With 2 clinics located in Central London and 2 in North-West London, Dr Arun Rajendran takes pride in offering expert, friendly, and effective care for a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the gullet, stomach, colon, and liver.
+44 (0)20 3404 5254
mailgastro@pm.me
London clinic and Onewelbeck
BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital
OSD Healthcare
Diarrhoea refers to frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements often caused by digestive system disturbances. It can result from infections, dietary triggers, or chronic health conditions. Acute diarrhoea is common and short-lived, while chronic diarrhoea lasts for weeks and may indicate an underlying issue.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes, symptoms and how to manage it effectively.
Causes and Types of Diarrhoea
Causes of Diarrhoea
Infections
Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections like norovirus or E. coli.
Dietary factors
Food allergies, intolerances (e.g., lactose), or contaminated food.
Medications
Antibiotics, laxatives, or certain medications may trigger diarrhoea.
Underlying health conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or bile acid diarrhoea.
Lifestyle factors
Stress, overeating, or excessive alcohol consumption.
UNDERSTANDING Diarrhoea
Types Of Diarrhoea
Acute Diarrhoea – Short-term, often caused by infections or dietary changes.
Chronic Diarrhoea – Persistent diarrhoea lasting over 4 weeks, linked to medical conditions.
Osmotic Diarrhoea – Results from poorly absorbed substances in the bowel.
Secretory Diarrhoea – Caused by increased secretion of water into the intestines.
Motility related Diarrhoea – Post surgical, hyperthyroidism
Fatty diarrhoea (steatorrhoea) – Bile salt malabsorption, Pancreatic insufficiency
Common Symptoms of Diarrhoea
Recognizing Abdominal Distress
Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
Abdominal cramping or bloating.
Nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Dehydration signs like dizziness, dry mouth, or fatigue.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Persistent diarrhoea lasting over 3 days.
Severe abdominal pain or high fever.
Blood in stools or rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of dehydration or weakness.
Diarrhoea following recent travel or medication changes.
Effective Treatments for Diarrhoea
From Rest to Resection – Navigating Treatment Options.
Rehydration therapy – Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Medications – Metformin Anti-diarrhoeal drugs (e.g., loperamide) or antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Probiotics – To restore gut flora balance, especially after antibiotic use.
Dietary changes – Avoiding irritants like spicy or fatty foods and opting for bland diets.
Addressing underlying causes – Treating chronic conditions like IBS, colitis (infection, inflammatory bowel disease), pancreatic insufficiency etc Ulcerative colitis, sometime sinister causes such as cancerous growths
Treatment plans are tailored based on the severity of the condition and individual health needs.