How to deal with Diarrhoea

When you visit tropical countries like mine, you may sometime will deal with diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is the passing of watery stools more than four times a day. It is often a symptom of an infection or long-term condition.

The causes of diarrhoea in the tropics are many and include viral or bacterial infections, amoebas, food poisoning and worm infestation. In most cases, no medicine is needed. But I do take some immodium pills or some Chinese pills like po chai pills when I got the diarrhoea. The most important thing is to ensure the adequate fluid replacement with broths, sweetened drinks or oral rehydration solusions (Oralit - in my languange, the homemade version is 1/2 tsp. salt to 8 tsp. sugar in one litre of mineral water).

Diarrhoea can either be:
Acute: diarrhoea that comes on suddenly, and lasts for five to 10 days, or
Chronic: diarrhoea that lasts for more than two weeks.

If the person that suffer diarrhoea is able to eat, start with bland foods such as rice, crackers, bananas, and potatoes in small portion as soon as possible. Black and red tea without milk also helps. You have to stop the diary products, fried foods, sweets, chillies, and spicy foods for a moment if you experience diarrhoea.

Yes, i think it's important to seek some medical helps if there is a rapid onset of bloody diarrhoea associated with high fever.

Yes, if you suffer "rice water" stools in very large volumes, it may be a sign of a serious illness, which requires immediate attention.

Yes, if you suffer diarrhoea that associated with vomiting. It can be serious. And if you cannot  hold down liquids, you may suffer dehydration as well. The most dangerous thing is if this happen to children.

Yes, if the diarrhoea lasts or more than 4 days and shows no signs of improvement or you appears significantly dehydrated (dry mouth, no urine or just little, and "loose" skin). Just seek for medical help if you experience this.

A baby or toddler will probably have diarrhoea and vomiting two or three times a year. As parents just be patient if you deal with this situation. Your child may be express some irritable behaviour and restless, and may be crying often. Diarrhoea is the self limiting disease, just make sure that your child won't be suffer some dehydration. It's okay to baby feed your child if the child get diarrhoea and keep feeding the child with baby food.

If you are living in tropical countries or just say you are living in Indonesia and have to giving birth in here, there are several vaccinations that have to scheduled for babies and infant. It is important to give vaccinations on time and not to double up on vaccinations either.

You may see this chart below :

• Get enough rest. Sleep well. Peak body renewal hours are 11 pm - 3 am, so adults as well as children should be sound asleep during those hours. Good quality 8 hours sleep is recommended.
• Exercise regularly to build good body condition and stamina, body strength and immunity to help prevent illness and disease coming your way.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those is season as they are full of essential nutritions.
• Consume plenty of whole grains, and fibers. This will help to keep the digestive tract to function well.
• Eat plenty of essential fatty food such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna. Also some nuts and seeds.These fats are essential to the body on a daily basis for all body fuction.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates and refined sugar, which lower immune function over a period of time.
• Avoid tea, coffee, carton juices, and sugary drinks as they can inhibit the absorption of other nutritions.
• Avoid fried food as it encourage "bad" bacteria to grow in the digestive system.
• Allow relaxation time in your daily routine. Like massage, that will make you relax and help maintain the good blood circulation.
• Once a week you may have a sauna to help the lymphatic system rid the body of accumulated toxins.
• If necessary don't bring little child in the middle of crowds like malls during peak hours where people could have been sneezing and coughing.
• Always wash your hand with sanitation soap after you've done with your outdoor activities.