Diarrhoea in dengue: what to know

Dengue commonly causes fever, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, while diarrhoea may occur alongside the illness or from another gut infection. Loose stools do not by themselves show how severe dengue is. The practical concern is losing water and salts while fever, sweating, vomiting or poor appetite may already limit intake.

Watch the overall pattern: how often stools occur, whether vomiting prevents drinking, and whether urination becomes less frequent or darker. Abdominal pain, unusual sleepiness, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, or breathing difficulty need medical attention rather than home observation.

Take frequent small sips of an oral rehydration solution if a clinician recommends it, and continue suitable fluids. Rest and choose simple foods when hungry. Continue monitoring temperature, fluid intake, urination and stool changes. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a treating clinician specifically says otherwise, because dengue can involve bleeding; ask about a safe fever medicine.

Do not take an anti-diarrhoeal or antibiotic on your own. A clinician can decide whether testing, observation, or another treatment is appropriate, especially if dengue has been diagnosed or is suspected.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, marked drowsiness, confusion, fainting, cold or clammy skin, trouble breathing, or inability to drink. Contact a clinician promptly if diarrhoea continues, urination drops, or the person becomes weaker. Dengue can change after the fever settles, so improvement in temperature does not remove the need to watch for warning signs.

Ask whether the diarrhoea could be from gastroenteritis or food poisoning, which fluids are suitable, which fever medicine to use, and when blood tests or follow-up are needed.