Diarrhoea: Key Insights and Management

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, infectious and non-infectious causes, complications, prevention, and treatment strategies for diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea

The frequent passage of loose, watery stools, often occurring more than three times a day, caused by the digestive system failing to properly absorb water, nutrients, and electrolytes.

Acute Diarrhoea

A form of diarrhoea that lasts for a few days.

Chronic Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea that lasts for more than two weeks, often linked to chronic diseases and requiring medical investigation.

Intestinal Motility

The rate of digestive movement through the intestines; an increase in this motility, along with increased fluid secretion or reduced absorption, contributes to diarrhoea.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

A bacterial pathogen that serves as an infectious cause of diarrhoea.

Rotavirus

A viral pathogen causing diarrhoea, especially in young children, which can be prevented via vaccination.

Norovirus

A viral pathogen that infects the digestive system and causes diarrhoea.

Giardia lamblia

A parasitic microorganism that infects the digestive system to cause diarrhoea.

Cryptosporidium

A parasitic pathogen identified as an infectious cause of diarrhoea.

Lactose Intolerance

A specific food intolerance that acts as a dietary cause of diarrhoea.

Gut Flora Disruption

An alteration or imbalance of healthy intestinal bacteria, frequently induced by medications such as antibiotics, leading to diarrhoea.

Laxatives

Medications that promote bowel evacuation; overusing them can cause excessive bowel movements and lead to diarrhoea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A chronic condition affecting gut health that serves as a potential cause of diarrhoea.

Crohn’s Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel condition that impairs gut health and can result in diarrhoea.

Celiac Disease

A chronic digestive disease affecting gut health that is classified as a cause of diarrhoea.

Dehydration

A dangerous complication of diarrhoea marked by signs such as dry mouth and skin, extreme thirst, fatigue, and dark or reduced urine output.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Liquid solutions containing water and balanced salts/sugars used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes during diarrhoea management.

BRAT Diet

A dietary regimen consisting of easily digestible foods—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—recommended during diarrhoea episodes.

Soluble Fibre

A dietary component that can assist in bulking and binding stool during episodes of diarrhoea.

Loperamide

An antidiarrheal drug that should be used with caution and only when recommended by a healthcare provider.

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria administered to help restore healthy gut flora during or after diarrhoea.