Diarrhoea
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Diarrhoea is a condition which affects our stomach from time to time. It causes us to pass runny or watery stools.
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Diarrhoea is when you pass watery stools on a regular basis. It’s relatively common, and it’s usually caused by a stomach infection. Viruses like the norovirus, bacteria such as E.coli and parasites can all trigger it. Diarrhoea can be distressing, embarrassing and very inconvenient, as it means frequent trips to the toilet.
Anyone can get diarrhoea, regardless of age. And it’s equally common in men and women. Generally young children and babies in particular tend to suffer from diarrhoea with greater frequency. But there are certain factors that can make you more susceptible to it, such as drinking unsafe or untreated water and consuming undercooked food.
Diarrhoea doesn’t tend to last for long. It normally clears up within a few days, and doesn’t usually require treatment. But it can cause dehydration, so it’s important that you drink lots of fluids (small and frequent sips of water) until your diarrhoea stops. If it does persist though, or if you experience symptoms such as blood in your stool, vomiting repeatedly or weight loss, you should get in touch with a clinician.
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When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Diarrhoea has many causes. One of the most common is food poisoning, when bacteria from contaminated food is ingested. Another common cause is viral infections such as flu, norovirus or rotavirus (the latter especially in young children). Tiny parasitic organisms found in contaminated water can also lead to diarrhoea.
Other factors that can cause it are allergies to certain medicines such as antibiotics, cancer drugs and antacids (used to help with indigestion) that contain magnesium. Similarly, allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, for example those that are lactose intolerant, can trigger diarrhoea. You may also get diarrhoea if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a disease that affects the stomach, small intestine or colon such as Crohn’s disease.
Conditions which affect the large intestine (or bowel) such as diverticulitis can cause diarrhoea too.
Sometimes no direct cause can be found. But if your diarrhoea goes away relatively quickly, finding the root cause is not necessarily a key concern other than to avoid future episodes from reoccurring.
Always remember to stay off work, or in the case of children, keep them off school until there have been no incidents of diarrhoea for at least 2 days afterwards. This reduces any potential spread of infection to others.
The main symptom is passing runny or liquid stools, often on a frequent basis over a day or two and in more severe cases up to a week. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases, a total loss of bowel control (incontinence) may be experienced.
Although diarrhoea is not usually harmful, it can become dangerous if prolonged. Or it may be an indication of a more serious underlying problem.
As the body can lose liquid rapidly as a result of diarrhoea, one of the most dangerous problems associated with this condition is dehydration (symptoms include dark, pungent urine, or urinating less than usual). So it’s important to ensure that you keep yourself regularly hydrated when suffering from bouts of diarrhoea.
You should always contact a clinician if there’s any blood in your stool, if you have extreme abdominal or rectum pain, or if you experience significant weight loss or continuous vomiting.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There are many treatments available that will help to treat diarrhoea or assist with improving your symptoms. Some of the most common are those that are intended to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, such as Imodium and Dioraleze, which contain the medicine loperamide.
Other medications which are associated with diarrhoea are those related to helping the body to rehydrate, such as Dioralyte. This comes in the form of oral rehydration sachets, containing glucose (to help with faster absorption) and salts (which the body loses with repeated diarrhoea) that are mixed with water to make a drink.
This depends on your individual circumstances, such as the severity of your diarrhoea as well as your own personal preference.
As a rule, always stay at home (this will help reduce any potential spread of infection) and get plenty of rest and eat when you feel able to. If you take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort, always check the leaflet for guidance.
Rehydrating is particularly important if you have a severe case or if it’s prolonged over a period of days, as this can become especially dangerous if left untreated. With babies on formula or solid foods, give small sips of water between feeds. Always seek the advice of a clinician if you are unsure or need further guidance or reassurance.
In most cases, diarrhoea will clear up by itself in one or two days. But given that it’s not only uncomfortable but extremely inconvenient too, getting the correct treatment can help to restrict the amount of time you experience symptoms.
With cases of severe diarrhoea, it’s very important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Taking rehydration medications along with water is generally recommended as this helps the body to replace important liquids and salts which are lost from your body when you have diarrhoea.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Diarrhoea causes and treatments. [online] Available at:
Diarrhoea and vomiting. [online] NHS. Available at:
Loperamide (including Imodium). [online] NHS. Available at:
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