Diarrhoea is the evacuation of loose or watery stools from the bowels more repeatedly than usual. A visit to the toilet being greater than 3 times daily. It can be acute implying that diarrhoea does not last one week or chronic persisting after 3 weeks. A major complication of diarrhoea is dehydration. There are different types of diarrhoea namely, secretory, osmotic, exsudative and rapid intestinal transit diarrhea.
Infection of the stomach by bacteria, a virus or parasite. Eating food that is contaminated. A lack of hygiene, not washing hands before meals, or eating fruit without properly washing them. Lactose intolerance, excess vitamin c and drinking unclean water. Being nervous and anxious. Diseases such as celiac, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, gastroenterite, enterocolitis, chrohn's and ulcerative colitis. Medication such as laxatives, cytotecs, quinidine and chemotherapy medication can cause diarrhoea. Watery diarrhoea is caused by cholera, whereas bloody diarrhoea is by dysentery. Serious diseases such HIV causes diarrhoea. An HIV patient is susceptible to all infections due to the body's suppressed immunity and colon cancer. A lack of fiber, vitamin C and zinc deficiency can increase the risk of having diarrhoea. Common germs that are implicated in diarrhoea are, campylobacteria, Echerichia coli, clostridium shigella and salmonella.
Symptoms depend on the cause of diarrhoea. Frequent, loose or watery stools. Abdominal pain in the form of cramps with ranging intensity, moderate to severe pain. Diarrhoea can consist of blood or mucous. Bubbling, rumbling or gurgling abdominal sounds, bloating, flatulence, fecal incontinence and urgency. Lastly fever, nausea, vomiting, thirst and general weakness. Weight loss.
-Hydration: this is important since diarrhoea is a major cause of dehydration, too much fluid is lost and a replacement should be made. Try homemade oral rehydration solution. Boil a liter of clean water, let it cool before you add half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoon of sugar. Stir till fully dissolved.
-Diet: chicken broth for two days, bananas and rice. Avoid coffee, wine, milk and sodas, they worsen the diarrhoea. Avoid broccoli, peppers, peas and beans. Increase fiber in your diet and food rich in vitamin A
-Probiotic: eat plain yoghurt, it restores good bacteria.
-Golden seal capsules: fight bacteria that cause diarrhoea.
-Tea: these types of teas are good namely, fennel, chamomile, peppermint, black tea and yellow root. Add honey to taste. They work by flushing out bacteria from the stomach and intestines.
-Blackberries: add 4 teaspoons of blackberries into water. Boil and let it cool down. Drink this 4 to 5 times a day.
-Hygiene: wash hands after every bathroom use, before eating. The use of soap is recommended.
-Raspberry leaves: Make tea, use one teaspoon. Drink 1 cup every one hour.
-Chamomile: add four teaspoons to a cup of boiled water, strain and let it cool before drinking. Do this 2 to 3 times daily.
-veratrum album: used to treat watery diarrhoea.