Diarrhoea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools, generally the result of increased motility in the colon. The stool may contain mucous, pus, blood or excessive amounts of fat and is accompanied by fever, chills and malaise. Complications can be serious, even fatal, particularly in infants and elderly patients.

Diarrhoea is a symptom of an underlying condition, and acute diarrhoea is usually self-limiting (two to three days). Chronic diarrhoea (2-3 weeks or more in duration), however, requires appropriate assessment and management. It is important in these cases to attempt to determine the cause(s). Causes may include one or more of the following:

• Microbial infection
• Recent antibiotic use
• Nervous anxiety and/or other emotional disturbances
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (e.g., Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
• Teething (in children)
• Food allergies and/or sensitivities
• AIDS and other immune disorders
• Hyperthyroidism
• Laxative abuse
• Excessive intake of vitamin C supplements
• Excessive intake of magnesium supplements
• Bowel tumours
• Iatrogenic causes
• Poisoning

Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of diarrhoea include

• Dietary intake of allergenic and/or irritating foods (e.g., dairy products, certain fruits and legumes, chilli, gluten-containing grains).
• Excessive consumption of sugar substitutes (e.g., hexitols, sorbitol, mannitol)
• Consumption of infected water
• Travel—overseas or camping
• Exposure to infected persons and/or animals
• Certain medications (e.g, antibiotics, antacids, diuretics, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatories)
• Recent acute or chronic stress and/or emotional disturbances
• Teething (in children)

Common signs and symptoms of diarrhoea include the following:

• Frequent and loose, watery stools
• Pus and/or blood in the stools
• Abdominal discomfort, cramping and/or pain
• Flatulence and/or bloating
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Fever (if related to infection)
• Increased thirst
• Nutrient malabsorption
• Weight loss (in chronic diarrhoea)
• Dehydration