Acute diarrhea treatment

Loose, frequent stools remove water and electrolytes from the body. Oral rehydration solution replaces both and is especially useful when losses are continuing. Most treatment aims to prevent dehydration while the underlying irritation or infection settles; antibiotics are not routinely appropriate because causes differ and some medicines can be harmful in particular infections.

Management changes when diarrhoea follows recent antibiotics, overseas travel, a hospital stay, immune suppression, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, or another ongoing condition. A clinician may request a stool sample or other tests when the history suggests a cause that needs targeted treatment.

Take small, frequent drinks and mix oral rehydration products exactly as instructed. Eat according to appetite, choosing foods that are easy to tolerate, and continue breastfeeding. Wash hands carefully with soap and water, clean shared bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using an anti-diarrhoeal medicine. Such medicines may be unsuitable for children or when there is blood in the stool, high fever, a swollen abdomen, suspected bowel inflammation, or diarrhoea after antibiotics. Avoid leftover antibiotics and do not share prescriptions.

Seek urgent assessment for blood or black stool, severe or localised abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, a rigid or swollen abdomen, confusion, fainting, marked drowsiness, very little urine, or inability to drink. Emergency help is appropriate if the person collapses, is difficult to wake, or has trouble breathing.

Contact a clinician earlier for a baby, a frail older adult, pregnancy, weakened immunity, significant kidney or heart disease, recent antibiotics, or symptoms that persist or keep returning. These circumstances can affect hydration needs, testing, and medicine safety.

Describe stool appearance, frequency, vomiting, fever, pain, food exposures, travel, sick contacts, recent medicines, and urine output. Ask whether rehydration alone is suitable, whether a stool test is needed, and which treatments should be avoided in your situation.