Key takeaways
- Most short episodes of diarrhoea improve, but replacing fluids and salts is the immediate priority.
- Oral rehydration solution can be useful when losses are significant or dehydration risk is higher.
- Blood, severe pain, confusion, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration require medical help.
Most short episodes of diarrhoea improve on their own, but replacing lost fluid is important. Diarrhoea means passing loose, watery stools more often than is normal for you. Common short-term causes include a stomach infection, food poisoning and medicine side effects.
Children, older adults, pregnant people, those currently taking antibiotics and people with weakened immune systems or other health conditions can become unwell more quickly and should seek advice sooner.
Make hydration the priority
Drink regularly rather than waiting until you feel very thirsty. If nausea is present, small frequent sips may be easier than a large glass. Water, broth and an oral rehydration solution can replace fluid; an oral rehydration product also replaces important electrolytes.
People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions or fluid restrictions should ask a clinician or pharmacist which solution and amount are suitable.
Eat when you feel able
You do not have to fast. When appetite returns, start with foods that feel manageable and gradually return to your normal diet. Plain rice, toast, potatoes, soup, bananas, oats, eggs or yoghurt may feel comfortable for some people, but there is no single required menu.
Very fatty or spicy food may temporarily feel worse. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks can also worsen diarrhoea for some people. Let comfort guide the transition rather than maintaining a very limited diet for longer than needed.
What you can try today
- Keep a drink within reach and take several sips every few minutes.
- Ask a pharmacist about oral rehydration sachets if stools are frequent.
- Notice urine colour and frequency; dark urine or urinating less can suggest dehydration.
- Rest and avoid preparing food for other people while infectious symptoms are present.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food.
Be careful with anti-diarrhoeal medicines
Some over-the-counter medicines may be appropriate for adults, but not for everyone. They are generally not recommended when there is blood in the stool or fever and should not be given to young children without professional advice. Ask a pharmacist before use.
Signs of dehydration
Watch for a very dry mouth, extreme thirst, dark urine, urinating less than usual, marked tiredness, dizziness or light-headedness. In babies and young children, fewer wet nappies, no tears or unusual sleepiness require prompt advice.
When to get medical help
Seek prompt help for blood or pus in the stool, black stools, severe abdominal or rectal pain, frequent vomiting, high fever, confusion, signs of dehydration or inability to keep fluids down. Adults should contact a doctor when diarrhoea lasts more than two days or is very frequent. Seek advice sooner for an infant or medically vulnerable person.
Sources and further reading
NIDDK: Treatment of diarrhoea and NIDDK: Symptoms and causes.
This article is for general education and does not replace medical assessment.