Tummy trouble costs us four weeks off work

Aug 26 2008 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

THE average Buddie takes a total of one month off work across their working lifetime because of tummy trouble, new research has revealed.

A study carried out by Dioralyte – an oral rehydration therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes lost as a result of diarrhoea – found that, while the majority of people suffer from the runs for a 24-hour period, over a quarter revealed it lasted up to two days and two per cent said their diarrhoea often lasted over five days.

A Dioralyte spokesman said: “Diarrhoea is a very common problem and, while many people try to struggle on, for others it can be very disruptive to their lives.

“When it lasts for more than 24 hours, diarrhoea can potentially be quite dangerous, particularly for the elderly and children who can dehydrate very quickly and require medical attention.”

The survey also delved into the weird and wonderful toilet habits of the UK, revealing that two fifths of people escape from their family by hiding in the toilet, while 10 per cent sing on the loo and seven per cent count while they are on the pan!

According to Dioralyte’s findings, it would seem people have plenty of time to carry out these activities, with 36 per cent of folk spending between 10 and 20 minutes a day on the toilet – working out at up to five days a year.

But that’s nothing compared to the one per cent of Brits who spend over 13 days a year on the toilet.