Diarrhoea, characterised by loose, watery stools, is a common occurrence that can affect daily activities and cause a lot of distress. There can be several causes of loose stools, ranging from an infection to a food allergy to a reaction to medicines. In certain cases, chronic intestinal diseases, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), can also lead to stomach symptoms.
When it comes to diarrhoea, it is important to note that some types can be contagious and can spread from person to person. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant- Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, discusses the cause behind it and what can be done.
Also Read: Diarrhoea: 5 Reason Your Child May Be Suffering From It
What Causes Contagious Diarrhoea?
Generally, diarrhoea is classified into two major types: acute and chronic diarrhoea.
According to an article published in StatPearls Publishing, acute diarrhoea refers to an episode lasting less than two weeks, whereas chronic diarrhoea is when a person has loose stools lasting longer than two weeks.
Research suggests that most episodes of acute diarrhoea are caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, or parasite, which can be infectious. On the other hand, common causes of chronic diarrhoea include malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, and medication side effects, which are non-infectious.
Contagious diarrhoea can often spread through the faecal-oral route, in which the disease is transmitted via the faeces of an infected individual to the mouth of a vulnerable person.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the most common viruses that can cause infectious diarrhoea include:
- Norovirus
- Rotavirus (in children)
- Influenza
Some of the common bacteria that can lead to contagious diarrhoea include:
- Campylobacter
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
- Shigella
Lastly, parasites that can lead to contagious diarrhoea include:
- Cryptosporidium enteritis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia lamblia
How To Know If Your Diarrhoea Is Contagious?
As discussed, it is important to note that most cases of acute diarrhoea are infectious. Therefore, pay attention to the number of days you feel sick and experience diarrhoea. If it is less than two weeks, it is possibly infectious.
On the other hand, long-lasting episodes of diarrhoea are indicative of underlying digestive issues, such as IBS, IBD, and food intolerances.
Furthermore, note that contagious diarrhoea often comes on suddenly and quickly. It is also infrequent, meaning it does not happen all through the year but rather during certain seasons, probably once a year or so.
Dr Baidya says, "Viral diarrhoea in adults is less common than in children and does not require any antibiotics."
Precautions To Take
According to Dr Baidya, when patients are experiencing loose motions or vomiting, these are actually indications that they are shedding bacteria and viruses. These are infective and can be contagious, she says, advising that it is better to contact, isolate them.
Additional precautions include practising proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before eating or consuming any food.