MyMediktor - Uncomplicated diarrhoea

Very low urgency

Very common-

Passing of abnormally liquid stools with an increase in frequency and/or quantity (more than 200 mg/day) that does not pose a health risk.

More than 90% of diarrhoea is caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by eating poorly or by stress.

It is usually not associated with other symptoms and the stools do not contain mucus, blood or pus.

It is diagnosed clinically by interview and physical examination.

Treatment is based on a soft, astringent diet and good hydration.

Bibliographic references

Christine A Wanke. Approach to the adult with acute diarrhea in resource-rich settings. UpToDate. Jun 30, 2106.
Guerrant RL, Van Gilder T, Steiner TS, et al. Practice guidelines for the management of infectious diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32:331.
DuPont HL. Guidelines on acute infectious diarrhea in adults. The Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Am J Gastroenterol 1997; 92:1962.
Thielman NM, Guerrant RL. Clinical practice. Acute infectious diarrhea. N Engl J Med 2004; 350:38.
Michael Camilleri, Joseph A. Murray. Diarrea y estreñimiento. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. 264:268.
S. Navarro Colás. Diarrea y malabsorción. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 149:157.
Antonio Guardiola Arévalo, Maria José Pérez-Grueso Macías, Alejandro Repiso Ortega. Diarrea aguda. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010.419:423.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Copyright

Symptoms

Diarrhoea

Increased bowel movements

Localised abdominal pain

Abdominal flatulence

Symptoms to watch out for

More than 6 liquid bowel movements in 24 hrs

Depositions with blood, mucus or pus.

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Acute belly pain

Dehydration signs: more fatigued than usual, dizziness, dry mouth and tongue.

10% weight loss in a week

Antibiotics use during the last 3 months

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Maintain hydration of 2L per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.

The first 3 days follow an astringent diet (eat pasta, rice, baked or boiled potatoes, chicken, skinless boiled turkey, white fish, eggs, yogurts) and then continue with your diet without restrictions.

Washing your hands is an effective way to prevent the spread of infections.