Chills and diarrhoea

Diarrhoea causes loss of water and salts, which can leave you cold, shaky, weak, or light-headed. A viral or food-related illness is common, but influenza, dengue fever, malaria, and urinary or kidney infections can also include gastrointestinal symptoms. Pneumonia or sepsis may cause diarrhoea alongside more serious illness. Note stool appearance, vomiting, abdominal pain, recent foods, sick contacts, travel, and whether you are passing urine normally.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Eat plain foods when able and avoid alcohol, very rich meals, and strenuous activity. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea continues. Check your temperature and urine output. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine, especially with blood in stool, severe pain, or suspected infection.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, breathing trouble, severe abdominal pain, blood or black stool, repeated vomiting, or very little urine. Seek prompt advice if diarrhoea is persistent, follows travel, affects an infant or older adult, or occurs with fever, rash, severe headache, or worsening chills. Rapid deterioration can be a sign of sepsis and needs emergency assessment.

How can I replace fluids safely? Do I need stool or blood tests? Could recent travel, food, medicines, or an infection explain the combination?