Did you know that among the causes of diarrhea are the Food and Water-Borne Diseases? Diarrhea remains one of the top ten leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Based on the reports of the Epidemiology Bureau Public Health Surveillance Division, a total of 1,385 acute diarrhea cases were reported nationwide from January 1 to February 23, 2019. Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or a frequent need to have a bowel movement. It usually lasts a few days and often disappears without any treatment. Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. Diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks can be a symptom of chronic disease.
Diarrhea may result from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Microorganisms including viruses such as the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus, bacterial infection, parasitic infection, medicines that contain magnesium, food intolerances and sensitiveness, diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract such as Chron’s disease, and problems with colon functions such as irritable bowel syndrome are the common causes of diarrhea. Rotavirus is a common cause of childhood diarrhea. Bacterial infections due to salmonella or E. coli, among others, are also common.
People with diarrhea may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, abdominal cramps, fever, bloating, weight loss, body aches, and chills. Other possible symptoms such as blood or pus in the stool, persistent vomiting, and dehydration may indicate a more serious illness. Without proper treatment, diarrhea may lead to two potentially serious complications such as dehydration and malabsorption. Dehydration happens in cases of severe and frequent diarrhea while malabsorption can be seen in cases of chronic diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dry mucous membranes, increased heart rate, a headache, increased thirst, decreased urination, and dry mouth.
Most cases of diarrhea disappear without treatment but we can prevent it by drinking clean and safe water only, having a good sanitation system, having good hygiene practices by washing your hands more frequently especially before and after eating and food preparation, and educating oneself on the spread of infection. Promoting Hand-washing in the community can also help reduce diarrhea rates in the country. When you’re experiencing diarrhea, you have to avoid foods that can trigger the digestive system and prolong diarrhea. These include milk and dairy products, fried fatty foods, spicy foods, raw vegetables, coffee, and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks and alcohol. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay dehydrated.
ZDN DMO II Rowence Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Food and Water-Borne Disease Prevention and Control Program (FWBD-PCP) Strategic Plan
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/FWBD%20Strategic%20Plan%202019.pdf
2. 2019 Monthly Food and Waterborne Diseases Report
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/statistics/2019_Monthly_FWBD_Report_N2.pdf
3. Diarrhea
https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html#:~:text=Diarrhea%20is%20loose%2C%20watery%20stools,but%20it%20may%20last%20longer.
