The balance of water absorption is upset meaning less water is being absorbed and the excess water remaining is making the bowel motions soft, watery, and more frequent. Acute diarrhoea Most cases of diarrhoea come on quickly and are fortunately short-lived. One of the most common causes is food poisoning where food hasn't been cooked thoroughly enough to kill off the bacteria living in it, or those handling and preparing foods have not maintained good standards of hygiene. Food poisoning is also common whilst travelling where salads, fruits, and meats may look very appetising but may not have been stored or prepared adequately. Not many people will need reminding that binge drinking alcohol, high-fat meals, and spicy foods, are all well known to cause diarrhoea by irritating the bowel.
Diarrhoea often occurs whilst taking antibiotics or after the course has been completed.
Stress, a change in environment, or food that is new to the system or that the system is intolerant are also causes of diarrhoea. Fortunately most cases of diarrhoea, although unpleasant, resolve quickly. The main concern with diarrhoea is that if more water is being lost than is being absorbed then the body becomes dehydrated. For this reason the most important treatment of diarrhoea is to try and replace these fluids. Plain boiled water that has been allowed to cool down, clear soups, herbal teas with honey, will all keep the body well hydrated and are pleasant to drink.