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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a condition where your bowel motions become runny or watery.  You may also experience some urgency to go to the toilet and need to go more often.
Usually diarrhoea lasts a few days and then clears up by itself, but if it continues to last for more than a week, then you should contact MacMurray Centre.

What Causes Diarrhoea?

Usually diarrhoea is simply caused by a stomach bug.  Consuming too much rich food or alcohol can also cause loosened bowel movements.  Diarrhoea can also be brought on by stress.
Intolerance or allergy to certain foods or medications can also cause diarrhoea.
However, if diarrhoea persists for more than a week is unlikely to be due to an infection.  There are a number of potential causes such as;

If I have Diarrhoea how can I treat it?

  • Increase fluids (try to drink small amounts of water often)
  • Oral Rehydration Solutions (from the chemist)
  • Eat bland foods
  • Anti-motility medicines (eg Diastop)
    These treatments can help make the diarrhoea more manageable but the underlying cause must be diagnosed and treated.

 

    Book to see a specialist