelling with children is challenging, but a bit of forethought can help reduce parental stress. In many cases, keeping your holiday simple will reduce the number of problems. If travelling by plane, ask for bulkhead seats or seats near an exit to give your child a safe spot to play on the floor. Be vigilant about the dangers of unfamiliar places, such as unfenced swimming pools or balconies.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Traveller's diarrhoea
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Diarrhoea affects many people who travel away from home. This causes frequent watery stools. Traveller's diarrhoea is usually a self-limiting condition that clears up after a few days. Generally, it is caused by eating contaminated food or water. High-risk foods to avoid include raw fruits and vegetables, raw, rare or undercooked meats of any kind, seafood, dairy foods, food from street vendors and food from buffets.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Diarrhoea
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of watery faeces (poo). Other symptoms include cramps and pains in the abdomen (stomach), nausea and vomiting. The most common cause is an infection of the intestines, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Diarrhoea can be dangerous for babies and young children.
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Diarrhoea
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   A guide to recognising and treating diarrhoea in young children.
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Diarrhoea
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Diarrhoea is a common digestive disorder that virtually all people will suffer at some stage during their lives. The definition of diarrhoea varies but it can generally be taken to mean increased stool water causing an increase in stool frequency or the passage of soft stools.
Date:   Mar 2011
Title:   Amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery)
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Amoebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which causes both intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Although anyone can have this disease, it is most common in people who live in developing countries that have poor sanitary conditions.
Date:   Feb 2011
Title:   Travellers' diarrhoea - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of stomach or intestinal illness while travelling.
Date:   Dec 2010
Title:   Gastrointestinal Conditions in Childhood
Publisher:   HealthInsite Topic Page
Description:   Links to information on the symptoms, causes and management of gastrointestinal conditions, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, colic and vomiting in childhood.
Date:   Jul 2010
Title:   Healthy swimming in pools
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Swimming pools can be lots of fun and a great way to cool down in summer, but people can get sick from germs in pool water.
Date:   Feb 2010
Title:   Diarrhoea - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become more watery or more frequent than usual, or both.
Date:   Dec 2009
Title:   Diarrhoea: self-care - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become watery, foul-smelling and the need to go to the toilet is urgent and frequent. Find out what products are available for diarrhoea.
Date:   Sep 2009
Title:   Bowel care
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   During pregnancy and birth, changes in bowel actions are common.
Date:   Nov 2011
Title:   Diarrhoea: causes and symptoms - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Diarrhoea may be casued by a number of things such as diet, drugs, inflammatory bowel disorder, or infection.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Diarrhoea treatments - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Diarrhoea can be treated using oral rehydration fluids, as well as anti-motility and kaolin-containing medicines.
Date:   Jul 2001
Title:   Travellers' diarrhoea prevention - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Travellers' diarrhoea is a common problem. Find out rules to follow for food and drink and what to do if you get an attack of diarrhoea while on an overseas trip.
Date:   Jul 2001
Title:   Water and good health
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service (NSW)
Description:   Guide to water and good health including information on health benefits of water and the facts about the safety of Sydney drinking water.
Date:   Jul 1999

Results 1 to 17 displayed.