Stomach Ailments
DIARRHOEA
Diarrhoea is ‘loose’, watery stools (bowel movements) that pass three or more times in one day.1
Diarrhoea usually lasts 1 or 2 days, if diarrhoea continues for 4 weeks, this can be a symptom of a chronic disease.1
Diarrhoea usually lasts 1 or 2 days, if diarrhoea continues for 4 weeks, this can be a symptom of a chronic disease.1
Diarrhoea can affect people of all ages.1
Symptoms
Diarrhoea can be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
⦁ Cramps or pain in the abdomen1
⦁ An urgent need to use the bathroom1
⦁ Loss of bowel control1
⦁ Fever, chills, and bloody stools1
⦁ Nausea, vomiting2
⦁ Dehydration1
⦁ Cramps or pain in the abdomen1
⦁ An urgent need to use the bathroom1
⦁ Loss of bowel control1
⦁ Fever, chills, and bloody stools1
⦁ Nausea, vomiting2
⦁ Dehydration1
NB: Dehydration can be serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.1
Treatment
The most important treatment for diarrhoea is replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration;1
- oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes1
- water, fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas without caffeine, and salty broths1
- soft, bland food1
- zinc and probiotics3
Medicines may be needed to stop the diarrhoea or treat an infection.1
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is when an individual has three or fewer bowel movements in a week.4
Symptoms
The stool can be hard and dry and sometimes painful to pass.4
Treatment
To prevent constipation, the diet must be high in fruit, vegetables and grains which are high in fibre. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important as well has getting enough exercise. Medications to help treat constipation are called laxatives.4,5
Laxatives. Over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways:5
- Draw water into the colon to allow easier passage of stool
- Absorb water to form soft, bulky stool, prompting normal contraction of intestinal muscles
- Stimulate rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles to eliminate stool
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the best laxative or dietary and lifestyle changes that suit you best.5
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Nausea is the ‘feeling’ of wanting to vomit. Vomiting is when you acutally throw up.6
What causes nausea?
- Morning sickness
- Gastroenteritis
- Migraine
- Motion sickness
- Cancer chemotherapy6
Treatment:
Medicines can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting, they are called antiemetics.6 Several over-the-counter medicines are used as antiemetics:7
Antacids. Bismuth subsalicylate or a solution of glucose, fructose and phosphoric acid can help by coating the stomach lining and neutralising stomach acid.
Antihistamines. Certain types may help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness by blocking a vomiting trigger in the brain.
Antacids. Bismuth subsalicylate or a solution of glucose, fructose and phosphoric acid can help by coating the stomach lining and neutralising stomach acid.
Antihistamines. Certain types may help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness by blocking a vomiting trigger in the brain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is abdominal pain and discomfort, with constipation or diarrhoea, lasting at least one day a week for three months.8
Symptoms
The main symptom is related to pain and discomfort in relation to passing stool. Some people will have constipation-related symptoms and some will have diarrhoea-related symptoms, or both.8
Treatment:
Treatments focus on correcting any dietary sensitivities and gut flora balance.
Medications can include;
Medications can include;
- Fibre supplements. Taking a supplement such as psyllium with fluids may help control constipation.
- Laxatives. If fibre doesn’t help constipation symptoms, magnesium hydroxide or other laxatives may be used.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medications. Loperamide or other anti-diarrhoeals can help control diarrhoea. Bile acid binders, such as cholestyramine can also help.
- Reducing stress, exercising regularly and simple changes to diet and lifestyle can often provide relief from IBS.8
Gut flora imbalances
Probiotics have been shown to help in the treatment or prevention of diarrhoea caused by gastroenteritis, use of antibiotics or conditions affecting the bowel function like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.9
Please note: This is educational information only and should not be used for diagnosis. For more information on stomach ailments, consult your healthcare professional.
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Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a ....