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Datacash information

Diarrhoea

DESCRIPTION
Diarrhoea is a condition of abnormally frequent and fluid-like bowel movements. It may be a symptom of an underlying disorder. There are two basic types of diarrhoea: acute and chronic. Acute diarrhoea, the common form, may last two or three days. Chronic diarrhoea may last for months with recurrent or continuous symptoms. Either may be a problem if it results in dehydration and excessive loss of nutrients and body salts. Treatment for mild diarrhoea can involve dietary change, removing a specific causative agent from the diet, increasing liquids to replace fluid loss, and antidiarrhoeal medications.

Diarrhoea is often a defence mechanism to rid the body of toxic substances. It may be caused by excessive indulgence in alcohol or other substances that prove irritating to the stomach or intestines, by Allergy to certain foods, by poisoning with heavy metals, by chemicals found in cathartics, by Hyperactivity of the nervous system and by viral or bacterial Infections. Diarrhoea produces hypermotility of the bowel and consequently decreases faecal transit time.

Normally, adults are not harmed by diarrhoea, but it can be life threatening to children, the elderly and the debilitated.

HERBS
Peppermint (5)
Slippery Elm (6)
Valerian

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLIMENTS
L-acidophilus (1,2)
Calcium
Evening Primrose Oil
Folic Acid (3)
Garlic (4)

HOMOEOPATHY - Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Arsen. alb.
Simultaneous diarrhoea and Vomiting.
For Food Poisoning and "traveller's tummy."
Patient often feels very chilly and/or terribly weak.

Bryonia
Especially useful for upsets caused by fruit.

Colocynthis
Useful where colic is particularly bad.
Patient doubled up with Pain.

Ipecac.
Terrible nausea, not helped by Vomiting.
No thirst, coating on tongue.
Much saliva produced.
Diarrhoea may be particularly offensive.

Pulsatilla
Upsets caused by fruit or cold drink or food, particularly ice cream.
Frequent urging to stool, may only pass mucus.
No two stools alike.
Worse at night.

Sulphur
Diarrhoea with much offensive flatus.
May have to rush out of bed to go to toilet.

REFERENCES
1. Saavedra JM, Bauman NA, Oung I, et al. Feeding of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in hospital for prevention of diarrhoea and shedding of rotavirus. Lancet 1994;344:1046-49.
2. Colombel JF, Cortot A, Neut C, Romond C. Horhurt with Bifidobacterium longum reduces erythromycin-induced gastrointestinal effects. Lancet 1987;ii:43 [letter].
3. Haffejee IE. Effect of oral folate on duration of acute infantiile diarrhea. Letter, Lancet 1988; 2:334-35.
4. Barowski H and Boyd L. The use of Garlic (allistan) in gastrointestinal disturbances. Rev Gastroenterol 1944; 11:22-26.
5. Leicester R and Hunt R. Peppermint oil to reduce colonic spasm during endoscopy. Lancet 1982; II:989.
6. Pederson M. Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, Indiana:Wendell Whitman Co., 1987:160.


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The information contained within this library is intended for general guidance only.
It cannot be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult
your medical practioner if you have, or suspect you may have a health problem.

 

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