What can cause Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is characterised by loose, watery stools and an urgent need to visit the toilet frequently. In some cases, people with diarrhoea may experience incontinence, where they are unable to reach the toilet in time.

Diarrhoea can either be chronic (ongoing or recurring) or acute (sudden onset). Both types can significantly impact daily life and may sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea

There are numerous possible causes of diarrhoea, including:

• Infections: Acute infections like gastroenteritis or food poisoning, often accompanied by vomiting.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, may trigger diarrhoea.
• Dietary Factors: Consuming large amounts of fibre, dried fruit, or pure fruit juice can lead to diarrhoea.
• Laxative Overuse: Using too many laxatives can also cause diarrhoea.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety are known to contribute to diarrhoea.
• Stimulants and Sweeteners: Caffeine, artificial sweeteners, excessive alcohol, and sorbitol-containing sweets can lead to diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea as a Symptom of Other Conditions

Sometimes, diarrhoea is a symptom of other digestive or gut-related issues, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Affecting up to 20% of the population, IBS is a common condition causing alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea, along with stomach discomfort and bloating.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease can result in prolonged episodes of diarrhoea.
• Post-Surgery Complications: People who have undergone surgery to remove or reconstruct parts of the bowel may experience diarrhoea and poor bowel control. This is often due to reduced water absorption, leading to looser stools.
• Radiotherapy: Particularly in the pelvic area, radiotherapy can result in diarrhoea as a side effect.

How to Manage Diarrhoea

For most cases of acute diarrhoea, the condition will resolve naturally within a short period. However, there are ways to manage symptoms and reduce discomfort:

1. Rest: Resting and avoiding solid foods for a few hours, or up to a day, can help manage the severity of the episode.
2. Stay Hydrated: It’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. The recommended daily intake of fluids for adults is between 1.5 to 2 litres (6-8 glasses).
3. Over-the-counter Medication: If diarrhoea persists for a few hours, taking an anti-diarrhoea tablet, such as loperamide, may help (always follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
4. Consult Your GP: If diarrhoea continues for more than a few days, it's important to see your GP as soon as possible to rule out any underlying conditions.

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Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.