About Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools (faeces or poo) more than is normal for you. You may also experience stomach cramps, an elevated temperature, flu-like symptoms, vomiting and dehydration.
It can affect babies, children and adults at any time and can be both unpleasant and embarrassing. Diarrhoea and vomiting are more serious in babies than older children, because babies can easily lose too much fluid from their bodies and become dehydrated.
Dioralyte treats dehydration caused by diarrhoea, by providing fast and effective replacement of body salts.
Did you know?
* (56 out of 133 UK adults surveyed)
Busy day at work?
Stress and anxiety can also cause you to have diarrhoea
Can I prevent diarrhoea?
By following the handy health and food hygiene tips below you can prevent passing it on to others.
Health and hygiene
- Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food
- Clean and disinfect the toilet (including the handle and the seat) after each episode of diarrhoea
- Use separate towels and flannels, cutlery and utensils from other family members
- Do not return to work or school until 48 hours after the episode of diarrhoea
- Some probiotics could also help to prevent diarrhoea
Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food
Food hygiene
Diarrhoea is a common symptom of food poisoning. Practising good food hygiene will help prevent getting diarrhoea.
- Wash your hands prior to and after preparing food
- Do not store cooked and raw foods together
- Always cook food thoroughly
- Pay attention to the sell-by/use by dates and do not eat foods beyond these dates
- Ensure food is properly refrigerated
Do not store cooked and raw foods together
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts found in foods such as yoghurt and are encouraged as having various health benefits and may help treat diarrhoea following treatment with certain antibiotics.
Prebiotics are carbohydrates which act as food for probiotics and are found in lots of foods such as tomatoes, asparagus, and onions. It’s thought that eating prebiotics causes more protective bacteria to grow in the gut.
Prebiotics are carbohydrates which act as food for probiotics.
About traveller’s diarrhoea
** If your diarrhoea persists for longer than 24 – 48 hours you should seek medical advice.
How can I prevent traveller’s diarrhoea?
You can take steps before and whilst travelling to minimise the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Take extra care with food
Diarrhoea on holiday can be prevented by taking extra care with food.
- Ensure food is cooked properly and piping hot when it is brought to you
- If you are using a BBQ, ensure the meat is cooked and piping hot. Also use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat
- Always keep leftovers refrigerated
- Peel fruit and vegetables or wash them in sterile water before consuming
- It is advisable to avoid drinking tap water or any drinks that may have been made using tap water (fruit squash, smoothies, ice cubes or crushed ice)
- You may also want to avoid shellfish, unpasteurised cheese, salad and raw vegetables, raw and undercooked meat, eggs and mayonnaise.
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene at home or away is important and can prevent spreading diarrhoea.
- Always wash your hands before handling food and after using the toilet
- Ensure cutlery, utensils and plates are clean and sterile prior to using them
- When camping, do not allow anyone who has felt unwell to prepare the food
- Keep your fingernails clean and short
- Take hand sanitiser, a plastic bottle of soapy water and antiseptic wipes when there is no running water available.
Fast relief from dehydration
If you are unlucky enough to suffer with diarrhoea & vomiting whilst on your holiday, remember to pack Dioralyte which can help to keep you hydrated. (If you have any concerns or doubt about the quality of the tap water, then use bottled water when diluting Dioralyte).
YOUR HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS
SUNCREAM
FIRST AID KIT
INSECT REPELLENT
ANTIHISTAMINES
ANTI-DIARRHOEA PILLS
REHYDRATION SACHETS
Diarrhoea and children
It is usually caused by a ‘tummy bug,’ (viral gastroenteritis) and can put them at risk of losing too much fluid leading to dehydration. So it is important to keep them hydrated.
Dioralyte is suitable from birth. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if the child taking the medicine is under 2 years old. Dioralyte Relief is suitable from 3 months. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if the child taking the medicine is under 1 year old.
Preventing diarrhoea in children
Personal hygiene at home or away is important and can prevent spreading diarrhoea.
- Make sure they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, remember to wash your own hands too!
- Clean and disinfect the toilet (including the handle and the seat) after each episode of diarrhoea
- Use separate towels and flannels, cutlery and utensils for other family members
- Do not send your child to school until 48 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped
Food Intolerance vs Allergy
The effect of a food allergy can be mild but also dangerous and even life-threatening. The effects usually happen quickly and can sometimes only require a small amount of food to provoke a reaction.
Common food allergies include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as almonds and Brazil nuts)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
People with food intolerance may suffer digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating and stomach cramps. Commons foods that cause intolerances include:
- Milk/Dairy products
- Wheat and Gluten
- Alcohol
- Yeast
- Histamine (present in foods such as vinegar, processed meats and cheeses)
