Diarrhoea

Introduction

Source: NHS

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Diarrhoea usually goes away on its own within a few days. Make sure you or your child drink plenty of fluids.

How you can treat diarrhoea yourself

Diarrhoea should go away on its own within a few days. It's normal to also have stomach cramps.

It's important that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Your pee should be light yellow or clear.

As soon as you feel able to eat, go back to your normal diet.

If you have a high temperature of 38C or more, take painkillers like paracetamol.

How long diarrhoea lasts

Diarrhoea often lasts 2 to 4 days in adults and 5 to 7 days in babies or children.

Diarrhoea can be infectious.

To avoid giving it to other people, you should:

  • stay off work for 2 days
  • keep children at home for 2 days
  • avoid swimming pools for 2 weeks

See a GP if:

  • you feel very sick and keep vomiting
  • you have no appetite and you're losing weight
  • your poo is very dark and smelly (this may indicate there's blood in your poo)
  • the diarrhoea doesn't go away
  • you have recently taken antibiotics or been treated in hospital

Diarrhoea can be infectious. Check with the GP before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.

Articles for Diarrhoea

Causes

Diarrhoea is usually caused by a bowel infection. Other causes can be things like a food allergy, alcohol or appendicitis. If you're taking any medicine, check the side effects. Diarrhoea might be one of them.

Introduction

Diarrhoea should go away on its own within a few days. It's normal to also have stomach cramps. It's important that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Your pee should be light yellow or clear.

Prevention

You can't always prevent diarrhoea. Good food hygiene can reduce the risk of getting it. While you have diarrhoea: wash your hands well every time you've been to the toilet, clean the toilet after you've gone, etc.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diarrhoea for adults and children include: watery or loose poo, stomach cramps, feeling sick and vomiting, etc. Diarrhoea often lasts 2 to 4 days in adults and 5 to 7 days in babies or children.

Treatment

You can take medicines to help reduce the diarrhoea and shorten how long it lasts. But you don't have to take these and they won't cure your diarrhoea. Describe your symptoms to the pharmacist. They can recommend the best medicine for you.