Types of diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea starts suddenly and is often linked with an infection, contaminated food, or a medicine. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may point to Food Intolerance, Coeliac Disease, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Watery stools can cause rapid fluid loss. Greasy or difficult-to-flush stools deserve medical review because digestion or absorption may be affected. Mucus, blood, fever, night-time symptoms, or ongoing pain change the level of concern. Crohn's Disease and other bowel conditions may present with diarrhoea, but the stool pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Note the onset, frequency, stool appearance, urgency, pain, fever, recent travel, new medicines, and possible food exposures. Drink regularly and eat small meals if tolerated. Avoid alcohol and temporarily limit foods that clearly trigger symptoms. Do not assume that a change in stool colour identifies a diagnosis. A clinician may use your history and examination, with stool or blood tests when needed, to separate infection from inflammation, intolerance, or another cause.

Seek urgent care for black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, or inability to drink. Arrange an appointment for diarrhoea that persists, keeps returning, wakes you from sleep, or comes with weight loss, fever, or weakness. Get advice earlier for young children, older adults, pregnancy, or reduced immunity because dehydration can develop more quickly.

Which features of my stool pattern matter most? Could a medicine, recent travel, or a food trigger explain it? Do I need tests for infection, inflammation, or absorption? What should I do if blood or mucus appears?