What should you know about frequent diarrhoea causes?

Short episodes may follow gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Giardiasis is another infection that can cause ongoing loose stools, cramps, bloating, and tiredness, particularly after unsafe water or travel exposure. Food intolerance may produce symptoms after a particular ingredient. Recurrent diarrhoea with abdominal pain can occur with irritable bowel syndrome, while coeliac disease or Crohn's disease may cause longer-lasting symptoms and nutritional problems. An overactive thyroid can also speed bowel movements.

Record stool appearance, urgency, pain, fever, weight change, travel, medicines, and food timing. Do not remove gluten before discussing testing if coeliac disease is being considered.

Take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after each loose stool. Eat small, simple meals as tolerated and avoid alcohol. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while an infection is possible. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine if you have blood in the stool or significant fever unless a clinician advises it. A clinician may need stool or blood tests when diarrhoea persists.

Seek urgent care for blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt review for ongoing diarrhoea, unintentional weight loss, fever, night-time symptoms, or symptoms after travel. Children, older adults, and people with significant health conditions can become dehydrated quickly.

Ask: Could a food, medicine, or infection explain the timing? Do I need stool or blood tests? Should coeliac disease or thyroid disease be checked? Which drinks and medicines are suitable for me?