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Diarrhoea is a common yet serious health issue that can affect people of all ages. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration and other complications—especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, simple changes in hygiene habits and water practices can significantly reduce your risk. This blog provides clear, effective strategies to prevent diarrhoea through clean water, proper hygiene, and smart food handling.
What Causes Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is often a symptom of an infection in the digestive tract caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. One of the leading causes is the consumption of unsafe water or contaminated food. Poor hygiene, such as improper handwashing or unclean utensils, also plays a major role.
The following are common causes:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Poor sanitation
- Unwashed hands
- Unsafe food handling
- Contact with infected individuals
- Waterborne diseases such as cholera or giardiasis
By improving hygiene and ensuring access to safe drinking water, many of these causes can be prevented.
Clean Water Practices to Prevent Diarrhoea
Access to safe drinking water is the foundation of diarrhoea prevention. Waterborne diseases spread rapidly through untreated or improperly stored water. Follow these steps to keep your water safe:
1. Use Clean Sources of Water
If you're using water from wells, tanks, or other non-treated sources, ensure it's properly filtered and purified. Even tap water may require boiling or filtering depending on its quality.
2. Boil or Filter Water
Boiling water for at least one minute kills most pathogens. Alternatively, use water filters certified to remove bacteria and parasites. This is especially important in areas where the water quality is uncertain.
3. Store Water Safely
Keep drinking water in clean, closed containers. Use a narrow-mouthed container to reduce the risk of contamination from hands or utensils.
4. Avoid Drinking Unsafe Water While Travelling
When traveling, especially to regions with known water safety issues, drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice, as it might be made from contaminated water.
Handwashing and Diarrhoea Prevention
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent diarrhoea. Hands come in contact with many germs throughout the day. Proper handwashing reduces the transfer of bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhoea.
When to Wash Hands:
- After using the toilet
- Before eating or preparing food
- After changing diapers
- After handling garbage
- After cleaning or contact with bodily fluids
How to Wash Hands Correctly:
- Use clean water and soap
- Scrub all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry
In situations where soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Food Hygiene Tips
Contaminated food is another leading cause of diarrhoea. Poor food handling practices allow bacteria to grow and spread.
1. Wash Fruits and Vegetables Thoroughly
Even foods that seem clean may carry bacteria from soil or handling. Rinse all produce with clean water before consumption.
2. Cook Food Thoroughly
Undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood may carry harmful microorganisms. Ensure all food reaches safe cooking temperatures.
3. Avoid Street Food if Water Safety Is Doubtful
Street food is often prepared with untreated water and may be exposed to flies or other contaminants. Be cautious when eating out, especially in unfamiliar areas.
4. Keep Kitchen Surfaces Clean
Regularly disinfect countertops, cutting boards, and utensils used for preparing raw meat or fish. This prevents cross-contamination.
Water Safety for Kids
Children are more vulnerable to diarrhoea from unsafe water. They may unknowingly drink contaminated water or play in unsanitary conditions.
Safe Practices for Children:
- Teach children to drink only clean, filtered water
- Provide boiled or filtered water for preparing baby formula
- Ensure handwashing before meals and after using the toilet
- Discourage playing in or near stagnant or polluted water sources
By prioritising water safety for kids, parents can significantly lower the risk of childhood diarrhoea.
Sanitation and Health
Improving sanitation is essential to breaking the cycle of infection. Basic sanitation practices help protect communities from diarrhoea and other waterborne illnesses.
Key Sanitation Measures:
- Use clean, functional toilets with proper waste disposal
- Avoid open defecation, which can contaminate water sources
- Ensure proper drainage systems in and around homes
- Dispose of baby diapers and other waste in sealed bins
Safe sanitation not only prevents disease but also promotes dignity and community health.
Water Purification Methods
When access to treated water is limited, consider the following purification methods:
Boiling: Simple and effective, boiling kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Filtration: Portable filters can remove bacteria and protozoa. Use those certified for microbiological safety.
Chlorination: Household chlorine drops or tablets disinfect water but must be used with caution and proper guidance.
UV purification: Devices using ultraviolet light can eliminate pathogens without changing water taste or smell.
Select the method based on the available resources and type of contaminants likely to be present.
Diarrhoea in Children: A Special Concern
Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of illness and malnutrition among children in many regions. It can cause severe dehydration quickly. Immediate treatment and preventive care are essential.
What You Can Do:
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Provide clean drinking water
- Avoid giving untreated water
- Use oral rehydration salts (ORS) at the first signs of diarrhoea
- Seek medical help if symptoms last more than two days or involve blood in the stool
Preventive efforts at home can reduce the number of diarrhoea cases and ensure children stay healthy and active.
Oral Rehydration and First Aid
Even with preventive steps, diarrhoea can sometimes occur. Knowing how to manage it early can reduce complications.
Steps to Take:
- Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Use ORS to restore lost electrolytes
- Avoid sugary drinks or sodas
- Eat light, bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast
- Rest as the body recovers
If the condition worsens or persists, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider.
Why Choose Continental Hospitals?
At Continental Hospitals, we are committed to improving community health through expert care, advanced diagnostics, and patient education. Our dedicated departments of Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine are well-equipped to handle digestive and waterborne illnesses, including diarrhoea.
We believe that prevention is just as important as treatment. Our team actively promotes clean water practices, hygiene education, and regular health screenings. Whether you need advice, diagnosis, or treatment, Continental Hospitals offers compassionate, world-class care tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Diarrhoea may be common, but it’s largely preventable. By following simple hygiene routines, ensuring safe drinking water, and adopting good food handling practices, you can protect yourself and your family from this avoidable health threat.
Worried about recurring diarrhoea? Visit Continental Hospitals to consult our best gastroenterologist for prevention and treatment guidance.
