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Title

Causes of diarrhea: gastroenteritis

Summary

Around 20% of people catch gastroenteritis every year, and they usually have diarrhea.17

What is gastroenteritis?

Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis is a common condition where the stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed - what you might call a stomach bug.

What causes it?

The most common causes are:

  • Viruses (Norovirus in adults, Rotavirus in children)
  • Drinking contaminated water (travelers’ diarrhea)
  • Food poisoning

What are the symptoms?

While diarrhea is the main symptom of gastroenteritis, you might also experience nausea, vomiting, headache or mild fever. Symptoms usually pass in a few days.

How to avoid catching or spreading it

If your gastroenteritis is caused by Norovirus, it will be highly contagious. So be careful not to spread it to other people.

Read on for ways to avoid spreading the infection

How to treat diarrhea

You can of course treat your diarrhea and quickly start to feel like yourself again. IMODIUM™ works in harmony with your body to help restore its natural rhythm. You shouldn’t think that it’s better to let diarrhea run its course or ‘flush’ your system of bacteria. Diarrhea is not a defence mechanism that works to fight infection - your immune system does that - but a symptom of disruption to your digestion. When left to run its course, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s best to treat it early.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. ASC Ref. Codes J199P110718I, J200P110718I, J146P110818I, J148P110818I

Find out more about IMODIUM™

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IMODIUM™ capsules have been a trusted remedy in helping to restore your body’s natural rhythm for more than 40 years.
Doctor recommended Imodium™ gives fast and effective relief; it can stop diarrhea in just one dose and in just one hour.