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 July 2009

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Related HealthInsite Topics

Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Diarrhoea
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for diarrhoea.

11 Resources Found
Results 1 to 11 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. Poo in babies can be affected by the foods they eat.
Date:   Sep 2009

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:   Sep 2009

Title:   Diarrhoea in babies
Publisher:   The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Description:   Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of abnormally loose or watery faeces It is normal for a breastfed baby to pass soft faeces up to 6 times a day, and this situation should not be mistaken for diarrhoea.
Date:   Mar 2009

Title:   Diarrhoea
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Diarrhoea, Definition. 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
Date:   Dec 2008

Title:   Traveller's diarrhoea
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Diarrhoea affects many people who travel away from home. This causes frequent watery stools. Travellers' 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 and peeled fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce, raw, rare or undercooked meats of any kind, seafood, sauces and mayonnaises, unpasteurised milk and dairy foods, food from street vendors and food from buffets.
Date:   Sep 2008

Title:   Diarrhoea
Publisher:   Dietitians Association of Australia
Description:   Diarrhoea often affects the ability to eat. It is important to replace fluid and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea. Choosing the right type of food depends on the cause for diarrhoea.
Date:   Jan 2008

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:   Nov 2006

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:   Mar 2004

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 11 displayed.