Diarrhoea Treatments

Diarrhoea means passing looser, watery or more frequent stools than is normal for you, usually three or more times in 24 hours. It affects most people from time to time and is not usually anything to worry about, though it's important to stay hydrated while it clears up.

The most common cause is gastroenteritis, a bowel infection picked up from a virus, bacteria or, less often, a parasite. Other common causes include food poisoning, certain medications, stress or anxiety, and travel to areas with different food and water hygiene standards. Diarrhoea that lasts for several weeks is more likely to be linked to an ongoing condition such as IBS, and is worth discussing with a GP.

Yes. Antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, which sometimes leads to loose stools during or shortly after a course of treatment. This usually settles once the course is finished and does not normally mean you need to stop taking the antibiotic, though it's worth checking with a pharmacist if symptoms are severe. Some people find a probiotic supplement, such as OneVit Probiotics Complex, helpful for supporting the gut microbiome alongside a course of antibiotics.

Most cases settle on their own within a few days as the body clears the underlying cause. Loperamide based treatments, including Imodium Original and Imodium Instants, work by slowing down gut movement to reduce how often you need the toilet. Staying hydrated with small, frequent sips of water alongside this is the most important part of recovery.

In adults, diarrhoea caused by a bowel infection usually improves within two to four days, although some infections can last a week or longer. Diarrhoea that continues for more than seven days should be checked by a GP, as should any diarrhoea lasting four weeks or more, which is classed as chronic and has different underlying causes.

A stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, typically causes vomiting for around a day or two, with diarrhoea often continuing for several days after the vomiting has stopped. Most people feel back to normal within a week. You're considered infectious to others from when symptoms start until 48 hours after they've cleared, so it's best to stay off work or school until then.

Eat as soon as you feel able to, choosing simple, easily digestible foods such as plain rice, toast, bananas and soup. There's no need to avoid food altogether or follow a specific diet. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, and very fatty or spicy food are best avoided until symptoms settle, as they can make diarrhoea worse.

Drinking plenty of fluids is the most important thing you can do, since diarrhoea causes your body to lose water and salts faster than usual. Take small, frequent sips of water throughout the day, and consider an oral rehydration solution, such as Dioralyte, particularly if you're also being sick or are in a higher-risk group, such as older adults or babies.

It can be, particularly when it's caused by a virus or bacteria, such as norovirus. You remain infectious from when symptoms start until 48 hours after they've stopped, so it's worth washing your hands thoroughly, avoiding preparing food for others, and staying away from work or school until this window has passed.

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if diarrhoea lasts more than seven days, if you notice blood in your stools, if you have a high temperature or severe stomach pain, or if you show signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or passing very little urine. Speak to a pharmacist first for advice and over-the-counter treatment if your symptoms are mild.