Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery, soft stools with or without abdomen bloating, pressure, and cramps commonly referred to as gas or flatulence. Diarrhea can be accompanied with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever.

Causes of diarrhea include:

• viral infections
• bacterial intestinal infections (e.g. salmonellosis)
• lactose intolerance (milk intolerance)
• inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• intestinal irritation syndrome

How to treat?

• probiotics or Smecta are suitable for short-term (viral, bacteria caused) treatment of diarrhea
• fluid replacement
• probiotics help restore the intestinal microflora

What to avoid?

Many foods are difficult to digest and can irritate the digestive system. Therefore, the following should be avoided:

• Spicy foods that will irritate your digestion.
• Fried foods. These are fatty and can make the situation worse.
• Sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Fiber rich foods
• Fat meat and fish

The family doctor / family nurse should be contacted when:

• High fever and/or abdominal pain develops/persists
• Children are more likely to experience a lack of water. This symptom is dry mouth, weight loss, crying without tears. Babies diaper have been dry for more than three hours
• Diarrhea lasts more than 2 weeks (called chronic diarrhea)
• The stool contains blood