How is diarrhoea treated?

Many short episodes settle with supportive care, but diarrhoea can result from infection, medicine, food intolerance or an inflammatory bowel condition. A clinician considers duration, travel, sick contacts, blood or mucus, abdominal pain, fever and existing health problems. [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/), [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) and [Traveller's Diarrhoea](/conditions/travellers-diarrhoea/) are possible causes.

Antibiotics are not suitable for every episode and should only be used when prescribed. Anti-diarrhoeal medicine may help some adults, but it is not appropriate with blood in stools, high fever or certain infections. Children, older adults and people with long-term conditions may become dehydrated more quickly.

Take frequent sips of water and consider [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) to replace salts as well as fluid. Eat small portions when able, choosing simple foods, and avoid alcohol. Wash hands carefully, use separate towels where possible and stay away from food preparation while infectious symptoms continue.

Track urine output, thirst, dizziness, stool changes and fluid intake. Arrange medical advice if symptoms continue, recur after travel, follow a new medicine, or interfere with eating and drinking. Persistent symptoms may need assessment for conditions such as [Ulcerative Colitis](/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/) or [Giardiasis](/conditions/giardiasis/).

Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, black stools, blood in stools, repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down. Very little urine, a dry mouth and worsening weakness are warning signs that fluid loss may be significant.

Get prompt advice for a baby, frail older person, pregnancy, significant kidney or immune problems, or diarrhoea with high fever. Diarrhoea after travel with marked illness may need testing; [Typhoid Fever](/conditions/typhoid-fever/) is one condition a clinician may consider in the right setting.

Could a medicine, infection or food be causing this? Do I need testing? Which drinks and foods are suitable? Is an anti-diarrhoeal medicine safe for me? How can I recognise dehydration, and when should I return?