Diarrhoea treatment

A short episode may settle with fluids, rest, and food as tolerated. Infection such as Food Poisoning or Gastroenteritis may need monitoring and, in selected cases, testing or prescription treatment. Recurrent diarrhoea can be associated with Food Intolerance, Coeliac Disease, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Crohn's Disease, Giardiasis, or Hyperthyroidism may be considered when symptoms persist or other features are present. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines are not suitable for everyone, particularly when there is blood, fever, severe pain, or suspected infection.

Take frequent small sips of water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution. Continue light meals such as rice, toast, potatoes, soup, or bananas if comfortable. Avoid alcohol and foods that make urgency worse. Ask a pharmacist before using an anti-diarrhoeal medicine, and follow the product directions. Do not start antibiotics left over from another illness. Wash hands with soap and water and avoid preparing food for others while unwell.

Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, pass black or bloody stools, develop severe abdominal pain, or have signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine. Contact a clinician when symptoms are persistent, repeatedly returning, or accompanied by fever, weight loss, night-time diarrhoea, or significant weakness. Seek advice promptly for a baby, an older person, pregnancy, or a long-term medical condition.

What cause is most consistent with my symptoms and recent exposures? Is an oral rehydration product or medicine appropriate for me? Should I have stool or blood tests? How should I manage my regular medicines while I have diarrhoea?