Diarrhoea for 2 weeks: what to know

Persistent loose stools can follow an infection, a food intolerance, or a medicine effect. A clinician may also consider coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, thyroid overactivity, or irritable bowel syndrome. The duration alone cannot identify the cause. Tell the clinician about recent travel, untreated water, antibiotics, sick contacts, blood or mucus, abdominal pain, fever, and weight change.

Arrange a medical appointment soon and keep drinking frequent small amounts of water or oral rehydration solution. Eat simple foods that you tolerate and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals, and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Do not start antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without advice, especially if you have fever or blood in the stool. Record stool changes, triggers, medicines, and fluid intake.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, very little urine, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, severe or worsening abdominal pain, black stools, or visible blood. Prompt assessment is also needed with high fever, repeated vomiting, or if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or caring for a young child.

Ask whether you need stool tests, blood tests, or a review of recent medicines; which foods and fluids are suitable; and what symptoms should trigger same-day care.