What should you know about infective diarrhoea treatment?

Infective diarrhoea is a change to frequent, loose or watery stools caused by an infection in the digestive system. It may occur with cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever or reduced appetite. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are common examples, while travel or contaminated water can expose someone to organisms such as Giardia. The illness can spread through unwashed hands, unsafe food or shared surfaces.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after each loose stool or episode of vomiting. Eat light foods when you feel able, and avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food; do not prepare food for other people while unwell. A clinician may request a stool sample, prescribe treatment for a specific infection, or advise against medicines that slow bowel movement when fever or blood is present.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, very little urine, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, or a high fever with worsening illness. Arrange prompt assessment if diarrhoea continues, follows recent antibiotics or travel, or affects a young child, an older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system. Persistent diarrhoea can also need evaluation for non-infectious conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn's Disease, Food Intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Ask which warning signs matter for you, whether testing is needed, how much to drink, and whether any regular medicines should be adjusted while you are losing fluids.