MANAGING DIARRHOEA

Diarrhoea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhoea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhoea may pass more than a quart of stool a day.

Short-term (acute) diarrhoea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without any special treatment. Acute diarrhoea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.

Prolonged (chronic) diarrhoea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhoea may be a feature of an underlying disease. Chronic diarrhoea is usually related to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

How to prevent dehydration
The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhoea need to be replaced promptly because the body cannot function without them. Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes.

Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potassium, help to restore electrolyte levels.

Over-the-counter rehydration solutions are also good electrolyte sources and are especially recommended for use in children.

How can I treat diarrhoea?
In most cases of diarrhoea, replacing lost fluid and electrolytes to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary.

Medicines that stop diarrhoea
may be helpful, but they are not recommended for people whose diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite. If you stop the diarrhoea before having purged the bacteria or parasite, you will trap the organism in the intestines and prolong the problem.

Viral infections are either treated with medications or left to run their course, depending on the severity and type of virus.  Medicinal charcoal may help to absorb gas.  Loperamide or diphenoxylate+atropine can help to slow motility and ease watery diarrhoea.

What is traveller’s diarrhoea and how can I prevent it?
Traveller’s diarrhoea happens when you consume food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. You can take the following precautions to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea when you travel:
   •  Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth.
   •  Do not drink unpasteurised milk or dairy products.
   •  Do not use ice made from tap water.
   •  Avoid eating all raw fruits and vegetables, including lettuce and fruit salads, unless they can be peeled and you peel
      them yourself.
   •  Do not eat raw or rare meat and fish.
   •  Do not eat meat or shellfish that is not hot or cooked when served.
   •  Do not eat food from street vendors.

MANAGING LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. People who do not have enough lactase may feel very uncomfortable when they consume milk products.

What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms, which range from mild to severe, include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. Symptoms begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The severity of symptoms depends on many factors, including the amount of lactose a person can tolerate and a person’s age, ethnicity and digestion rate.

Talk to us if you need any advice on non lactose-containing formula or food.

How do I prevent or treat lactose intolerance?
Lactase enzyme is available without a prescription for those who react to very small amounts of lactose or have trouble limiting their intake of food that contains it. It helps to digest food that contains lactose. The tablets are taken with the first bite of dairy food. It is also available as a liquid. Adding a few drops of the enzyme makes lactose more digestible for people with lactose intolerance.

Lactose-reduced milk and other products are available at most supermarkets. The milk contains all of the nutrients found in regular milk and remains fresh for about the same length of time, or longer if it is super-pasteurised. People with lactose intolerance should make sure that each daily diet includes enough calcium, even if dairy products are not included.

Non-dairy foods that are high in calcium includes dark green vegetables such as broccoli, and fish with soft, edible bones, such as salmon and sardines. Thus, older women at risk for osteoporosis and growing children who must avoid milk products can meet most of their dietary needs by eating greens, fish and other calcium-rich food that are free of lactose.