ABSTRACT
Diarrhoea is an increase in the frequency, volume or liquidity of the bowel movement relative to the usual habit of the individual. Worldwide, it is one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in developing countries. Osmotic diarrhoea is caused by failure to digest or absorb normal nutrients or ingestion of non-absorbable solutes. The unabsorbed solute creates an osmotic load and causes stools to be watery, highly acidic and loose. Inflammatory diarrhoea is characterised by the presence of blood, mucus and leukocytes in the stool. Infections with salmonella or Campylobacter jejuni cause inflammation with high fevers, pus and bloody stools. Acute gastroenteritis is characterised by the rapid onset of diarrhoea with or without vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Viruses, bacteria or parasites can cause it. Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhoea. The post-gastroenteritis syndrome occurs when an acute episode of gastroenteritis is followed by a period of prolonged diarrhoea.
