Inflammatory diarrhoea: what to know

Inflammatory diarrhoea happens when the bowel lining is irritated or inflamed. Stools may contain blood or mucus, and bowel movements can come with urgency, cramps, fever, or tenderness. Possible causes include infections such as Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, or Giardiasis, as well as inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's Disease or Coeliac Disease. Food Intolerance, Hyperthyroidism, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also cause diarrhoea, although they do not all produce bowel inflammation. A symptom pattern cannot identify the cause by itself.

Contact a clinician promptly if diarrhoea persists, keeps returning, or contains blood or mucus. Sip oral rehydration fluid or other suitable drinks regularly, and replace fluid after each loose stool. Eat small amounts if hungry and avoid alcohol. Do not take antibiotics left from a previous illness, and ask a pharmacist or clinician before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine when there is blood, fever, or significant pain. A clinician may use stool tests, blood tests, and your travel, food, medicine, and symptom history to guide the next step.

Seek urgent care for heavy blood loss, severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, very little urine, or inability to drink. Fever with worsening diarrhoea also needs prompt medical advice. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system can become dehydrated quickly, so use a lower threshold for assessment.

Ask whether stool testing is needed, which causes fit your pattern, and how to replace fluids safely. Tell the clinician about recent travel, untreated water, new medicines, sick contacts, food exposures, weight change, and any blood or mucus. Ask when to return if symptoms continue.