Diarrhoea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements, which may result in an increased need to use the bathroom.

Types of diarrhea and how long they last

Acute diarrhea (short-term): Lasts one or two days and usually resolves on its own.
Persistent diarrhea: Lasts more than two weeks but less than four weeks.
Chronic diarrhea: Lasts at least four weeks. Symptoms may be continuous or intermittent.

Symptoms and signs of diarrhea

Symptoms vary among individuals and may include:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Blood or mucus in stool
Frequent, loose, or watery stools
Urgent need to pass stools
Dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, decreased urination, dizziness from fluid loss)
Fatigue

Severity ranges from mild discomfort to severe diarrhea, which may involve 20 or more bowel movements per day, sometimes occurring every 20–30 minutes.

Causes of diarrhea

Infections

Diarrhea can result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, often spread through contaminated water or poor sanitation.

Medications

Certain drugs, such as antacids, antibiotics, chemotherapy, and NSAIDs, may cause diarrhea.

Food intolerance

For example, lactose intolerance

Digestive tract diseases and conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten)

Diagnosis of diarrhea

Diarrhea is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, additional tests:

Laboratory tests: Stool analysis for bacteria, viruses, parasites, and blood/mucus; blood tests for infection, inflammation, or underlying conditions.
Additional tests: Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the colon and rectum, especially in chronic or severe cases.
Imaging tests: X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound to detect gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Treatment and management

Treatment depends on cause, severity, and overall health:

Rehydration

Oral rehydration solution (ORS): Replaces lost fluids and electrolytes, especially important for children and elderly.
Fluid intake: Drink water, clear soups, and ORS drinks. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

Medications

Anti-diarrheal drugs like loperamide
Antibiotics for bacterial infections or antivirals for viral infections
Probiotics to restore natural gut bacteria balance

Intravenous (IV) fluids

Hospitalization may be required in severe cases with significant dehydration.

Diet for diarrhea

Temporarily avoid dairy products if symptoms are severe.

Include refined white bread, pasta, white rice, and cereals such as oatmeal and cornflakes.

Cook vegetables like carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and beets before eating.

Prevention of diarrhea

Food safety is key:

Avoid raw milk (unpasteurized)
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Eat cooked foods promptly
Separate raw meat, fish, and poultry from other foods
Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling raw foods
Cook animal products thoroughly to safe internal temperatures
Cook seafood properly; raw fish (e.g., sushi) may pose parasite risks
Cook eggs thoroughly until yolks are solid
Refrigerate food quickly; do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if >32°C)

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if you have:

Severe or persistent diarrhea (>2 days for adults, >24 hours for young children/babies)
Signs of dehydration
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
High fever (≥38°C)
Blood or pus in stool
Black or persistent stools
Frequent vomiting preventing fluid intake
Recent travel to areas with poor sanitation
Underlying health conditions like weakened immunity, diabetes, or IBD

Book an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Our dedicated Gastroenterology Specialists at Pantai Hospitals are ready to provide expert care and guidance.

Pantai Hospitals is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for patient safety and service quality.