Diarrhoea treatment and prevention

Treatment

Because most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own within a day or two, self-care to relieve symptoms is usually sufficient for treatment:

•     avoid caffeine, dairy products, and greasy, high fibre, or sugary foods
•     placing a hot water bottle or wheat pack on your stomach, or taking paracetamol (e.g. Panadol), may provide some relief from abdominal cramps
•     apply zinc and castor oil ointment or a barrier cream to affected areas if you, or your child, develops a rash (like nappy rash) from the diarrhoea
•     avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac, for pain relief as these medications can cause diarrhoea
•     anti-diarrhoeal medications that slow diarrhoea (e.g. Imodium) should be avoided as these drugs prevent your body from getting rid of the bacteria or virus that may have caused the diarrhoea.

To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ideal liquids are clear thin broths or soups, diluted non-caffeinated sports drinks (e.g. Powerade or Gatorade), and rehydration formulations (e.g. Gastrolyte) that are available without prescription from a pharmacy.

Prevention

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause diarrhoea. You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before meals.

The following rules when preparing food can also help prevent diarrhoea:

•     always put foods that could spoil in the fridge
•     ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly
•     avoid eating raw meats, fish, and shellfish unless you are sure that they have been freshly prepared and are from a reliable source
•     never place cooked meet on surfaces or plates that have held raw meat
•     disinfect bench tops, stove tops, and chopping boards with a diluted bleach solution.

n 2014, a vaccine for Rotavirus was added to the Goverment-funded immunisation schedule for New Zealand babies. The oral vaccine - RotaTeq - is given in three doses during the baby's first 6 months to reduce the incidence or severity of rotavirus infection which is a very common cause of diarrhoea in infants and young children.

References

Mayo Clinic Staff (2011). Diseases and Conditions: Diarrhea (Web Page). Mayo Clinic: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. [Accessed: 14/03/14]

Ministry of Health (2013). Diarrhoea (Web Page). Wellington: Ministry of Health. [Accessed: 14/03/14]

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (2013). Diarrhea (Web Page). Bethesda: U.S. National Institutes of Health. [Accessed: 14/03/14)

O’Toole, M.T. (Ed.) (2013). Diarrhea. Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions (9th ed.). St Louis: Elsevier Mosby.