Treating Diarrhoea

What is Diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is characterised by the passing of watery, unformed stools at frequent intervals. There may be a gripey abdominal pain (colic) which is less after a stool is passed. Acute diarrhoea - comes on suddenly and lasts a short time, usually caused by bacteria or viruses (food poisoning). However it can be serious in babies and the frail and elderly, because of the risk of dehydration.. Chronic diarrhoea - affects someone over a long period of time, which may be a result of a more serious disorder and should always be investigated by your doctor. Some people pass frequent, small solid stools with a sense of urgency. This is not true diarrhoea and occurs when the rectum is irritable as in the irritable bowel syndrome or inflamed as in colitis.

Who is at greatest risk? Infants and the elderly are most at risk from diarrhoea, because they are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte depletion, which may lead to additional symptoms of headach and tiredness. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and requires immediate admission to hospital. A number of oral rehydration products are available over-the-counter as sachets for example Dioralyte or Rapolyte. These are a combination of salts and sugar. They are used to replace body fluids lost as a result of acute diarrhoea.This is particularly important in frail and elderly people and children with diarrhoea.

Treatments for Diarrhoea? Over-the-counter treatments for diarrhoea include opiates, such as morphine or codeine, which delay the intestinal transit time, allowing more water to be absorbed from the stools. Adsorbents such as kaolin, act by adsorbing the toxins that the bacteria produce. Anti-motility medicines are useful for treating symptoms of diarrhoea, such as cramps and frequent toilet visits, in conjunction with fluid and electrolyte replacement. Available products include diphenoxylate and atropine as found in Dymotil and loperamide found in Imodium.

Go back to the top of this page

How to get to this page:

We offer an efficient, confidential service. All of our items are delivered in plain, sealed boxes or padded envelopes, with no advertising outside whatsoever.

Royal Mail First Class delivery within the UK will not exceed £2.95, regardless of how much you order! Parcelforce delivery also available.

Favourites: Canesten • Curanail • Freederm • Glucosamine • Imodium • Infacol • Nicorette • Niquitin • Regaine • Zovirax • more...