Diarrhoea

What is Diarrhoea?

We all occasionally experience the sudden urge to dash to the bathroom to pass a stool (aka ‘doing a poo’). Normally, bowel movements range from firm to soft, but when your stools become loose, watery and you find yourself visiting the loo multiple times a day, this is called diarrhoea. It’s a very common digestive complaint that can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. In most cases, an episode begins suddenly and clears up on its own within a few days. However, if it becomes severe or persists, it can lead to dehydration and other complications, and may signal a more serious underlying issue.

What causes diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea arises when your intestines fail to absorb enough water or when extra fluid seeps into the bowel, resulting in watery stools. This process helps your body quickly eliminate viruses, bacteria or toxins. Typically, acute diarrhoea lasts between one and three days before resolving without treatment. Common triggers include:

• Food poisoning from bacteria, viruses or toxins
• Stress or anxiety, which can speed up gut movements
• Viral infections (e.g. norovirus) or bacterial infections (e.g. Salmonella)
• Alcohol consumption, irritating the gut lining
• Caffeine (such as coffee), which may stimulate bowel activity
• Food allergies or intolerances (e.g. lactose, gluten)
• Contaminated food or water, especially when travelling
• Appendicitis, which can alter bowel function
• Gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines
• Medication side effects, including antibiotics, antacids with magnesium, NSAIDs and antidepressants
• Laxative misuse (only under professional guidance)

While most acute cases settle quickly, persistent diarrhoea that lasts several weeks, or chronic diarrhoea extending beyond four weeks, can indicate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome and should be assessed by your GP.

Is diarrhoea contagious?

Many causes of acute diarrhoea, particularly infections, are highly transmissible. Pathogens can spread via direct contact with contaminated surfaces, objects or even tiny droplets in the air. To minimise risk:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Launder soiled bedding and clothing promptly.
• Avoid close contact until symptoms resolve.

Types of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is classified by duration:

• Acute: Lasts 1–2 days and generally resolves on its own.
• Persistent: Continues for 2–4 weeks and may need medical review.
• Chronic: Persists beyond 4 weeks or recurs frequently, often indicating an underlying disorder.

Symptoms related to diarrhoea

Although loose, watery stools are the main feature, other signs often accompany an episode. Common symptoms of short-term diarrhoea include:

• Sudden, frequent need to use the toilet
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Bloating and gas
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or unsettled stomach
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache

Seek medical attention if you experience high fever, severe pain, blood in your stool or signs of dehydration.

How to treat diarrhoea?

Most mild to moderate cases can be managed at home with these steps: 1. Hydration: Sip fluids throughout the day. Aim for about 1.5 L (6–8 cups) of water or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost electrolytes. 2. Bland diet: Start with clear broths, soups and plain crackers. Gradually reintroduce starchy foods such as rice, bananas, potatoes and toast. 3. Over-the-counter remedies: Loperamide (e.g. Imodium) can slow gut motility, and antispasmodics (e.g. Buscopan) may ease cramps, ask your pharmacist for guidance. 4. Electrolyte products: Consider ready-to-drink solutions or specially formulated ice pops that contain the correct balance of water, sugar and salt. 5. Comfort measures: A warm bath or shower can relieve pain, and applying a barrier ointment or haemorrhoid cream to the anal area can reduce irritation.

Additional dietary and lifestyle adjustments:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
• Steer clear of trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, processed items, dairy and artificial sweeteners.
• Increase intake of starchy foods like potatoes, rice and bananas.
• Take probiotics to help restore healthy gut flora.
• Maintain strict hand hygiene before eating and after using the toilet.

When to seek help?

Diarrhoea is usually self-limiting, but see your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Diarrhoea lasting more than two days (in adults) or 24 hours (in young children)
• High fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood or pus in your stool
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, rapid heartbeat, dark urine)