diarrhea self care basics

Overview

Diarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stools more often than usual. Most cases are mild and clear up on their own within a few days.

Yes. Most people have diarrhea a few times a year.

It can affect anyone. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become dehydrated or develop complications.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loose, watery stools
• Belly cramps or pain
• Needing to go to the bathroom urgently
• Nausea or mild vomiting
• A low fever

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Being less active or sleepy
• A dry mouth or tongue
• Fewer wet diapers or urine than normal
• No tears when crying

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Becoming confused or less alert
• Dry mouth or sunken eyes
• Not passing urine or very dark urine
• A faster heartbeat than usual

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as norovirus
• Bacterial infections from contaminated food or water
• Food intolerances, such as trouble digesting lactose
• Medicines, especially antibiotics
• Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Risk factors

• Traveling to areas with poor sanitation
• Drinking untreated water or eating undercooked food
• Being in close contact with someone who has diarrhea
• A weakened immune system
• Taking certain medicines, like antibiotics

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of dehydration that do not improve with fluids
• Blood or black colour in the stool
• Severe belly pain that does not fade
• A fever with diarrhea that stops you from drinking fluids

Book a routine appointment if:

• Diarrhea that keeps returning or lasts more than two weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea that wakes you up from sleep
• Diarrhea that starts after you begin a new medicine

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, recent food, travel, and any medicines. They may examine you to check for dehydration.

Tests that may be done

• A stool sample to look for bacteria, viruses, or parasites
• Blood tests to check for infection or dehydration
• A breath test to check for food intolerance
• A flexible tube test (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) if diarrhea is long-lasting

What to expect at your appointment

For most short-term diarrhea, no tests are needed. If your diarrhea persists or there is concerning bleeding, the doctor may arrange tests to find the cause.

Treatment

The main treatment for diarrhea is to replace the fluids and salts your body has lost. Most cases get better without special medicine.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, clear broth, or oral rehydration solution from your pharmacy.
• Eat small, bland meals like rice, bananas, toast, or boiled potatoes.
• Avoid dairy, fatty, spicy, or high-sugar foods until you feel better.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can make dehydration worse.
• Rest until you feel well enough to return to your normal activities.

Medical treatments

If a bacterial infection is the cause, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Antidiarrheal medicines can be helpful in some cases, but they are not right for everyone, especially if there is blood in the stool. Your healthcare provider can tell you what is safe.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for diarrhea. It may be considered only if an underlying problem, such as appendicitis or a blocked bowel, is found.

Living with this condition

Stay home and rest while the diarrhea is active. Keep a bottle of water or oral rehydration solution nearby, and take small sips often. Once your stools become firm, you can gradually return to your usual routine.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after the toilet and before eating
• Avoid preparing food for others until you are fully better
• Use a separate towel in shared bathrooms if possible
• Keep a change of clothes and wipes nearby if you need to go out

Diet and exercise

Eat small, frequent meals of plain foods until your stomach settles. As you improve, slowly add fibre and other foods back. Gentle movement like a short walk is fine, but avoid hard exercise until you are hydrated and feeling stronger.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Diarrhea can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, and it may interrupt your daily life. It is normal to feel frustrated or worried. If you feel anxious or low, talk to a friend, family member, or your doctor.

Prevention

You can lower your chance of getting diarrhea by washing your hands with soap and water, preparing food safely, and drinking clean water. This is especially important after using the bathroom and before meals.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available for some infections that cause diarrhea, such as rotavirus in babies. Ask your healthcare provider whether this vaccine is recommended for your child.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for diarrhea. If you have ongoing digestive symptoms, your doctor may suggest tests, but this would be to find a cause, not to screen the general population.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dehydration
• Loss of essential salts (electrolytes)
• Kidney problems from low fluid levels
• Poor absorption of nutrients over a long time
• Spreading the infection to other people

Long-term outlook

Most diarrhea gets better on its own within a few days. By drinking enough fluids and resting, most people recover fully. Even when diarrhea lasts longer, doctors can often find and treat the cause.

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