Diarrhoea is when a person passes loose or watery stools (poo) more often than usual. It can last a few hours or several days, depending on the cause. It may also come with stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting, a high temperature, headache, and dehydration.
Causes of Diarrhoea
Usually something you have eaten or a change in diet can cause diarrhoea. Food poisoning, stomach bugs like norovirus, and travel to areas with poor sanitation can all lead to diarrhoea. Other causes include food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance), side-effects of certain medications (like antibiotics), and medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as can stress and anxiety.
NHS Information
There are quite a few possible causes of diarrhoea, and associated vomiting.
Follow this link for useful NHS useful information which considers most causes.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting
The NHS in Scotland has developed a guide people who may be worried about diarrhoea symptoms, which includes a quick series of questions. Follow this link and click ‘Start Guide’
https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guide-diarrhoea/
Patient ‘Self-Care’ Information Leaflet – The NHS in Nottinghamshire has prepared the following self-help information leaflet.
https://www.nottsapc.nhs.uk/media/5v3h4qs3/diarrhoea_self-care_apc.pdf
Treating Diarrhoea & Vomiting
Treatment very much depends on the cause, and on whether you have other healthcare conditions at the same time. See your doctor without delay if you are immunosuppressed whatever the cause.
If your breastfed baby has diarrhoea, the most important thing is to continue breastfeeding as normally as possible and to contact your doctor straight away if there are signs of dehydration like drier nappies (ie less pee), temperature, dry mouth, tiredness & lethargy, or blood in the poo.
Help at the Pharmacy
Speak to a pharmacist if:
- you or your child (over 5 years) have signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
- you’re an older person, have a weakened immune system, or have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration
They may recommend:
- oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink
- medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, like loperamide (not suitable for children under 12)
If Symptoms get Worse
Dial NHS 111
The NHS advises dialling 111 if….
- you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (aged 5 years or over) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
- 111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Dial 999 or go to A&E
The NHS advises dialling 999 or going to Accident & Emergency if you or your child
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache
- have a sudden, severe tummy ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual