Diarrhoea what it can mean

Overview

Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools more often than usual. It's a common problem that usually gets better on its own in a few days.

Yes, diarrhoea affects most people at some point. It is one of the most common reasons people visit their GP or pharmacist.

Anyone can get diarrhoea, but it is more common in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Travellers to areas with different food and water safety may also be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loose, watery stools three or more times a day
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• A sudden urge to go to the toilet

Symptoms in children

• Frequent, watery stools
• Irritability or crying more than usual
• Refusing to drink or eat
• Sunken eyes or dry mouth (signs of dehydration)

Symptoms in older adults

• More severe dehydration because the body stores less fluid
• Confusion or dizziness
• A fast heart rate or low blood pressure
• Inability to look after themselves

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections (like norovirus or rotavirus)
• Bacterial infections (from contaminated food or water)
• Food poisoning
• Medicines, especially antibiotics
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other chronic gut conditions

Risk factors

• Poor hand hygiene
• Travelling to areas with unsafe water or poor sanitation
• Eating undercooked or spoiled food
• Being very young or very old
• Having a weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, seek medical help immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If diarrhoea lasts longer than 7 days without improvement.
• If you have a long-term condition like diabetes or a weak immune system and get diarrhoea.
• If you have recently taken antibiotics and diarrhoea does not settle.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will usually diagnose diarrhoea based on your symptoms and a short conversation. They may ask about recent travel, foods you have eaten, and any medicines you take.

Tests that may be done

• A stool sample test to check for bacteria, viruses, or parasites (if diarrhoea is severe or long-lasting)
• Blood tests to look for signs of infection or dehydration
• In some cases, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the bowel (if diarrhoea is chronic)

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask questions and might examine your stomach. They may offer advice on rehydration and suggest you rest. If a test is needed, you will be given instructions on how to provide a sample. Most cases do not require testing.

Treatment

Treatment for diarrhoea focuses on preventing dehydration and letting the body clear the cause. Most people recover without medicines other than rehydration fluids.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of fluids: water, clear soups, or oral rehydration salts (available at pharmacies). Sip little and often.
• Rest as much as you can to let your body recover.
• Eat bland foods like rice, bananas, toast, or plain crackers when you feel able to eat.
• Avoid dairy, fatty, spicy, or sugary foods until you are better.

Medical treatments

If diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. For viral diarrhoea, antibiotics do not work. Sometimes doctors recommend medicines to slow down the gut, but these are not suitable for everyone, especially if there is blood or high fever. These are only used for short-term control.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is very rarely needed for diarrhoea itself. It may be considered if diarrhoea is caused by a serious condition like inflammatory bowel disease that does not respond to other treatments, but this is unusual.

Living with this condition

Most diarrhoea is short-lived, so you only need to adjust your routine for a few days. Stay close to a toilet, rest, and keep drinking. Plan to take time off work or school if needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
• Avoid preparing food for others until you are fully better.
• Do not swim in public pools until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid heavy exercise until you feel fully recovered, as your body needs energy to heal. Gentle walking is fine if you feel up to it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Diarrhoea can be embarrassing and stressful, especially if it happens in public or disrupts your plans. It is normal to feel anxious, but remind yourself that it is a common problem and usually passes quickly. If you have ongoing diarrhoea (like with IBS), it can affect your mood – talk to your doctor, as help is available.

Prevention

Many cases of diarrhoea can be prevented with good hygiene and food safety. Washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating is the most effective step. Avoid drinking untreated water when travelling, and make sure food is cooked properly.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine for rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhoea in young children. It is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in many countries. Ask your health visitor or GP about it.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for diarrhoea. If you have ongoing symptoms, your doctor may suggest tests to find a cause.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration (can be serious, especially for babies and older adults)
• Electrolyte imbalance (needed salts in the body become too low)
• Kidney problems (from severe dehydration)
• In rare cases, severe infection can spread to the bloodstream

Long-term outlook

For most people, diarrhoea clears up in a few days with simple home care. Even when it is caused by a more serious condition, modern treatments are very effective. With the right support, most people recover fully. If you follow the self-care advice and seek help when needed, the outlook is excellent.

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