Diarrhoea Dr Rob Hicks Most people experience diarrhoea at some point in their lives. This guide includes common causes, prevention and treatment.

In this article

What are the symptoms? What causes it?

How can it be prevented? What's the treatment?

Diarrhoea is the passing of loose or liquid stools frequently. Acute diarrhoea usually occurs suddenly and only lasts a short time. Chronic diarrhoea continues for a long period of time.

Diarrhoea is often accompanied by wind, stomach pains, cramps, nausea, vomiting or a headache and can cause piles. The area around the back passage may feel sore.

Diarrhoea often occurs when travelling abroad.

Common causes of diarrhoea include food poisoning, gastroenteritis, anxiety, excess alcohol, some foods and side effects of certain drug treatments.

Good personal and food hygiene, appropriate storage and cooking of foods, and avoiding certain foods when travelling will reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Eating a healthy and varied diet, only drinking alcohol within safe recommended amounts and keeping stress under control can help prevent diarrhoea.

Water, clear soups and sugary drinks are ideal to replace lost water, salt and sugar.

Eat foods as usual, unless this makes matters worse. Sometimes bland foods such as bread, rice and potatoes are better tolerated.

Anti-diarrhoea medication is available from the pharmacist.

Ask the doctor for advice if there's mucus, pus or blood in the diarrhoea, severe stomach pains, no passing of urine over a 12-hour period, if the diarrhoea continues for more than four days or if there are signs of dehydration.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in January 2008