However, it is the consistency of the stools rather than the number that is most important. Frequent passing of formed stools is not diarrhoea. Mothers usually know when their children have diarrhoea and may provide useful working definitions in local situations. Clinical types of diarrhoeal diseases It is most practical to base treatment of diarrhoea on the clinical type of the illness, which can easily be determined when a child is first examined. Laboratory studies are not needed.
Diarrhoea causes rapid depletion of water and sodium - both of which are necessary for life.
Severe dehydration can cause death. Despite many advances, diarrhoeal diseases and the resulting dehydration are responsible for 3 million child deaths every year. Diarrhoea is caused by bacteria or viruses. Diarrhoea is also a major cause of child malnutrition. The above is most important message that can help parents governments and communities to prevent almost all of these deaths and most of the malnutrition caused by diarrhoea.