{"id":59062,"date":"2016-12-01T11:29:20","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T10:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/symptoms\/acute-diarrhoea\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T22:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:07:25","slug":"acute-diarrhoea","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/symptoms\/acute-diarrhoea\/","title":{"rendered":"Acute diarrhoea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What you need to know about acute diarrhoea<\/h2>\n

Every year, millions of people worldwide experience a period of diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is loose, unformed stool that may occur several times to as many as 20 times a day. With diarrhoea, it is often difficult to hold in the stool. There are two forms of diarrhoea: acute and chronic. With the first form, the symptoms resolve on their own within a few days; chronic diarrhoea lasts longer than three weeks. The stool may contain mucus or blood, may sometimes be watery, or may alternate with normally formed stools or constipation. Acute diarrhoea is often caused by a bacterium, virus or single-celled parasites, although other causes are also possible. In the case of travellers’ diarrhoea or diarrhoea caused by food poisoning, symptoms usually occur within eight hours and are accompanied by complaints such as malaise, vomiting, headache or fever. Sometimes several people in the same environment are infected.
\nWhen acute diarrhoea occurs, treatment is often not necessary because the symptoms disappear on their own after a few days. If the cause is a bacterium or parasite, medication may be prescribed in some cases. Treatment of a bacterial infection often focuses on preventing complications such as dehydration.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

\"telephoneRisk factors for acute diarrhoea<\/strong>
\nIn most cases, infection with bacteria, viruses or single-celled parasites occurs by eating contaminated food or through direct contact with infected people and animals. Food can contain parasites through contact with the hands of an infected person, while swimming water can also contain the parasite Giarda lamblia. Millions of international travellers experience intestinal symptoms known as ‘travellers’ diarrhoea’ each year. The risk of infection is increased in certain areas of Central and South America, Mexico, Africa and the Middle East. Most of Asia, as well as Eastern Europe and the Caribbean islands, also pose a risk. Other risk factors include places such as nursery schools, where viral infections can spread quickly. Young adults are often infected more readily, possibly due to poorer hygiene and lower immunity. Other groups susceptible to infection include people with weakened immune systems, diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease. People who use acid-suppressing medication are less protected because stomach acid kills bacteria.
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Symptoms of acute diarrhoea<\/h2>\n