What if oral rehydration therapy does not relieve diarrhoea?

Oral rehydration therapy helps replace water and salts lost in loose stools or vomiting; it is not designed to treat every cause of diarrhoea or stop every bowel movement. Infection, medicine effects, food intolerance, and inflammatory bowel problems are possible explanations. The risk that needs attention is dehydration, shown by marked thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, weakness, or light-headedness.

Prepare and take the solution exactly as directed on its packaging, and sip it frequently. Continue suitable food if tolerated, choosing simple meals, and avoid alcohol. Do not mix the solution more strongly or dilute it beyond the instructions. Seek advice before using anti-diarrhoeal medicines for a child or when there is fever or blood in the stool.

Get urgent care for confusion, fainting, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, blood or black stool, high fever, or rapidly worsening weakness. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant medical conditions should seek advice promptly because dehydration can develop quickly.

Ask what may be causing the diarrhoea, whether testing is needed, how to judge hydration, which foods and medicines to use or avoid, and when it is safe to return to normal activities.