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Diarrhoea is characterised by the following symptoms:
• Cramping (spasmodic) abdominal pain is common. When it is relieved by passing gas or stool, such pain is rarely cause for concern. After passing several loose stools, the abdominal muscles may feel sore, but this type of pain should let up after diarrhoea stops. Continuous abdominal pain not relieved by passing gas or stool, or that localises to a specific part of the abdomen, may indicate a more serious problem.
• Diarrhoea with nausea, vomiting, fever and aches, which persists for one to three days, may indicate viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
• Diarrhoea with fever, chills and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool may indicate bacterial infection. Vomiting is less common.
• Symptoms of food or lactose intolerance commonly include diarrhoea, bloating, gas and cramps a few hours after eating the offending foods. There will be no other signs of illness.
• Diarrhoea with cramping during times of stress may be caused by emotional distress.
If there is high fever, severe abdominal pain or diarrhoea that doesn’t improve after 48 hours, medical attention should be sought.
• Cramping (spasmodic) abdominal pain is common. When it is relieved by passing gas or stool, such pain is rarely cause for concern. After passing several loose stools, the abdominal muscles may feel sore, but this type of pain should let up after diarrhoea stops. Continuous abdominal pain not relieved by passing gas or stool, or that localises to a specific part of the abdomen, may indicate a more serious problem.
• Diarrhoea with nausea, vomiting, fever and aches, which persists for one to three days, may indicate viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
• Diarrhoea with fever, chills and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool may indicate bacterial infection. Vomiting is less common.
• Symptoms of food or lactose intolerance commonly include diarrhoea, bloating, gas and cramps a few hours after eating the offending foods. There will be no other signs of illness.
• Diarrhoea with cramping during times of stress may be caused by emotional distress.
If there is high fever, severe abdominal pain or diarrhoea that doesn’t improve after 48 hours, medical attention should be sought.
