Illness

Symptoms
Reasons
Solutions
Homemade solutions
Ways to avoid such health issues
Diarrhoea is having more frequent, loose, watery poo, which may be referred to as 'stools'.

You may get diarrhoea after being in contact with someone else who has it, or you may get it from food
poisoning - after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Almost everyone has diarrhoea at some point in his or her life, including on holiday abroad, called traveller's
diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea that comes on suddenly and lasts for no longer than a couple of days is usually referred to as "acute
diarrhoea". Most people with acute diarrhoea recover on their own. Diarrhoea that lasts more than two weeks is
thought of as "chronic diarrhoea". Typically, chronic diarrhoea requires medical care to find the underlying cause
and treat complications, such as dehydration.
What causes diarrhoea?
Many different problems can cause diarrhoea. Here are the major causes:
You are most likely to come down with diarrhoea after coming into contact with these infectious organisms and
agents:
A virus, such as rotavirus, winter vomiting disease (Norwalk virus ornorovirus), enterovirus, or a hepatitis virus.
A bacterium, such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, C.diff (clostridium), or cholera (Vibrio cholerae).
A parasite, such as those that cause giardiasis and amoebiasis.
The length of time diarrhoea lasts often depends on what caused it. Diarrhoea from norovirus lasts around two
days, for rotavirus, the duration is three to eight days, Campylobacter and salmonella infections may last two to
seven days and diarrhoea from giardiasis can several weeks.
Other medical conditions
A number of non-infectious medical conditions may cause diarrhoea, too. These include:
Inability to digest certain foods, including a lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting the type of sugar found in dairy
products); coeliac disease (an intolerance of gluten in wheat and some other grains); and pancreatic problems,
such as those caused by cystic fibrosis, which interfere with production of important digestive substances.
Surgery to remove part of your intestine. A shortened intestine may be unable to absorb all the substances you
eat. This is referred to as short-bowel syndrome.
The after-effects of surgery to remove the gallbladder. An increase in bile in the colon may result in watery stools.
Certain diseases of the endocrine (hormonal) system, including thyroid disease, diabetes, adrenal disease, and
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Certain rare tumours (including carcinoid tumour and pheochromocytoma) that produce diarrhoea-causing
substances.
Inflammation in the intestinal tract, which can result in chronic diarrhoea. If you have inflammatory bowel disease
(such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), you will have bouts of diarrhoea during flare-ups of your disease.
Pouches of the intestinal wall in diverticular disease can lead to diarrhoea, especially if they become infected and
inflamed ( diverticulitis)
Irritable bowel syndrome, which may cause alternating bouts of diarrhoea and constipation.
Bowel cancer produces a change in bowel habit that may include diarrhoea or alternating diarrhoea and
constipation. Diarrhoea: Symptoms, treatment and prevention
(continued)
Medication and other substances
Many medications can cause diarrhoea. Some of the most common include antacids containing magnesium,
laxatives, digitalis, diuretics, a number ofantibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, cholesterol-lowering agents,
lithium,theophylline, thyroid hormone and colchicine.
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer or cancers in the abdomen can damage the intestine and cause diarrhoea.
Toxins such as insecticides, psychedelic mushrooms, and arsenic can cause diarrhoea, and overuse of caffeine
or alcohol may contribute to diarrhoea.
What are the symptoms of diarrhoea?
Increased frequency of bowel movements
Loose, watery stools
Urgency (having to go right away)
Incontinence (leakage of stools)
Bloating, wind
Rectal pain
Lower abdominal pain or cramping
Nausea, vomiting
Fever
Blood or flecks of mucus in the stool
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Seek medical advice if:
Seek medical advice if you have diarrhoea for more than three to four days, or if you have diarrhoea with any of
the following:
Blood in your stool
Dark-black stool that looks like tar (but tell your doctor if you have been taking over-the-counter medications,
which also can make the stool look darker than usual)
Mucus passed with no stools
Abdominal pain
Rectal pain
Fever
Dehydration
Recent travel abroad
Recent seafood consumption
Reason to believe that you have food poisoning
Family members who have similar illness
Colleagues, associates or friends who have similar symptoms after eating in the same venue

How do I know if I have diarrhoea?
Your doctor's most important tool for diagnosing the cause of your diarrhoea is the information you provide. You
will need to inform the doctor about recent travel and whether other people in your family are ill. Providing details
about the stools may be embarrassing to you, but they are very important, such as presence of blood or mucus;
how watery it is; how long you've had diarrhoea; whether you are also experiencing severe urgency, abdominal
pain, or pain in your rectum; and whether it occurs more often after eating certain foods.

Your doctor may want to examine a sample of your stools and may send it to a laboratory for testing. If your
doctor suspects food intolerance, the doctor may ask you to avoid a particular type of food for a while to see if
this helps stop your diarrhoea. If your doctor needs more information to make a diagnosis, you may need to
undergo sigmoidoscopy, which is an examination of the rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube-like
instrument, or colonoscopy, which is an examination of the entire colon with a similar instrument. If your
symptoms suggest food intolerance or a hormonal disturbance, other tests may be ordered.
What are the treatments for diarrhoea?
The most important aspect of treating diarrhoea involves avoiding dehydration and replacing lost fluid. Because
plain water does not contain sugar, sodium, or potassium, which are also lost in diarrhoea, it is important to
consume plenty of fluids that contain these substances. Examples of appropriate drinks include water, prepared
re-hydration solutions, chicken or beef soup. Fruit juice or fizzy drinks can make diarrhoea worse in children.
Diarrhoea: Symptoms, treatment and prevention
(continued)
What are the treatments for diarrhoea? continued...
If you also are vomiting, try taking tiny amounts of liquid every 15 minutes. After you are able to hold down
liquids, you can advance to a bland, soft diet.
You may be asked to avoid fats, sweets, coffee, and milk products until you are completely over the diarrhoea.
Effective antidiarrhoeal medicines such as loperamide, that works by slowing down the muscle movements in the
gut, are available over the counter for adults and children over 12. This medicine shouldnt be used
if breastfeeding. Pharmacists can advise on suitable products.

Seek medical advice before using anti-diarrhoea medicines if there is blood in the poo,a high temperature or
other symptoms, and in the case of severe or persistent diarrhoea in a child under 12.
In severe diarrhoea due to infectious bacteria, your doctor may advise taking antibiotics to help resolve the
symptoms. However, antibiotics won't help with viral diarrhoea, which is the most common type of infectious
diarrhoea.
How can I prevent diarrhoea?
The most important way to avoid diarrhoea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause
it. This means that hygienic food preparation and storage techniques, and good hand washing, especially when
preparing food and after using the toilet are very important.

If someone in your home has diarrhoea, take precuations to stop it spreading:
Disinfectant the toilet, handle and the seat after the person has used it each time.
Don't share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with the person who is unwell.
Keep them at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea.
Further Reading:
Traveller's diarrhoea
Treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea
Diarrhoea in babies
Diarrhoea in children - Zinc
Diarrhoea in children - Probiotics
Diarrhoea in adults - Further Information Articles
Diarrhoea in adults - Diarrhoea in adults Glossary
See All Diarrhoea Topics
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Influenza
What is Influenza?
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause
mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu
vaccination each year.
Complications of influenza can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and
worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Causes of the flu
The flu is caused by influenza virus types A, B, and C. Both type A and type B flu viruses are responsible for
the seasonal outbreaks of flu. Type A flu viruses are found in many different animals, including ducks,
chickens, pigs, and horses. Influenza B viruses circulate widely only among humans.
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person, through coughing or sneezing by people infected with
influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching
their mouth or nose. Healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop
and up to seven days after becoming sick. This means a person may be able to pass on the flu to someone else
before ever knowing they are sick.
Flu symptoms
Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches,
diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults).
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are at high risk for
complications of the flu, you should consult your health care provider. Those at high risk for complications
include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young
children.
Preventing the flu
The most important step in flu prevention is getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot. Avoid close contact
with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze,
wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, get plenty of sleep, and drink plenty of fluids. In
certain situations, antiviral drugs can be used to prevent seasonal influenza.
Treating the flu
If you get the flu, there are some actions you can take at home, such as getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty
of liquids, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and taking medication to relieve the symptoms of flu. Using
aspirin or ibuprofen can also help to treat the fever, headaches and muscle aches associated with the flu.
Aspirin should never be used to treat flu-like symptoms in children. Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed for
treating the flu, depending upon the duration of illness, severity of symptoms, and your medical history.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterised by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious
diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children but there is a risk of serious complications, such as bacterial
pneumonia.


People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you are extremely unlikely
to get it again). However, the virus remains dormant in the body and it can reactivate later in life and cause
shingles.
What causes chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by
contact with the clothing, bed linens or oozing blisters of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is 10 to 21
days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is
completely dry and scabbed over.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Chickenpox appears as a very itchy rash that spreads from the torso to the neck, face and limbs. Lasting seven
to 10 days, the rash progresses from red bumps to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that drain and scab over. Vesicles
may also appear in the mouth, on the scalp, around the eyes or on the genitals and can be very painful.

This cycle repeats itself in new areas of the body until finally, after about two weeks, all of the sores have healed.
The disease is contagious until all the spots have dried up. Unfortunately, the virus is also contagious for at least
one day before the rash breaks out.
Seek medical advice about chickenpox if:
You think your child has chickenpox. A doctor can confirm your diagnosis.
Chickenpox is accompanied by severe skin pain and the rash produces a greenish discharge and the
surrounding skin becomes red, which are signs of a secondary bacterial skin infection.
Chickenpox is accompanied by a stiff neck, persistent sleepiness or lethargy as these are symptoms of a more
serious illness such as meningitis or encephalitis. Get medical help immediately.
Your child is recovering from chickenpox and begins running a fever, vomiting, having convulsions or is
drowsy. Get medical help immediately.
An adult family member gets chickenpox.
You are pregnant, have never had chickenpox and are exposed to the disease. Your unborn child may be at risk
so seek medical advice without delay.
What are the treatments for chickenpox?
Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child at home until all of the blisters have burst and crusted over.

Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms.

The prescription antiviral drug aciclovir is effective for shortening the duration of chickenpox symptoms and may
be recommended for certain people with chickenpox, such as pregnant women, those with a weakened immune
system, and adults who seek medical advice within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

In addition, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter painkillers and an antihistamine to relieve pain,
itching and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with
chickenpox develops bacterial pneumonia.
Home remedies for chickenpox
Trim your child's fingernails or cover their hands with socks or mittens to keep them from scratching, which could
lead to infection as well as to possible scarring.
To ease itching, add a handful of oats or baking soda to bath water. Apply cool, wet towels to the skin and allow
them to dry.
Dab calamine lotion onto the lesions to relieve itching
Leave your baby's nappy off as much as possible to allow the vesicles to dry out and scab.
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a gargle to ease mouth sores. In older
children, use lozenges or sprays containing a mild anaesthetic.
Give age-appropriate paracetamol for fever and chickenpox symptoms. Paracetamol is recommended by the
NHS rather than ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because these drugs
(NSAIDs) may cause adverse skin reactions during chickenpox infection. Never give aspirin to children under 16.
Keep sores clean by washing daily. Apply lotion afterwards.
Further Reading:
What is constipation?
Constipation is when a person is not passing stools, or poo, regularly, or cannot completely empty their bowels.

Constipation is a common problem and can affect people of any age, but is more common in older age
and pregnancy.
The digestive system
Your digestive system is remarkably efficient. In the space of a few hours it extracts nutrients from the foods you
eat and drink, processes them into the bloodstream and prepares leftover material for disposal. That material
passes through six metres or more of intestine before being stored temporarily in the colon, where water is
removed. The residue is excreted through the bowels, normally within a day or two.

Depending on your diet, your age and your daily activity, regularity can mean anything from three bowel
movements a day to one every three days. Nonetheless, the longer faecal material sits in the colon, the harder
the stool becomes and the more difficult it is to pass. A normal stool should not be either unusually hard or soft,
and you shouldn't have to strain unreasonably to pass it.
What causes constipation?
Our busy, modern lifestyles may be responsible for most cases of constipation: not eating enough fibre or
drinking enough water, not getting enough exercise, and not taking the time to respond to an unmistakable urge
to go to the toilet.

Emotional and psychological problems can contribute to the problem. Persistent, chronic constipation may also
be a symptom of health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal
cancer, diabetes, Parkinson'sdisease, multiple sclerosis, an under-active thyroid gland and depression.
Bowel habits tend to vary with age and circumstances. Bottle-fed babies, for example, tend to have firmer stools
and more bouts of constipation than breast-fed babies. Some children become constipated when they start
school or other activities because they are embarrassed to ask permission to use the toilet. Toddlers often
become constipated during toilet training if they are unwilling or afraid to use the toilet. Being sensitive to pain,
children may avoid the toilet if they have minor splits or tears in the anus from straining or other irritations.
Older people, especially those who are more sedentary, tend to develop constipation more often as well.
Some medications can also cause constipation, including narcotic-type pain killers such
as codeine, iron supplements and some medicines used to controlblood pressure.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass
Straining during bowel movements
No bowel movements in three days
Stomach aches that are relieved by bowel movements
Bloody stools due to haemorrhoids and anal fissures
Leaks of wet, almost diarrhoea-like stool between regular bowel movements.
Complications of constipation
In the long-term, constipation can cause dry, hard poo to collect in the rectum, called faecal impaction.

Leakage of liquid stools is also possible, called faecal incontinence.

Straining on the toilet and constipation can also lead to piles, another name for haemorrhoids.
Home remedies for constipation
Constipation is a very common condition that affects people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Twice as
many women are affected as men.
A Western lifestyle, especially eating at irregular times and a poor diet, are considered the main causes
of constipation.
Pregnant women experience constipation due to the change in hormones and some will continue to do so after
childbirth.
Babies and young children can have painful episodes of constipation which are associated with soiling.
Some medical conditions, for example, low thyroid hormones, can cause chronic constipation.
Certain drugs can cause constipation as a side effect, for example, ironsupplements, antidepressants or
pain medication containing codeine.
Changes to your lifestyle and diet can help you manage your constipation.
Tips to help with constipation:
Eat a diet high in fibre and eat regularly. Bulk up your diet with fibre from eating fresh fruit, vegetables and
legumes, cereals, whole-grain breads and pastas. Try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every
day. Include fruits that act like a laxative, for example, prunes or dry apricots as they contain sorbitol. Do not
skip breakfast.
Increase your fluid intake. Aim for six-to-eight glasses of water a day or 1.2 litres a day.
Exercise regularly - ideally 30 minutes every day. Older people in particular should try to keep active to improve
the movements of their bowels as often they are taking medication, have a poor diet and poor bowel habits,
which contribute to constipation.
High blood pressure - diagnosis & treatment
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, causes a significant risk to a person's health, including a higher
risk ofstroke and heart attack. However, high blood pressure rarely causes any obvious symptoms.

Around 30% of people have hypertension, but many of them wont know about it.

High blood pressure is usually picked up during a general check-up or doctor's appointment.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
Your doctor or practice nurse will check your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff. It's important to pay
attention to both the higher (systolic) and the lower (diastolic) numbers in your blood pressure readings. While
high diastolic readings were once thought to be the most harmful to the body, it's now known that high systolic
readings - greater than 140 - are dangerous, especially in adults over age 50. Systolic blood pressure is a much
more important heart disease risk factor than diastolic pressure.
Lifestyle changes to treat high blood pressure
Making lifestyle adjustments is key to maintaining normal blood pressure. Most doctors will suggest lifestyle
changes before prescribing medicines. Lifestyle changes are also the recommended treatment for people whose
readings are higher than the recommended 120/80 mgHg but do not amount to hypertension. These changes
include:
Lose weight. Losing excess weight can help decrease your blood pressure. If you're overweight, work with your
doctor to design a safe weight loss plan to get closer to your ideal weight.
Eat healthily. Studies show that a diet low in salt and fat and high in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower
blood pressure.
Exercise. Regular aerobic activity such as brisk walking on most days of the week can lower blood pressure.
Limit alcohol. Stick to the current recommendations of men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of
alcohol a day, and women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day.
Reduce stress. Emotional factors do play a role in blood pressure. Studies show that relaxation techniques such
as meditation, yoga or even therapy to change reactions to stress may reduce blood pressure.
Stop smoking. Although smoking doesnt directly cause high blood pressure it does increase the risk of stroke
and heart attack.
Women should discuss with their doctor the increased risk of high blood pressure from taking oral contraceptives
- especially if they're over 35 and overweight.
See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for high blood pressure. While hypertension cannot be
cured, it can be effectively treated.
Medicines to treat high blood pressure
Sometimes high blood pressure requires medication, either because of its severity or because it doesn't respond
adequately to lifestyle changes and self-help measures. Blood pressure medication usually needs to be taken for
life. A number of medicines can be used alone or in combination to treat high blood pressure:
Diuretics, or "water pills", rid the body of salt and excess fluids.
Calcium-channel blockers reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block factors that cause blood vessels to constrict, which makes
vessels dilate and thus reduces blood pressure. These drugs can decrease the risk of kidney disease, heart
disease and stroke and are especially useful in people with heart disease ordiabetes.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors.
Alpha1-adrenergic blockers and centrally acting agents lower blood pressure by relaxing and dilating arteries.
Beta-blockers make the heart beat more slowly and with less force. These are particularly effective in people with
heart disease.