What should you know about infective diarrhoea?

Infection can make the bowel release extra water and contract more quickly. Symptoms may include loose stools, cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and feeling weak. [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) can follow contaminated food, while [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) often spreads between people or through contaminated food and water.

The appearance and timing of symptoms do not always identify the germ. Persistent or repeating diarrhoea can have another explanation, including [Coeliac Disease](/conditions/coeliac-disease/), [Crohn's Disease](/conditions/crohns-disease/), [Food Intolerance](/conditions/food-intolerance/) or [Irritable Bowel Syndrome](/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/). A parasitic illness such as [Giardiasis](/conditions/giardiasis/) may last longer and needs specific assessment.

Take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Continue eating small, plain meals when able, and avoid alcohol. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food; clean shared bathroom surfaces and do not prepare meals for other people while symptoms continue. Do not take antibiotics or diarrhoea-stopping medicine without advice, particularly when there is fever or blood in the stool.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or very little urine. Seek prompt advice when diarrhoea is frequent and fluids are difficult to replace, when symptoms follow travel, or when a baby, older person or medically vulnerable person is affected.

Arrange a review if the illness is not improving, returns repeatedly, or leaves ongoing weight loss, tiredness or abdominal symptoms. A clinician may decide whether stool testing or another examination is appropriate.

Ask how much fluid is suitable, whether you need testing, which foods and medicines to use, how long to avoid preparing food, and which changes should prompt urgent review.