Food poisoning with yellow diarrhoea: what to know

Bile starts with a yellow-green colour and normally changes as it moves through the digestive tract. When stools pass quickly during diarrhoea, there may be less time for that colour to change. Food, drinks and some medicines can also alter stool colour. Yellow diarrhoea alone does not establish food poisoning. Pay attention to abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, blood, dehydration and how long the change continues.

Drink frequent small amounts of water, broth or an oral rehydration drink. Eat simple foods if hungry and avoid alcohol until bowel movements settle. Keep track of stool colour, frequency, pain and urine output. Wash hands carefully and do not prepare meals for others while you have diarrhoea. Avoid self-treating with antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicines until a clinician has considered the symptoms.

Seek medical advice if yellow diarrhoea persists, keeps returning, becomes pale or clay-coloured, or occurs with severe pain, blood, fever, repeated vomiting or dehydration. Urgent help is needed for fainting, confusion, marked weakness or breathing difficulty. A clinician may ask about recent meals, travel, medicines, sick contacts and any history of liver, gallbladder or bowel problems.

Ask whether the colour and symptoms suggest a short-lived infection or another cause, whether testing is useful, and which fluids or medicines are appropriate. Bring a clear description of the colour and any associated stool changes.