Diarrhoea and sore throat: what to know

A viral infection can affect the throat and digestive system at the same time. Common cold, influenza, COVID-19 and glandular fever can include throat symptoms, while gastroenteritis may cause loose stools and sometimes general illness. Strep throat and tonsillitis mainly affect the throat, so diarrhoea may reflect another infection, a medicine effect, or food-related illness rather than the throat problem itself. Acid reflux and allergic rhinitis can irritate the throat but do not explain every episode of diarrhoea.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after each loose stool. Choose easy-to-digest foods if you feel hungry, and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Rest, wash your hands carefully and avoid preparing food for other people while diarrhoea continues. Warm fluids, soft foods and simple throat soothing measures may help. Do not start antibiotics without an assessment; they are not useful for many viral illnesses and can sometimes worsen diarrhoea.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange medical advice if diarrhoea is persistent, recurring, or accompanied by high fever, reduced urination, a very dry mouth, or worsening throat pain. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term illness may become dehydrated more quickly.

Ask whether you need a throat examination or testing, which fluids are suitable, and whether any recent medicine, travel, sick contact or food exposure changes the assessment.